WILLEMSTAD - The faction leaders in Curaçao’s Parliament have formally requested an urgent meeting of the “Senioren Convent” — the gathering of faction leaders — to discuss the escalating conflict between the United States and Venezuela and its potential impact on Curaçao’s national security.
In a letter dated November 11, 2025, addressed to Parliament President F. Brownbill, the leaders of PAR, MANPIN, PNP, and MFK expressed deep concern about the growing regional tensions following U.S. naval operations targeting drug trafficking from Venezuela.
According to the letter, these actions — which began in August — have already resulted in fatal incidents at sea and a notable increase in U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. More recently, the opposition notes, U.S. military operations reportedly took place on Venezuelan territory, raising the threat of a broader confrontation.
“All this heightens our concern that a military escalation is now a realistic possibility,” the parties wrote. “It is unclear whether the FOL (Forward Operating Location) base in Curaçao would be used in any operation — which could have serious implications for our national security.”
The parties emphasize that, even without the use of the U.S. FOL base, any form of escalation could directly affect Curaçao given the island’s geographic proximity to Venezuela and its deep family, social, and economic ties with the neighboring country.
The factions leaders request that the Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, the head of the Security Service of Curaçao (VDC), and the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy in the Caribbean (C-ZMCARIB), Mr. Hansen, be invited to attend the meeting to brief Parliament on the latest developments and possible security consequences for the island.
“Given that this issue falls squarely under national security, we respectfully urge that a Senioren Convent be convened urgently, in accordance with Article 12 of the Rules of Order,” the letter states.
The request follows increasing regional alarm after the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, in Caribbean waters. The deployment has intensified tensions between Washington and Caracas, with Venezuela announcing a large-scale military mobilization in response.
With Curaçao located less than 70 kilometers from the Venezuelan coast and hosting a U.S. military facility, political leaders are now calling for clarity on the island’s security position, preparedness, and neutrality amid what many view as the most dangerous regional escalation in years.
If convened, the Senioren Convent would provide a confidential platform for the government, security agencies, and MPs to coordinate information and assess the potential risks to Curaçao’s stability and safety.
