Curaçao government discusses return of Venezuelan fruit boats
The last fruit boats left in early March. Their popular spot at the Sha Caprileskade was then made available to local sellers. Now, chances are that the vendors from Venezuela will return.
Curacaochronicle.com reported that according to Martina, there is no reason to change the policy, but the situation is different now. That is why on Wednesday the government will debate on this issue. Previously Martina stated that if the Venezuelans were to come back, another place should be found for them.
As suddenly as the borders between Venezuela and Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao were closed in January, they reopened last weekend. During a surprise visit to Caracas, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok made an agreement with Venezuelan officials about the restoration of air and sea traffic with the three Caribbean islands.
Early in January, the regime of president Nicolás Maduro halted all traffic, allegedly to counter the smuggling of drugs, weapons and mineral resources. The residents of the islands suffered; they are dependent on Venezuela for their fruit and vegetables. Many residents also have families in Venezuela.
