WILLEMSTAD – Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof is currently on a whirlwind introductory tour of the six Caribbean islands that form part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The trip, which began this past weekend on Bonaire, continued through Aruba and brought him to Curaçao on Monday. Visits to Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are scheduled for later this week.
Schoof described the purpose of the trip as a way to engage with “the Kingdom in a changing world,” noting that global shifts have real and growing consequences for all parts of the Kingdom.
Climate and Heritage Concerns in Bonaire
The changing world became immediately apparent during his stop on Bonaire. While visiting the historic slave huts in the island’s south, Schoof was confronted by local residents and activists from Greenpeace Netherlands, who are jointly suing the Dutch state in a climate lawsuit. Protesters held signs reading, “Schoof, don’t let our heritage disappear into the sea,” referencing the threat rising sea levels pose to heritage sites and coastal communities.
Gaza Protest in Curaçao
In Curaçao, where Schoof arrived on Monday, the group Curaçao4Palestine held a demonstration outside Parera Naval Base. The protesters criticized the Dutch government's silence regarding the war between Israel and Hamas.
“We chose this location deliberately—it's a place of decisive action. We want to call on Prime Minister Schoof to show the same decisiveness in addressing this humanitarian crisis,” said one spokesperson.
Strategic Importance and Geopolitical Tensions
During a press conference held at the naval base, Schoof stressed that escalating geopolitical tensions globally also affect the Caribbean region. He highlighted the strategic location of Curaçao and Aruba:
“These islands lie just off the coast of Venezuela—a region with influences that also concern us in European Netherlands.”
He called for close cooperation between the Kingdom's countries in facing these global challenges, underlining the importance of mutual respect and equality in these partnerships.
Responding to PVV Controversy
When asked about the Party for Freedom (PVV)—one of the four coalition partners in his government—Schoof distanced himself from the party’s past remarks about “selling off” the islands.
“The government I lead is a coalition of four parties. We operate within the Kingdom Charter, which outlines our cooperation. As far as I’m concerned, that does not change.”
Meetings with Local Leaders
Schoof is meeting today with Curaçao Prime Minister Gilmar ‘Pik’ Pisas, his Council of Ministers, and newly sworn-in Members of Parliament. On Tuesday, he will travel to Sint Maarten, where talks will focus on reconstruction, economic development, and good governance. He will conclude his tour with visits to Saba and Sint Eustatius on Wednesday, where he will inspect harbor and education projects.
Despite the fast pace—averaging just over 20 hours per island—Schoof defended the itinerary.
“I’m aware that I am also Prime Minister of European Netherlands. But being here and having these conversations allows me to better fulfill my role in the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom, where the Caribbean countries are represented.”
The Prime Minister’s visit comes at a time when the islands are increasingly asserting their voices in matters of climate justice, international policy, and kingdom relations.
