~Mottley: “CARIFESTA does deserve to be held every two years”~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Writing is a conversation, an ongoing conversation of the experiences of individuals, families, communities, cultures, civilizations,” said St. Martin author Lasana M. Sekou at the CARIFESTA XV Symposia roundtable Writing the Caribbean Soul: Literature as Resistance and Innovation on August 25, 2025.

Sekou, projects director at House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP), was invited by CARIFESTA   as a roundtable speaker alongside Bernice L. McFadden, U.S. novelist and professor; Marlon James, the U.S.-based Jamaican novelist; and Nancy Morejón, the internationally acclaimed Cuban poet. The discussion was moderated by Lafleur Cockburn of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

In response to a question about breaking literary rules, James replied that “writing is a rule-breaker.” The Man Booker Prize–winning author of Black Leopard, Red Wolf—whose film rights were acquired by Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society and Warner Bros., according to the Los Angeles Times—is regarded as one of the strongest contemporary Caribbean writers.

Morejón impressed the audience with her reflections on the distinctions within Latin American literature, noting that not all of it connects directly to Caribbean writing—unlike the poetry of the great Cuban Nicolás Guillén.

At 81, the senior member of the panel also praised the late Rex Nettleford of Jamaica for his defining explorations of Caribbean geography and cultural identity.

McFadden spoke about writing primarily for herself and noted that it is her readers who find “similarities” in her work between Caribbean literature, works by Black Americans, particularly those set in the southern U.S., and African writing. McFadden has Bajan heritage.

Sekou also called for more translations of Caribbean literatures into the region’s various languages, an effort HNP has been working to advance. He pointed out that the Caribbean region is a market of over 20 million people, yet he knows of no Caribbean author who has sold a million books within the region.

He urged writers to do more to get their books into the hands of the people “where they belong”—whether that means doing a book tour in the country or territory where the writer lives, reading “at Lal’s rum shop,” or speaking to the fishermen’s association after their meeting.

The roundtable discussion, attended by just over 100 people, took place at the Walcott Warner Theatre, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill.

The writers were all guests of the 15^th edition of the Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA), held August 22–31, 2025, in Barbados.

Concerts, dance, pageantry, and words of thanks from Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley brought CARIFESTA XV to a close on Sunday night, “in true Caribbean style,” according to the festival’s Facebook page, which shared spectacular video highlights.

Mottley thanked the “Caribbean family … and for the first time [as festival participants], our brothers and sisters from Africa, and our brothers and sisters from Central and Latin America. We thank you all for coming to Barbados for CARIFESTA XV.”

Addressing the “cultural practitioners” who participated in the festival, which remains the region’s largest gathering of artists and artistic expression since its founding in Guyana in 1972, the prime minister said, “You were deprived of this opportunity for six years.”

Citing the “continued crises that we have faced over the last six years,” which have prevented the organization of the biennial festival since 2019, Mottley stressed that “CARIFESTA does deserve to be held every two years, and we will find a way to do it across this Caribbean community, just as we’ve found a way to do all other things.”

Georgetown Guyana:--- On September 1, 2025, Guyana held pivotal elections to determine its next president and members of parliament, with the stakes higher than ever due to the country’s booming oil economy and ongoing border tensions with Venezuela. Over 750,000 registered voters were expected to cast their ballots at approximately 2,800 polling stations, with results anticipated later in the week.

A Three-Way Race

The election has drawn significant attention as six parties vie for control of the presidency and the 65-member parliament. However, the contest is primarily a three-way race between incumbent President Irfaan Ali of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Aubrey Norton of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), and billionaire Azruddin Mohamed, who recently founded the We Invest in Nationhood party to challenge the traditional two-party system.

Historically, voting in Guyana has followed ethnic lines, with Indo-Guyanese voters favoring the PPP and Afro-Guyanese voters supporting the PNCR. Mohamed, however, has sought to disrupt this dynamic, appealing to younger voters despite facing U.S. sanctions over allegations of corruption, which he denies.

The Oil Boom and Economic Growth

Guyana’s oil boom has transformed the nation into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies since production began in 2019. The state budget has quadrupled to $6.7 billion in 2025, fueled by revenues from oil sales and royalties from contracts with ExxonMobil and other international firms. President Ali has campaigned on using these funds to invest in infrastructure and further economic development.

However, opposition parties have criticized the current administration, alleging that oil revenues disproportionately benefit well-connected groups. Several opposition leaders have pledged to renegotiate the country’s contracts with ExxonMobil to ensure a fairer distribution of wealth.

Border Disputes with Venezuela

Beyond economic challenges, the next administration will face a critical border dispute with Venezuela over the Essequibo region, which contains the majority of Guyana’s oil reserves. Venezuela has long claimed the region, even electing a governor for the area earlier this year, despite having no authority there. The dispute adds a layer of geopolitical complexity to the election, as the new government will need to navigate these tensions carefully.

