WASHINGTON, WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao could use its geographical location and historic regional connections to position itself as an economic and diplomatic bridge as Venezuela changes, according to Curaçao’s Minister Plenipotentiary in Washington, Jérôme Beeldsnijder.
In a new publication on the island’s geopolitical importance, Beeldsnijder argues that developments in neighboring Venezuela should not automatically be viewed only as a security concern. They could also create opportunities for cooperation, investment and new economic connections.
The issue has already reached the political agenda in the Netherlands.
Beeldsnijder points to a motion adopted by a large majority in the Dutch House of Representatives calling for consultations within the Kingdom on improving the positioning of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire in relation to diplomatic and economic opportunities surrounding Venezuela’s recovery plan.
The motion specifically recognizes the islands’ strategic location and their “natural bridging function.”
For Curaçao, this could have considerable implications.
The island lies only a short distance from Venezuela and historically maintained significant commercial, maritime, aviation and energy connections with the South American country.
Beeldsnijder’s broader argument is that Curaçao should examine how its location can create value for the island itself.
He says the central question should not merely be why Curaçao matters strategically to other countries, but how Curaçao can turn that strategic importance into advantages of its own.
“How do we ensure that our geographic position is not only significant to others, but also creates value for ourselves?” Beeldsnijder asks.
Potential value, according to the publication, does not have to be limited to traditional commerce. Curaçao could offer economic value, expertise, regional connectivity and potentially what Beeldsnijder describes as “neutral diplomatic significance” within the wider geopolitical environment.
His argument also represents a warning against viewing every geopolitical change as a threat.
Not every decision in Washington will necessarily serve Curaçao’s interests, Beeldsnijder says, but neither does every European strategic decision necessarily harm the Caribbean countries. Similarly, regional developments can sometimes open space for economic development and cooperation.
The challenge, according to Beeldsnijder, is for Curaçao to understand those changes early enough to identify opportunities.
That requires discussions not only within government but also among businesses, employers, students and other parts of Curaçao society about which economic opportunities fit the island and what knowledge and capabilities will be required.