WILLEMSTAD, ORANJESTAD - In Curaçao and Aruba, hundreds of Venezuelans have expressed their support for Venezuelan self-proclaimed President Juan Guaidó Márquez. It was literally a demonstration in the center of Willemstad and in Oranjestad. Opposition leader and parliament president Guiadó declared himself the interim president on Wednesday during mass demonstrations throughout Venezuela.

But an important part of the Venezuelan forces still supports the failing regime of President Nicolas Maduro for their own sake and has long been a rich elite in the destitute country. Maduro's economic mismanagement has led to a dramatic crisis in oil-rich Venezuela. There is hunger and lack of almost everything. At least 5 million Venezuelans have evaded in recent years, especially to Colombia and Brazil. But also, to Aruba and Curaçao.

It is not known how many Venezuelans have sought refuge in the 27-mile Caribbean part of the Netherlands. The boat trip is dangerous and the chance that they can stay is minimal. But according to estimates, there are at least 15,000 Venezuelans in Curaçao only. This number is significant considering the size of the island.