WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao has received a new license from the U.S. to remain limited protected from the American sanctions against Venezuela. Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath announced this recently through his social media.

The Curaçao government had submitted the request for the extension of the existing license in September. Due to the sanctions, there is a chance that the Refineria Isla, daughter of the Venezuelan PdVSA, can no longer meet its financial obligations.

Isla is allowed to market its products under the new license, but only for the purpose of paying people or institutions in Curaçao.

The proceeds of the sale may not go to Isla itself or PdVSA. Payments are only allowed to local agencies that still need money from Isla.

Curaçao had already received a license in May of this year to be able to somewhat offset the consequences of the sanctions. But it turned out to be insufficient to eliminate the risk that Isla could no longer pay its local bills. Closing before the planned date of December 31 was therefore a threat.