THE HAGUE, WILLEMSTAD – Members of the Dutch Parliament, Lisa White and Songül Mutluer of the GroenLinks-PvdA party, have expressed serious concerns over the growing problem of gun ownership in Curaçao. Their written questions to Minister of Justice and Security Van Weel and State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Szabó highlight what they describe as a pressing issue that demands more attention and support from the European Netherlands.
In a series of nine questions submitted to the ministers, the MPs asked whether the Dutch government is aware of the ongoing challenges related to firearms on the island and whether it shares their concern.
They also want to know whether the increase in gun-related worries is limited to Curaçao or extends to other Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, including Aruba, Sint Maarten, and the BES islands (Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius).
Focus on Law Enforcement and Youth Prevention
White and Mutluer are particularly interested in the capacity of local law enforcement to respond effectively to the issue. They inquired whether the islands have sufficient resources to combat the illegal importation of firearms by sea, and whether police and customs have the tools they need to investigate and enforce gun control measures.
The MPs also pressed for answers about the prevention of youth involvement in gun crime, questioning whether youth programs and social workers have the capacity to intervene early enough. They asked what role the Netherlands can play in strengthening preventive efforts to reduce criminal behavior among young people.
Kingdom-Wide Approach Demanded
The parliamentarians called for a detailed explanation of what the Dutch government is currently doing to support the CAS islands (Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten) in tackling gun violence, as well as the BES islands. They also raised questions about the measures being taken across the Kingdom to stop illegal arms trafficking, both by sea and via the internet.
The online illegal arms trade was highlighted as an emerging risk, with the MPs asking whether Kingdom partners are working closely enough to combat this threat. If not, they want the government to conduct a joint review with the islands to strengthen the approach.
The Curaçao Chronicle has previously reported on increased gun violence on the island, particularly among youth and in connection with gang activity. These recent questions from Dutch MPs underscore growing awareness in The Hague that local challenges require Kingdom-wide solutions—not only in enforcement, but also in prevention and social support.
The ministers are expected to respond in writing in the coming weeks.
