BRUSSELS–President of the European Parliament (EP) Antonio Tajani wants the European Commission (EC) to give more support to Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. The so-called ABC islands are currently being flooded with refugees from Venezuela.
According to the European Union (EU) legislature’s chair, the three Dutch Caribbean territories can barely accommodate the number of refugees. “It’s 10,000 Venezuelans, that’s more than 10 per cent of the population.”
Commissioner Stylianides for Humanitarian Aid visited the refugees on the border with Colombia last week. “That is important, but let’s not forget the refugees on the Dutch islands,” said Tajani.
Dutch parliamentarian Esther de Lange of CDA agrees: “This is a very important signal from the president of the EP. The economic consequences for our islands are enormous, but the influx of economic migrants also creates extra pressure. European attention and funds must therefore also be focused on our islands and not only on the neighbouring countries of Venezuela on the mainland.”
Venezuela has fallen prey to a severe economic and political crisis. Inflation is sky high, shelves in the supermarkets are empty and there are no medicines available. Many Venezuelans, therefore, seek a better life in the surrounding countries.
The Dutch Caribbean also felt the crisis through the recent border closure proclaimed by President Maduro for the ABC islands that has since been lifted. As a result, for example, the floating market in Willemstad, where many people buy their fruit and vegetables, is hardly supplied by Venezuelan boats anymore.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/76098-euro-parliament-wants-more-help-abc-islands
View comments
Hide comments