WILLEMSTAD – The Council of Advice (RvA) has issued a clear warning in its 2024 annual report, urging Curaçao to modernize its legislation in a timely manner to avoid falling behind in the fight against increasingly sophisticated and transnational criminal activities. 

The RvA highlights the urgent need for legal reforms to prevent potential consequences such as inclusion on international sanction lists, including those issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). According to the report, drug trafficking and money laundering remain serious threats to Curaçao’s democratic legal order. 

The Council stresses that structural reforms are necessary to strengthen the island's legal and institutional framework. It also expresses concern that recommendations from independent institutions, such as the RvA and the Social and Economic Council (SER), are not always followed by Parliament. 

“The complexity and creativity of cross-border crime are evolving rapidly,” the RvA stated. “Without proactive updates to our laws, Curaçao risks becoming vulnerable to criminal exploitation and international isolation.” 

The annual report serves as a call to action for both lawmakers and policymakers to prioritize legislative renewal and safeguard the rule of law on the island.