WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s Prime Minister Gilmar “Pik” Pisas stated today that the island “is and will remain neutral” as tensions rise between the United States and neighboring Venezuela. He made the remarks during a press conference, responding to growing public concern about the geopolitical situation. 

Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the deployment of three warships to Venezuela as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking and terrorism. The Venezuelan government has denounced the move as an act of aggression, with President Nicolás Maduro calling on civilian militias to arm themselves in defense of the nation. 

Curaçao, located just 65 kilometers off the Venezuelan coast, is directly exposed to potential fallout from the standoff. On Thursday, one of the U.S. Navy vessels, the USS Jason Dunham, is scheduled to dock in Willemstad harbor for refueling. The visit has fueled unease among residents, who fear that Curaçao’s close ties with the United States could trigger retaliation from Venezuela. 

Prime Minister Pisas acknowledged these concerns but sought to reassure the public. “At this moment, there is no reason to panic. We are neutral,” he said. “Curaçao does not take sides in this conflict. We adhere to international treaties and agreements with our partners.” 

He noted that Venezuela could respond by tightening or closing its borders and acknowledged the possibility that escalating tensions could drive more Venezuelans to seek refuge on the island. However, Pisas stressed that he does not expect the United States to launch a direct attack on Venezuela. 

“It is important to understand that America’s conflict is with President Nicolás Maduro,” Pisas added. “They accuse him of ties to criminal gangs and drug trafficking. The United States does not have a problem with the Venezuelan people.” 

The Prime Minister further clarified that all official communications with the U.S. government are conducted through The Hague, not directly from Willemstad. He also admitted that information received from Washington about the military operation has been “very limited.”