To: H.E. Hendrikus Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands H.E. Ruben Brekelmans, Minister of Defense H.E. Caspar Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs The Members of the Dutch Parliament, The Members of the Dutch Senate
The Hague, Netherlands
Subject: Objection to the Perjured Portrayal of Venezuela as a Military Threat to Bonaire as Stated by the Governor of Bonaire
Dear Prime Minister Schoof, Minister Brekelmans, Minister Veldkamp, Members of the Dutch Parliament, and Members of the Dutch Senate,
We write to you on behalf of the people of Bonaire regarding a joint statement of objection, as mentioned above, in collaboration with the Bonaire Human Rights Organization, Ministerio Evangeliko Di Akshon (Evangelical Ministry in Action – religious body), and SC Labor Union STrAF Division (workers' labor union) from Bonaire, Statia, and Saba. This statement has been sent to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, CARICOM, OECS, OAS, CELAC, and COPPPAL. (see attached)
We hereby urgently raise our concerns regarding the letter Governor Soliano dated March 25th, 2025, reference: Z/25/02449,4, addressed to- Mr. Brekelmans, Minister of Defense, and Mr Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs, regarding: “ Concerns about the situation in Venezuela” (see attached)
We are particularly concerned by the letter from Governor Soliano, which was publicized in the media, instilling fear and creating panic among the local population. Governor Soliano, who is not elected and does not represent the people of Bonaire but is appointed by and represents the King and the Dutch Government, has initiated a possible provocation with Bonaire’s neighboring country, Venezuela through this irresponsible public action.
Governor Soliana is calling on the Dutch Government, Minister Brekelmans of Defense, and Minister Veldkamp of Foreign Affairs. The governor sees Venezuela as a military threat that could lead to unnecessary interference, intervention, provocation, and animosity from Venezuela.
Our Answers/Opinion to Questions asked by D66 Members of Parliament van der Werf and Paternotte:
1--- Yes, 1--- Yes, everybody saw this letter and message of Governor Soliano, who “sounds alarm about the military threat from Venezuela,” was widely publicized in the media and can be seen as a form of propaganda that could lead to military provocations and conflict
2--- No, there were no indicative reported or observed Venezuelan military activity near Bonaire 3--- No, we have always been friendly neighbors, and there have been no serious, credible threats contrary to the sensational and troubling letter from Governor Soliano, which could lead to military provocation. Bonaire has historically maintained peaceful relations with Venezuela. Many Bonaireans have ties to Venezuela, with a substantial Venezuelan community on the island, and we have always lived together peacefully. Any attempt to portray otherwise is misleading and unjustified.
4--- No, there are no increased threats to other Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, as Aruba and Curacao are closer to Venezuela than Bonaire, as we have lived with the utmost respect and peaceful relationship throughout our history. Recently, the Government of Aruba refused the Dutch government's initiative to establish a military base on the island of Aruba to avoid provocations and escalation.
5&6--- There has been no prior information from the Governor nor the Public Entity of Bonaire towards the citizens of any indication as severe as this provocative, sensationalized suggestive Nato interference letter propagates and invites to military escalation instead of diplomatic peacekeeping and seeking communications and solutions
7--- Bonaire is part of the Caribbean that has been declared a zone of Peace by CELAC. The Caribbean region does not promote any suggestive military propaganda to provocation and destabilize the peaceful Caribbean region
8--- The Royal Navy has bases in Aruba and Curacao with main responsibility of border control and drug smuggling and there were no serious public reports and indications as the sensations seeking and provocative letter of Governor Soliano has perjured the Bonaire, Antillean, and Caribbean communities
9--- Governor Soliano should seriously consider withdrawing his provocative letter, and Ministers of Defense Brekelmans and Foreign Affairs Veldkamp should clearly treat the letter as not having been sent. They should also begin de-escalating any potential military provocations in order to maintain Bonaire, our sister islands Aruba and Curacao, and the Caribbean region as a zone of peace.
The suggestive, provocative letter of Governor Soliano for possible NATO military interference and base on Bonaire in our opinion will lead to provocation and escalation to military conflict. This is a direct threat to regional peace and security and goes against the interests of the people of Bonaire, who wish to remain neutral and uninvolved in foreign military confrontations.
We stand united in the belief that the rights and wishes of the people of Bonaire must be respected. Bonaire, along with the Caribbean region, should remain a peaceful, demilitarized zone where human rights, social stability, and regional cooperation are prioritized. We respectfully request your urgent attention to this matter in ensuring that Bonaire remains a peaceful, demilitarized territory in accordance with international law.
Sincerely,
James Finies
