Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao being squeezed by Venezuala!

[Allison Finch]

It seems that Venezuela is blockading the ABC Islands. They are claiming that the Dutch are harboring smugglers and refuse to stop. They are refusing to allow foods and fuel to be delivered. Since these islands are dependent on Venezuela, I wonder how long this will go on. And, how it will affect divers vacationing there.

Venezuela extends trade ban with 3 Caribbean islands

 

[tkaelin]

Thanks for posting. The story is not very clear or specific as to what it means for any of the countries. Not clear how it will impact the ABCs.

 

[scubadada]

I would like to hear more about this this topic. I have heard Aruba is dependent on food exports from Venezuela. Curacao refines a fair amount of Venezuelan crude oil.

 

[rhwestfall]

subscribing (April trip to Curacao)

 

[herman]

That's interesting, Venezuela is complaining about the ABCs not stopping smuggling coming FROM their country. Standard communist / socialist rhetoric, blame someone else for your screw-ups. Come to think of it, would it not be more likely for smugglers to bring stuff INTO Venezuela since pretty much everything is scarce and black market items should bring a good price.

 

[tkaelin]

I have inquiries out to friends on the islands but that would be my guess: the ban will likely negatively affect the people of Venezuela and those who travel to and from the ABCs and Venezuela.

 

[tridacna]

I spoke to relatives who live in Curacao. They are amazed by the rationale for the travel/trade embargo imposed by Venezuela. And not bothered. Ironically they make their living SELLING to Venezuelans who import goods back home. If you go into a ABC supermarket, everything is imported from Holland or the USA. What are these goods that are being smuggled from Venezuela? What a joke.

 

[tursiops]

Bonaire gets fresh vegetables brought by small boats each morning.

 

[herman]

Do they still get them? I have not see the boats or the market open for several years.

 

[tursiops]

Do they still get them? I have not see the boats or the market open for several years.

Well, there goes that smuggling!