Election Oversight and Historical Context

Guyana’s 2020 election was marred by a five-month standoff over vote counting, raising concerns about electoral transparency. To ensure a fair process this time, international observers from organizations such as The Carter Center, the Organization of American States, and CARICOM are monitoring the election.

As Guyana stands at a crossroads, the outcome of this election will shape the nation’s trajectory, determining how it manages its newfound oil wealth and addresses its geopolitical challenges.

In May this year, the triangle of Bonaire (Public Entity Bonaire, Prosecutor’s Office, and the Dutch Caribbean Police Force – KPCN) reached agreements on clear regulations, enforcement, and public information regarding the use of fatbikes, e-bikes, and electric scooters. It was announced that the police would actively start monitoring compliance with these rules after the first half of the year.

The Dutch Caribbean Police Force (KPCN) recently acquired a new chassis dynamometer. One unit has been purchased for each of the three islands. The chassis dynamometer for Bonaire has already arrived; those for Saba and Sint Eustatius are expected soon.

What is a chassis dynamometer?

The chassis dynamometer allows the police to check the speed of mopeds, scooters, and electric bicycles (such as fatbikes). By placing the vehicle on the dynamometer, the police can reliably measure whether it complies with legal requirements. The device automatically indicates when a vehicle exceeds the allowed speed.

What does the law say?

Traffic in the Dutch Caribbean is governed by the Traffic Ordinances of Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius. These rules define which vehicles are allowed, maximum speeds, and obligations for drivers.

• Mopeds and scooters

Maximum speed: 55 km/h. Drivers must be at least 16 years old, have a valid license (moped permit for 16–17 years, driving license B from 18 years), and wear a helmet. Vehicles must also have insurance and a license plate.

• Electric bicycles with pedal assistance (e-bikes and fatbikes)

Pedal assistance must stop at 25 km/h. The bike may go faster, but only using your own pedaling power.

• If the bike exceeds 30 km/h with assistance, or has a throttle, it is legally considered a moped.
• In that case, the same rules as for mopeds apply: license, helmet, registration, and insurance are mandatory.

• Electric scooters and other motorized vehicles without pedal assistance

These are automatically treated as mopeds and must meet the same requirements.

Enforcement

If a vehicle does not comply with the rules, the police can take enforcement action. This can range from a warning or fine to confiscation in severe cases. Police also check that drivers have the required documents, such as a license, registration, insurance, and taxes.

The use of the chassis dynamometer is a next step to improve traffic safety throughout the Dutch Caribbean. KPCN urges all road users to follow traffic rules and consider others. Traffic safety is a shared responsibility. By driving responsibly and following the rules, residents and visitors contribute to safer roads on all three islands.

 THE HAGUE/CARACAS:---The diplomatic relationship between the Netherlands and Venezuela reached a new low in July 2025 when Dutch authorities issued an unprecedented "code red" travel advisory for the South American nation. This extraordinary warning—the highest level in the Netherlands' travel advisory system—marks a significant escalation in concerns about Venezuela's deteriorating security and political situation.

 The Advisory: A Clear and Urgent Warning

The Dutch Foreign Ministry's advisory was unambiguous in its language: "Whatever your situation, do not travel there." This stark warning covered multiple risk factors that have made Venezuela increasingly dangerous for Dutch citizens:

Political Instability and Arbitrary Detention
The advisory specifically highlighted risks of arbitrary detention, particularly following Venezuela's controversial 2024 presidential elections. Dutch authorities expressed concern that foreign nationals could be detained without proper legal justification, with limited consular support available due to the restricted capacity of the Dutch embassy in Venezuela.

Widespread Crime and Security Threats
Venezuela's crime rate has become a primary concern for international travelers. The advisory warned of high levels of violent crime, kidnapping, and armed robbery throughout the country. These security challenges have made it extremely difficult for Dutch citizens to move safely within Venezuelan territory.

Maritime and Border Warnings
Notably, the advisory extended beyond land-based travel to include warnings against sailing in Venezuelan territorial waters or approaching land borders. This reflects concerns about armed groups operating in border regions, which have been responsible for attacks on vessels and cross-border incidents.

Limited Consular Support
Perhaps most concerning was the Dutch government's admission that its embassy would be of "limited assistance" if citizens encountered problems. This acknowledgment of reduced diplomatic capacity underscores the severity of the situation and the challenges facing international missions in Venezuela.

Venezuela's Defiant Response

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil's response was swift and characteristically defiant. He dismissed the Dutch advisory as "ridiculous" and a "failed attempt by fascism to destabilize the country." Gil's counterarguments revealed several key themes in Venezuela's diplomatic strategy:

Colonial Complex Accusations
Gil attributed the advisory to what he called a "colonial complex," suggesting that the Netherlands was acting with imperial arrogance. This rhetoric fits into Venezuela's broader narrative of resisting Western interference and maintaining sovereignty against foreign pressure.

Tourism and Business Claims
The Foreign Minister emphasized that "thousands of Dutch people visit us every month, especially from our beloved Caribbean," pointing to continued tourism flows from Dutch Caribbean territories like Curaçao and Aruba. He maintained that Venezuela remained "the safest and most stable country on the entire continent."

