Curacao staying neutral amid rising tensions between U.S., Venezuela

The Prime Minister of Curaçao, Gilmar “Pik” Pisas, said during a press conference on Monday that the island “is and will remain neutral” amid rising tensions between the United States and neighboring Venezuela. U.S. President Donald Trump announced earlier this month that the U.S. would send three warships to Venezuela to combat drug trafficking and terrorism.

The South American country sees this as an act of aggression. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has called on civilian militias to arm themselves to defend the country against the United States.

Curaçao lies about 65 kilometers from Venezuela. One of the three American ships, the USS Jason Dunham, is scheduled to dock at Willemstad harbor to refuel on Thursday.

Many residents are concerned that the island’s close relationship with the U.S. could prompt a response from Venezuela. Pisas said he understands these concerns. “At this moment, there is no reason to panic,” the prime minister said. “We are neutral.”

Pisas expects Venezuela to completely close its borders. He also noted that rising tensions could lead to Venezuelans fleeing to Curaçao. However, he does not believe the U.S. will attack Venezuela.

“It is good to recognize that the United States has issues with President Nicolás Maduro,” Pisas added. “They accuse him of involvement with criminal groups and drug trafficking. They have no problem with the people of Venezuela.”

Pisas emphasized that all official contact with the U.S. will go through The Hague, not Willemstad. But the information from Washington about the operation “remains very limited.”