Recent reports that the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard is being expanded (see Friday/Saturday edition) have sparked public interest. Seventy new positions will be added this year to enhance maritime surveillance and enforcement across the region, becoming a 24/7 operation by the end of 2025.
A surge in drugs-, firearms- and human-smuggling was mentioned, particularly around Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Intelligence data show growing volumes of illegal shipments from Colombia and Venezuela. Continued instability in the latter neighbouring country also remains a factor.
This attention for the so-called ABC islands is no doubt justified under the current circumstances. However, St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba must not be forgotten.
A good example is the recent wave of thefts onboard yachts in and outside Simpson Bay Lagoon that threatened the destination’s vital marine sector. With no Dutch-side harbour police, effectively maintaining security on the island’s waters requires a collective effort with others that have the necessary capacity in terms of boats, related equipment and manpower.
The Coast Guard intercepted 11,000 kilos of cocaine last year, as well as nearly 4,500 kilos of marijuana and hemp. It responded to 225 search and rescue missions, saving 420 lives, while more than 2,000 inspections were carried out at sea, resulting in 580 official reports of violations including infractions of maritime traffic and fishing regulations.
These figures would seem to indicate the kingdom-based entity’s value, which is important for the islands. Although the Netherlands plays a major role especially in terms of providing military resources, Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten foot a considerable part of the annual bill.
It appears clear that the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard has more than proven its right-of-existence by now. What can help increase its impact even further is a bigger local footprint.
