WASHINGTON, WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao should move beyond simply recognizing its strategic geographical position and determine how that location can generate economic development, knowledge, regional connections and opportunities for its population.
That is one of the central arguments made by Curaçao’s Minister Plenipotentiary in the United States, Jérôme Beeldsnijder, in a new publication examining the island’s geopolitical significance.
Beeldsnijder says Curaçao should not allow itself to be viewed solely as a strategically located island between the United States, Venezuela and the wider Caribbean.
Instead, the island should ask what it has to offer because of that location.
From Washington’s perspective, Curaçao is significant because it forms part of a Caribbean region with economic and strategic importance to the United States. From Curaçao’s perspective, however, Beeldsnijder believes the more important question is how that significance can produce tangible benefits for the island.
He identifies several possibilities, including economic activity, knowledge, regional connectivity and a potential diplomatic role.
According to Beeldsnijder, geopolitical positioning ultimately extends far beyond traditional foreign policy. It can influence education, entrepreneurship, economic development and Curaçao’s broader social development.
The challenge is therefore to use the island’s people, knowledge and regional connections to build something from its geopolitical position rather than merely being affected by decisions taken elsewhere.
That also requires Curaçao to determine which economic opportunities are appropriate for the island and what expertise will be necessary to capitalize on them.
Beeldsnijder says these questions cannot be answered by a single institution or government department. They require dialogue within Curaçao, across the Kingdom and with international partners.
Businesses, employers and students should also participate, rather than expecting government alone to determine the island’s future direction.
His message is that Curaçao does not need to exaggerate its influence to play a meaningful role internationally.
Instead, the island should better understand the significance of its location and translate that knowledge into economic development, human development and regional cooperation.
“A small country does not need to be a great power to be significant,” Beeldsnijder writes.