THE HAGUE – The Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, David van Weel (VVD), will embark on an official visit to Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba from Sunday to Friday, January 17. The visit aims to strengthen collaboration in law enforcement and security across the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, according to the Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland. 

The itinerary begins on Bonaire, where Minister Van Weel will meet with Lieutenant Governor John Soliano, the Island Council, and various judicial organizations, including the Public Prosecutor's Office BES and the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN). He will also visit the Regional Information and Expertise Center Caribbean Netherlands (RIEC-CN) to gain insights into local security challenges. 

On Aruba, Van Weel will meet with the Governor, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Justice. He is scheduled to visit the Aruba Police Force (KPA), meet Police Chief Ramon Arnhem, and participate in a field visit. Additional stops include the island’s drug incineration facility and radar system, with a focus on enhancing efforts to combat drug trafficking and improve maritime security. 

The visit will conclude on Curaçao, where Van Weel will tour the Criminal Investigation Cooperation Team (RST) and meet with the U.S. Consul General. He will wrap up his Caribbean trip with a visit to Curaçao’s historic synagogue, a symbol of the island’s rich cultural heritage. 

This trip underscores the Dutch government’s commitment to fostering stronger ties and addressing shared security challenges in the Caribbean region.