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
Date: March 28, 2025
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/25/024494 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, through this irresponsible public action, initiated a possible
provocation with Bonaire’s neighboring country, Venezuela.
Governor Soliana calling on the Dutch Government, Minister Brekelmans of Defense and Minister
Veldkamp of Foreign Affairs, as the Governor sees Venezuela as military threat which could lead to
unnecessary interreference, intervention, provocation and animosity from Venezuela.
Our Answers/Opinion to Questions asked by D66 Members of Parliament van der Werf and
Paternotte:
1--- Yes, everybody saw this letter and message of Governor Soliano who “sounds alarm about
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 that are closer to Venezuela then Bonaire as we all have lived with outmost respect and
peaceful relationship to each other throughout our history. Recently the Government of Aruba
refused the Dutch government's initiative to establish a military base on the island of Aruba as 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 peace
keeping 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 to
destabilize the peaceful Caribbean region
8--- The Royal Navy has bases on Aruba and Curacao with main responsibility of border control and
drugs 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
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
