On June 30, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry released the 2016 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, the U.S. government’s principal diplomatic tool to engage foreign governments on human trafficking. It is also the world’s most comprehensive resource of governmental anti-human trafficking efforts and reflects the U.S. government’s commitment to global leadership on this key …

On June 21, eight members from the U.S. Forward Operating Location (USFOL) Curacao supported a community outreach event at the Fundashon Sentro di Dama (SEDA) Women’s Center.

U.S. Consul General Margaret Hawthorne hosted the visit of Commander U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Admiral Kurt W. Tidd, June 15-16, 2016. This is Admiral Tidd’s first visit to the Dutch Caribbean since becoming Commander of USSOUTHCOM.

Yesterday, the United States Consul General Margaret D. Hawthorne hosted a gathering for members and supporters of the Curacao Film Institute, which presented its plans for the development of the Curacao film and television industry in the presence of the Dutch Minister of Kingdom Relations, His Excellency Ronald Plasterk and Economic Development Minister, His Excellency …

Ten members from U.S. Forward Operating Location (USFOL) Curacao supported a community outreach event at the Siloam Christian Children’s Convalescent Home on June 1, 2016. The USFOL members helped the Siloam Director and Staff with landscaping, yard work, and beautification projects on the property. Additionally, the members spent some time playing football and interacting with …

The dynamism and diversity of Caribbean Americans have contributed to our Nation’s story in extraordinary ways. Millions of people in the United States are connected to our Caribbean neighbors through ties of commerce and family — a relationship reinforced by the values and history we hold in common. During National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate …

On June 2, 2016 the Attorney General of the United States of America, the Minister of Security and Justice of the Netherlands, the Minister of Justice of Aruba, the Minister of Justice of Curaçao and the Minister of Justice of Sint Maarten signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the enhancement of existing cooperation and strengthening …

Today, Lieutenant Colonel John F. Belo relinquished command of the United States Forward Operating Locations (USFOL) in Curaçao and Aruba to Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan F. McGowen. The Change of Command is a time-honored military tradition which symbolizes the continuation of leadership and unit identity despite the change in individual authority. Passing the ceremonial flag from …

Seven members from the U.S. Forward Operating Location (USFOL) supported a community outreach event at Fundashon Amigunan di Cristo (FUIK) after school youth center engaging 120 children and staff.

Last year in Jamaica, President Obama launched the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) to expand opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and civil society activists in the Americas. YLAI will incubate and accelerate the work of young business and civil society leaders from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States.

Dutch passport holders, including those who reside on the islands of Curacao, Sint Maarten, Aruba, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Bonaire, continue to be ELIGIBLE to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) by first applying for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

On March 11, 2016, the U.S. Forward Operating Location (USFOL) hosted “Operation Pet Care” for 56 abandoned animals during a visit to Dierenasiel Curaçao. USFOL volunteers spent the morning cleaning multiple kennels, grooming dogs and cats, and socializing with the animals. Dierenasiel Curaçao provides dogs and cats with a safe home until an adoption is …

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers substantial rewards for information on people who and businesses that don’t pay the taxes they owe the United States government. The IRS Whistleblower Office can award whistleblowers up to 30 percent of additional taxes, penalties and other amounts it collects following a tip.

Acting U.S. Consul General Hormazd Kanga hosted an event for the three instructors from the Miami Police International Training Center who are currently in Curacao for a two-week management training program for 43 staff members of the Curacao Customs Department.

On February 19, 2016, the U.S. Forward Operating Location (USFOL) hosted a “Kid’s Day” for 51 children and staff from Fundashon Amigunan di Cristo. The children had lunch with members of the USFOL and had the opportunity to tour the USFOL facilities. Additionally, volunteers from the USFOL educated the children about the importance of fire …

Nineteen members assigned to U.S. Forward Operating Location (USFOL) Curacao, supported a Kids’ Sports Day community outreach event held at the Holiday Beach Hotel. The USFOL members led and participated with 85 local youth and adults in playing soccer, flag-football, basketball, dodgeball, volleyball, and swimming.

During the holiday season, over 60 volunteers from the U.S. Forward Operating Location (USFOL) collected more than US $12,000 worth of toy donations for their annual Operation Curaçao Christmas program. The USFOL delivered toys, clothing and school supplies to various community charity organizations, such as Siloam Village Orphanage & Hospice, Encila Half Way House, and …