WILLEMSTAD – Chronic understaffing at Customs is emerging as both a financial and security concern for Curaçao, according to the government’s latest financial execution report. Planned training cohorts for new customs officers were repeatedly delayed, resulting in only 25 trainees instead of the intended 60.
The report attributes the delays primarily to integrity screenings and limited training capacity. As a result, Customs continues to operate below the required staffing level, affecting border control, enforcement of import duties and the fight against smuggling.
The Ministry of Finance acknowledges that the situation limits Customs’ ability to fully perform its tasks, with potential consequences for public safety and government revenue at a time when regional security pressures are increasing.