WILLEMSTAD.- The situation in the Caribbean region as a result of the crisis in Venezuela, does not give any reason to increase the presence of the Dutch Defense for the ABC islands; this is according to Minister Ank Bijleveld this week, during a debate that the Coast Guard Defense Commission held at the ‘Tweede Kamer’, (Second Chamber) in Holland. In a reaction to a question from a member of the House, Hanneke Bruins-Slot (CDA), about whether a warship would impose sufficient respect, the minister emphasized that taking into account the security situation in the region, one Warship is enough.
Continuing with a motion that was accepted last year, Bijleveld is investigating the possibility to strengthen cooperation with European allies that also have relations with the Caribbean.
But Bruins-Slot was not satisfied with this and announced that she wanted to know, what kind of military support can be arranged if things go in the wrong direction. Bijleveld replied by saying that at this time there is no threat to the Sovereignty of the Kingdom, and as such, not necessary to expand the military capability. What the government does is monitor the situation more closely.
Subsequently, the Minister also mentioned a request by Curaçao for extra help in the matter of the Coast Guard Defense, so that this could be planned during a few days of extraordinary work, to ensure that the flow of Venezuelan refugees by sea is served by Holland: “We are considering that request very seriously”. Thus, the minister declared.
Then the Minister made mention of the most recent figures regarding the number of illegals that the Coast Guard have intercepted of Venezuelan migrants. And according to this year 2019, until last April 12 the amount was 78. In all 2018, the Coast Guard detained a number of 238 undocumented immigrants from Venezuela.
