Crisis Management Office (CMO) met with the Prime Minister on the Topic of the Border with Venezuela

Thursday morning, Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes met with the head of the Crisis Management Office (CMO), Mr. Rino Hermans, to receive an update on the issue of the border with Venezuela.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister and Mr. Hermans extensively deliberated on the topic of the border with Venezuela. The situation in Venezuela is a matter of concern and attention for the Government of Aruba, and the Government is constantly monitoring developments in the neighboring country.

The Crisis Management Office (CMO) is responsible for guiding the work being done to provide advice to the Government regarding the situation at the border with Venezuela. They advise the Government on whether or when it is appropriate to reopen the border. During the meeting, Mr. Hermans provided the Prime Minister with an update on the work done so far within various departments.

Since 2019, at the request of the Government of Aruba, the Netherlands has provided financial assistance to Aruba for the situation at the border with Venezuela. Aruba has received more than 11 million florins as part of this assistance and from the budget allocated by the Netherlands in their Spring Memorandum of 2019. With this assistance, Aruba has been able to strengthen its border and make the processes more secure. This will ensure that there are no more 'loopholes' and will prevent large groups of people from entering and staying in Aruba without the authorities' knowledge, as was the case before 2019.

The Prime Minister expressed pride in what has been accomplished and continues to be done through the funds received from the Netherlands. It can now be said with much confidence and pride that the border control system is much more secure. Aruba is better prepared for any eventuality that may arise and can thus avoid past situations.

"The situation in Venezuela remains tense. The Government will receive a final recommendation from the commission on the border issue and will address it in the Council of Ministers. The border with Venezuela will remain closed until the 24th of August, a decision that was made three months ago. After the decision is made in the Council of Ministers, it will go to Parliament to inform them about the situation, answer any questions, and inform the community of Aruba about what will happen with the Aruba-Venezuela border after the 24th of August," the Prime Minister stated.