The US reaches a 100-year deal to manage 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil.
Member of Parliament Endy Croes (MEP) expressed his indignation against the lack of vision and action by the Government of Aruba in connection with the historic oil developments taking place in our region. According to the MP, while the US reaches a 100-year agreement to manage oil reserves in Venezuela, Aruba’s current cabinet turns its back on this reality, losing a unique opportunity to reactivate the second economic pillar for our country.
Golden opportunity for Aruba
Croes explained that following the political changes in Venezuela on January 3rd last, the regional landscape changed drastically. The MEP faction visualized this potential immediately and addressed the topic in over five press conferences. Furthermore, in the months of February and April, MEP presented two motions that were unanimously approved by Parliament. These motions instructed the Government to make the utmost effort to sit at the table with strategic partners in the oil sector and explore new opportunities for the refinery site.
However, the MP criticized that the Government has so far paid no attention to Parliament’s mandate, which he qualified as a “total lack of respect.” Instead of taking advantage of the interest of American companies wanting to invest over 200 billion dollars in the region, the Government opted to sign the HART agreement on July 16th last with State Secretary Van der Burg, to let three Dutch experts decide on the future of the refinery land.
US-Venezuela negotiations
Citing Trump’s official announcement of August 28, 2026, confirmed by CNN, Reuters, and other international media, Croes highlighted that the US closed a historic 100-year deal with Venezuela under the leadership of Marco Rubio. This deal will allow American multinationals to manage 17 oil fields in the Orinoco Belt and Lake Maracaibo. The goal of this plan is to increase current production of over 1 million barrels per day to 3 million barrels in a short time, and reach 5 million barrels per day by 2030. In this way, the US will guarantee direct access to 65 billion barrels of oil from Venezuelan reserves, reducing its dependence on other regions of the world.
Aruba’s strategic position and economic impact
The MP emphasized that Aruba is geographically positioned in a strategically perfect way to be part of this deal. The country has deep-water ports suitable for large ships, substantial storage tanks, and infrastructure that can be adapted for these operations.
Croes concluded by emphasizing that this “GOLDEN” opportunity, which presented itself after January 3rd last, can become the second economic pillar knocking at our country’s door. According to the MP, this development could create thousands of jobs with extremely well-paid salaries and generate a massive economic boost, especially for San Nicolas and Aruba’s economy as a whole. The MP regretted that the Government turns its back on this reality and reiterated that this Government must go home so we can change direction and achieve great things for our country Aruba.