News item | 09-01-2026 | 15:21
Minister Ruben Brekelmans was in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom last week. During his working visit to Aruba, Sint Maarten, Curaçao and Bonaire, he emphasized that Defense remains alert and vigilant. This is in view of the unrest around Venezuela. On the islands he visited various defense units and spoke with local authorities about the security situation.
Recent developments between the United States and Venezuela have raised concerns. This is mainly due to last weekend’s American military operation in which President Maduro was captured. “I understand those concerns. But the situation does not pose a direct threat to the islands. Not in recent months, not in recent days and not now,” said Brekelmans.
Nevertheless, Defense remains vigilant and alert. Zr.Ms. Groningen therefore carries out patrols around the ABC islands. The minister himself also boarded the ship that took him from Curaçao to Bonaire.
Brekelmans: “The deployment of HNLMS Groningen contributes to peace and confidence. The ship is our eyes and ears in the area.”
Brekelmans concluded his four-day visit in Bonaire, after which he returned today.
Aruba and Sint Maarten
The minister started his visit at the Aruban marine barracks Savaneta, where the main tasks of Defense are clearly visible. The Marines practice here in detail. In the meantime, the Royal Military Police and Coast Guard make an important contribution to the fight against crime on the island. The Aruban military is also ready to provide assistance.
The minister visited the marine detachment on Sint Maarten. In the past year, the stationed marines have repeatedly assisted the Sint Maarten Police Corps. This happened, among other things, in December when maintaining public order. They are also ready to provide emergency aid, such as during the hurricane season. It is not without reason that the detachment’s motto is “Always helpful”.
Emergency aid Jamaica
At the Parera naval base in Curaçao, the minister was updated on the recent assistance in Jamaica. Support vessel Zr.Ms. Pelikaan provided emergency aid last November after the Caribbean island was hit hard by Hurricane Melissa. “The crew has done a great job in bringing food, medical supplies and shelters to Jamaica,” Brekelmans emphasized. The ship is permanently in the region to support transport, supply and movement of units.
Broad cooperation
The minister spoke with the governors, prime ministers, lieutenant governor and kingdom representative of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. The importance of cooperation to guarantee stability was discussed, among other things.
Brekelmans: “The security of the Kingdom is and remains the primary responsibility of Defense.”
The Commander of the Navy in the Caribbean (CZMCARIB) accompanied the minister during his visit this week. CZMCARIB has area responsibility and is permanently present in the region with various units. As a forward post, he is the first point of contact for local authorities and representatives of the various departments.