WILLEMSTAD – On Wednesday, August 20, the Council of Ministers was briefed on the current security situation in the Caribbean region, following the announcement of increased U.S. military presence. 

The briefing was delivered by Commander of the Navy in the Caribbean, Commodore Walter Hansen, and Jérôme Beeldsnijder, Director of the Curaçao National Security Service (VDC). As a Kingdom responsibility, the Dutch Ministry of Defense oversees the protection of the Kingdom, including its Caribbean territories. 

According to the U.S. government, the deployment of additional resources and personnel in the region is aimed at combating drug trafficking. The Curaçao government confirmed that U.S. vessels participating in these operations are welcome to make logistical stops on the island, including refueling. Officials emphasized that such cooperation is in line with longstanding practices between the two countries. 

The Forward Operating Location (FOL) in Curaçao, where the Netherlands, the United States, and Curaçao collaborate on counter-narcotics operations, was cited as a key example of this partnership. 

Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas requested the briefing to ensure the Council of Ministers remained informed about the regional security climate. The government stated it will continue to closely monitor developments, stressing that the safety of Curaçao and its people remains the highest priority.