WILLEMSTAD – Customs personnel at Nieuwe Haven staged another protest yesterday, demanding clarity on the status of a new building promised to them. According to Raymond Margaritha, representative of the ABVO union, employees have been waiting for two years without any response from customs leadership or the Ministry of Finance.
Unsafe Working Conditions at Current Facility
The existing customs building at Nieuwe Haven is in severe disrepair, with leaks, mold, and cracked walls. “We see Minister Javier Silvania renovating other government buildings, but customs staff have been ignored for two years,” Margaritha stated.
Despite the protest, customs operations at other locations—Punda, the airport, and the investigative unit—remained active on Monday night. On Tuesday morning, all employees gathered at Nieuwe Haven, demanding answers regarding their work environment.
Unfair Bonus Distribution
Beyond poor working conditions, there is growing frustration over unpaid bonuses. Margaritha claims that other government departments, including those under the Ministry of Finance, have received extra compensation, while requests for customs staff have been denied.
“Customs plays a crucial role in tax revenue collection, and our employees deserve recognition. We want to know why we have been excluded from these bonuses,” Margaritha emphasized.