WILLEMSTAD – The government of Curaçao is advising residents to avoid traveling to Venezuela for the time being, including local fishermen. Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas issued the warning in light of the escalating conflict between the United States and Venezuela. 

The government has maintained its previously announced “red code” travel advisory for Venezuela. Pisas urged residents to wait until tensions between the two countries subside before considering any travel. 

Uncertainty Over Venezuela’s Response 

“We do not yet know what the reaction of the Venezuelan government will be,” Pisas said. He explained that measures taken by Venezuela could make it extremely difficult to evacuate Curaçaoans if necessary. This has already happened with Dutch citizens in the past. 

The warning specifically applies to fishermen as well. Several Curaçaoan fishermen were held in Venezuela for years before they were released through diplomatic negotiations. “They were treated poorly and it was very difficult to secure their freedom,” the Prime Minister recalled. 

U.S. Patrols in the Region 

The government fears Venezuela could take action against the ABC islands, given the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ mediating role in the conflict. U.S. Navy ships patrolling international waters off the Venezuelan coast for anti-drug and counter-terrorism operations are using Curaçao as a base for refueling and supplies. 

While Pisas acknowledged that fishing is an important source of income, he stressed the need to avoid putting lives at risk. “These are scenarios the government has dealt with before,” he said.