The Parlatino Special Commission for the Caribbean, which was established in Curaçao in May 2026, convened from September 10 to 12, 2026, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. During the meetings, discussions centered on key topics of regional importance, focusing primarily on environmental affairs and food security.
The meeting commenced with an official opening featuring speeches by Mr. Rolando González Patricio, President of Parlatino, and Mr. Alfredo Pacheco Osoria, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Dominican Republic. Following the formal ceremonies, the commission proceeded with its working agenda.
A major focus of discussion was the Sargassum phenomenon, which affects the entire Caribbean region and set unprecedented records in 2026. The commission deliberated on the environmental impact of Sargassum and the pressing need to pursue comprehensive solutions to regional challenges.
As a special guest, the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism of Curaçao, Mr. Roderick Middelhof, delivered a presentation outlining the Curaçao Government’s plans and policies to address food security.
On the final day of meetings, the commission concluded its work following a keynote by an international environmental law expert. The presentation and subsequent debate underscored that despite the autonomy granted to Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, certain aspects of climate change management render consultation or intervention by the Kingdom of the Netherlands unavoidable.
Key points highlighted included:
Financing: the necessity of adhering to conditions when using funds subject to financial supervision by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Institutional Affairs: the division of responsibilities between the constituent countries and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, pursuant to the Charter for the Kingdom.
Legal Harmonization: the requirement for constituent countries to maintain legal harmony within their frameworks, in accordance with the Charter for the Kingdom.
The expert also referenced IPKO as a valuable platform for consultation among Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands regarding general policy measures.
The commission’s final deliberations focused on technical parameters regarding the application and adaptation of Parlatino Model Laws into the legal frameworks of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, a joint press conference was hosted by the President of the Special Commission for the Caribbean, the President of Parlatino, and the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Dominican Republic. As host, the Chamber of Deputies concluded the program with a guided tour of congress for commission members.
The Curaçao delegation comprised the President of Parliament, Mr. Fergino Brownbill; Members of Parliament Mr. Ramón Yung, Mr. Ruisandro Cijntje, and Mr. Juniël Carolina; and the Secretary General of Parliament (Griffier), Mr. Silvin Cijntje.