Social Media Attention
Interestingly, Gil accused the Netherlands of seeking "social media attention" through the advisory, suggesting that the warning was more about international posturing than genuine safety concerns.

Historical Context: A Relationship Under Strain

The code red advisory must be understood within the broader context of Dutch-Venezuelan relations, particularly regarding the Caribbean territories that form part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Caribbean Connection
The Netherlands has significant interests in the Caribbean through its territories, including Curaçao and Aruba. These islands have historically maintained close ties with Venezuela due to their proximity—Curaçao lies just 40 miles off Venezuela's coast. This geographic reality has created complex relationships involving trade, migration, and cultural exchange.

Migration Pressures
The Venezuelan exodus has placed enormous pressure on Dutch Caribbean territories. As documented by Human Rights Watch in 2018, Curaçao has struggled to manage the influx of Venezuelan asylum seekers, leading to concerns about human rights violations and inadequate protection procedures.

Economic Implications

Venezuela was historically an important economic partner for the Dutch Caribbean territories, providing oil and serving as a market for goods and services. The country's economic collapse has disrupted these relationships and forced the territories to seek alternative economic partnerships.

Broader Regional Implications

The Dutch advisory reflects wider regional concerns about Venezuela's impact on neighboring countries:

Security Spillover
Cross-border violence involving Venezuelan gangs has affected multiple neighboring countries, including recent attacks on Guyana's security forces. These incidents demonstrate how Venezuela's internal instability creates security challenges throughout the region.

Migration Crisis
More than 2.3 million Venezuelans have fled their country since 2014, according to UN estimates. This massive displacement has strained resources across South America and the Caribbean, with small island nations particularly affected.

International Isolation
The Netherlands joins numerous other countries that have issued travel warnings or imposed sanctions on Venezuela. This growing international isolation reflects concerns about human rights violations, electoral fraud, and authoritarian governance.

Impact on Tourism and Business

The red advisory code carries significant implications for various sectors:

Tourism Industry
While Venezuela's tourism industry was already severely weakened by the ongoing crisis, the Dutch advisory further damages the country's international reputation. The explicit warning against all travel—including maritime activities—effectively cuts off a potential source of visitors from the Netherlands and its Caribbean territories.

Business Relations
Dutch businesses with interests in Venezuela now face increased pressure to reconsider their operations. The advisory signals that the Dutch government cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens conducting business in the country, potentially leading to further economic isolation.

Aviation and Shipping
The warning against sailing in Venezuelan waters and approaching borders could affect shipping routes and aviation patterns, particularly for carriers serving the Caribbean region.

Diplomatic Consequences

The advisory represents a significant diplomatic escalation with several implications:

Bilateral Relations
The exchange between Dutch and Venezuelan officials reveals the deep strain in bilateral relations. Venezuela's harsh response suggests little prospect for improved diplomatic ties in the near term.

EU Coordination
The Netherlands' position aligns with broader European Union concerns about Venezuela. The advisory reinforces EU efforts to pressure the Venezuelan government on human rights and democratic governance.

Regional Dynamics
The Dutch warning adds to pressure on other Caribbean and Latin American nations to take stronger positions on Venezuela's crisis, potentially affecting regional diplomatic initiatives.

The Dutch code red advisory represents more than a temporary travel warning—it signals a fundamental shift in how the Netherlands views Venezuela as a regional partner. Several factors will determine the future trajectory:

Electoral Developments
Future Venezuelan elections and their credibility will significantly influence whether the Netherlands considers downgrading its travel advisory.

Security Improvements
Meaningful improvements in Venezuela's security situation, including control over armed groups and a reduction in crime rates, would be necessary for advisory changes.

Human Rights Progress
The Netherlands has consistently emphasized human rights concerns. Improvements in Venezuela's treatment of political prisoners, journalists, and civil society would be crucial for diplomatic progress.

A Relationship at a Crossroads

The Netherlands' code red travel advisory for Venezuela represents a stark acknowledgment of how far the relationship between these two nations has deteriorated. What was once a partnership based on Caribbean proximity and economic cooperation has become defined by security concerns, human rights violations, and political antagonism.

The advisory serves as both a practical warning to Dutch citizens and a diplomatic signal about the Netherlands' assessment of Venezuela's current trajectory. As long as the conditions that prompted this unprecedented warning persist—political instability, widespread crime, and arbitrary detention risks—the prospect for improved Dutch-Venezuelan relations remains dim.

For the broader international community, the Dutch action provides another data point in assessing Venezuela's regional impact and the challenges it poses to neighboring countries. As Venezuela's crisis continues to ripple across borders, other nations may find themselves issuing similar warnings, further isolating the country and complicating efforts to address the root causes of its ongoing turmoil.

The path forward will require significant changes in Venezuela's governance, security situation, and respect for international norms before countries like the Netherlands can consider their citizens safe to travel there again.