THE HAGUE - Former Prime Minister Suzanne Camelia-Römer has raised concerns over the Caribbean countries' ability to defend against a multitude of security risks. In her position paper submitted ahead of a roundtable discussion in the Dutch House of Representatives today, she emphasizes that while Defense is a Kingdom affair, the islands' territorial integrity remains vulnerable.
Römer warns that the current state of defense readiness in the Caribbean leaves the Kingdom ill-prepared to withstand a potential first attack of war aggression and protect its sovereignty. She highlights the economic, financial, and social impact of the influx of migrants from Venezuela and the sanctions imposed on the country, particularly affecting Curaçao. Moreover, she cautions against a potential new wave of migration from violence-plagued Haiti, urging for a comprehensive security plan at the Kingdom level.
Echoing these concerns, Professor Dr. Michiel Baud also identifies a spectrum of geopolitical risks in his position paper. He stresses the necessity for the Kingdom to develop a robust regional and geopolitical strategy to address these challenges effectively. As discussions unfold in the Dutch Parliament today, attention is drawn to the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the Caribbean region.