WILLEMSTAD - Premier Gilmar 'Pik' Pisas assured during the Question Hour that it is only a matter of time before Curaçao receives the $21 million owed by Venezuela’s state oil company, PdVSA. However, he pointed out that international sanctions currently prevent the government of Curaçao (RDK) from receiving these payments.
Pisas emphasized that patience is required, as the sanctions are likely to remain in place until the end of the year. During a recent visit to the United States, Pisas was informed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Biden administration that Curaçao must wait, as they have also raised the issue of payments with the relevant authorities.
The Question Hour also touched upon the status of the agreement between Refineria di Kòrsou (RdK) and PdVSA, which was signed in December of last year. This agreement involves the exchange of crude oil to settle outstanding debts of approximately $450 million owed to Curaçao.
In addition, Pisas criticized the restrictions imposed by the Netherlands on Curaçao's trade with Venezuela, while the Netherlands continues to conduct business with the neighboring country. The premier stressed that Curaçao must remain pragmatic and realistic, given its close ties with Venezuela, regardless of the political developments taking place there.