Latest Dutch Prime Minister Schoof in the Dutch Caribbean
During his recent visit to the Caribbean territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Prime Minister Dick Schoof underscored the importance of regional security, climate resilience, and equitable development. His tour commenced on Sunday, May 11, at Naval Base Parera in Curaçao, where he met with Commander Walter Hansen of the Caribbean Naval Force (CZMCARIB).
At the naval base, Prime Minister Schoof received detailed briefings on the roles of the Dutch military and Coast Guard in the Caribbean. Discussions centered on the heightened geopolitical tensions in the region and the strategic shift towards prioritizing the defense of the Kingdom’s Caribbean territories. Key topics included combating transnational crime, providing humanitarian aid, and the military’s role in supporting local authorities during emergencies.
Following the briefing, the Prime Minister and Commander Hansen embarked on a short patrol aboard a Metal Shark vessel operated by the Caribbean Coast Guard. During a subsequent press conference, Schoof emphasized the critical need for robust border security, especially amid current global uncertainties.
Beyond Curaçao, Prime Minister Schoof engaged with leaders across the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. In Aruba, he met with Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes to discuss financial management and regional security concerns, including the implications of the upcoming NATO summit and the situation in Venezuela .
In Sint Maarten, Schoof held high-level discussions with Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. Their talks addressed national security, border control, and the accessibility of World Bank-managed Trust Fund resources vital for post-Hurricane Irma recovery. Prime Minister Mercelina advocated for innovative solutions to manage national debt and emphasized the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy sources to address the island’s energy crisis .
Prime Minister Schoof’s visit also highlighted the Dutch government’s commitment to supporting the Caribbean territories in areas such as good governance, legal certainty, and sustainable public finances. However, reports have indicated a lack of concrete information regarding the government’s ambitions for the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, suggesting a need for more detailed plans and initiatives .
During his address at the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Schoof acknowledged the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States, including those within the Kingdom, in the context of climate change. He also addressed the situation in Venezuela, expressing support for democratic transitions and human rights .
Prime Minister Schoof’s Caribbean tour underscores the Netherlands’ dedication to strengthening ties within the Kingdom and addressing the specific needs and challenges of its Caribbean territories. Through continued collaboration and support, the Dutch government aims to promote stability, security, and prosperity across all parts of the Kingdom.
