WILLEMSTAD - A significant number of officials from the Ministry of Justice have been placed on leave. This was stated by the government in response to questions from Member of Parliament Zita Jesus-Leito of the PAR party during the consideration of the draft budget for 2024 in the Central Committee.
During the discussion, politicians noted that the Ministry of Justice accounts for 12 percent of the total national budget, totaling 228 million guilders. Of this amount, 65 million guilders are budgeted for staff salaries, prompting the need to know how many employees are on leave.
The government reported that a total of 31 officials from various organizations within the Ministry of Justice are on leave. This includes eighteen employees from the Curaçao Police Force and the Immigration Service, seven from the Detention and Correction Center Curaçao, and one from the Fire Department. Additionally, one employee from the Admittance Organization, two from the Caribbean Coast Guard, and two from the National Detective Agency have also been placed on leave.
The reason for the temporary suspension of personnel is not disclosed. The government stated that Minister of Justice Shalten Hato is willing to provide an explanation in an official meeting due to the 'sensitive nature' of the situation.