For about three weeks, Venezuelans in Curaçao have not been able to carry out any kind of paperwork at the local Consulate. A sign with only one email address is all the information shown where the consulate was located until February 2019.

Unofficially it is said that the reason why they would not work anymore in the house located in Scharlooweg 9 is due to rent payment problems. In the absence of a credible official version, maybe we should take that version as true.

In any case, apart from not having a proper seat for the attention of Venezuelans, the functions cannot be neglected. From the highest level of the Consulate in question, to the last of its officials, they have a duty to the Venezuelan residents of this island.

There is no justification for those Venezuelans who need to renew their passport, legalize or apostille documents, obtain birth or death certificates, and even manage their electoral registration, they cannot do so in Curaçao. Moreover, when it is known that the building rented until February of this year is not the only place available to the consular corps on the island.

The so-called Casa Bolivar located a few meters from the Juliana Bridge, on the right, when one travels from Punda to Otrobanda, is a construction belonging to the Venezuelan state. This building currently functions as the residence of the Venezuelan consul in office, is strategically very well located, has a large parking lot and is easily accessible.

What is the reason why the attention of Venezuelans in Casa Bolívar has not been enabled, having availability for it?

Why should Venezuelans living in Curaçao pay for the consequences of bad planning regarding a change of venue for whatever reason?

The accommodation of the consul of Venezuela cannot have priority over its functions. If there is no consular office available at this time, attention must be paid to Venezuelans temporarily at Casa Bolívar. If there is no consular headquarters available in the medium term, due to lack of payment or for any other reason, Casa Bolívar should be used permanently as consular headquarters. If the consul on duty has no place to live because the facilities of Casa Bolívar are being used as consular headquarters, he should pay with his own salary a different accommodation.

Being a consular representative of a country, at any level, implies a series of duties to the people who are represented. The services that must be provided are not concessions or favors. They are inherent obligations to the position. A move, be it for convenience or eviction, does not justify the abandonment of the functions to which they are obliged.

No Venezuelan on the island is to blame for what happened in the previous building. Nor do they have to sacrifice any consular procedure for the convenience of the residents of Casa Bolívar. So do what you have to do, but restore the services to which you are bound.