WILLEMSTAD – Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten says his visit to Curaçao was one he “will not forget anytime soon,” describing the trip as productive, educational, and deeply meaningful.
In a public message following his departure from the island, Jetten thanked the people of Curaçao and reflected on several key moments from his working visit, which formed part of his first official tour of the Caribbean countries and territories within the Kingdom since becoming Dutch prime minister.
“Masha danki and hopefully see you soon,” Jetten wrote, using the Papiamentu phrase for “thank you very much.”
Focus on Regional Security and Geopolitical Tensions
One of the main stops during the visit was the naval base at Parera Naval Base, where Jetten received a briefing from military leadership about the impact of geopolitical tensions on the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
According to the Dutch prime minister, discussions focused on the work carried out by the Coast Guard and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee in combating drug trafficking and assisting during natural disasters such as hurricanes.
The visit comes at a time of increasing regional attention on security issues involving narcotics trafficking, migration, regional instability, and geopolitical tensions linked to Venezuela and broader global conflicts.
Visit to Tula Museum Described as “Impressive”
Jetten also visited the Tula Museum, which he described as both “wonderful” and “impressive.”
The museum honors Tula, who led the largest slave revolt in Curaçao’s history in 1795 against Dutch colonial authorities.
According to Jetten, it remains critically important for the Kingdom to continue confronting the painful history of slavery, honor those who resisted oppression, and learn from that history for the future.
“The Tula Museum brings that story to life and celebrates the proud culture of the island and the region,” he stated.
The comments come amid continuing debates within the Kingdom regarding slavery, colonial history, reparatory justice, and the relationship between the Netherlands and its Caribbean partners.
Sustainability and Community Development
During the visit, Jetten also attended a meeting in the Bandabou area focused on community development and social cohesion.
The Dutch prime minister later visited the Aqualectra Battery Storage Park, which he described as an important step toward more sustainable energy consumption on the island.
Curaçao has been increasingly investing in renewable energy projects and battery storage systems as part of broader efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen energy resilience.
Blue Wave Also Part of Visit
No visit to Curaçao would have been complete without football.
Jetten also stopped at the Blue Wave Fanshop and expressed excitement about Curaçao’s historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It’s quite special that two countries of the Kingdom are taking part in the World Cup,” Jetten wrote, referring to both the Netherlands and Curaçao qualifying for the tournament.
The Dutch prime minister jokingly added that he hopes Curaçao defeats Germany national football team during the group stage.
The Blue Wave — the nickname of the Curaçao national team and its supporters — has become a major symbol of national pride across the island following the country’s first-ever qualification for a FIFA World Cup.
Jetten concluded by thanking everyone on the islands who contributed to what he called a “wonderful, productive and educational” trip throughout the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
