THE HAGUE - A majority in the Dutch Parliament has voted in favor of a motion advocating for a proposed forensic care facility in the Caribbean Netherlands to also serve the islands of Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten. The motion, co-sponsored by Don Ceder (Christian Union) and Raoul White (GreenLeft-PvdA), was approved during a parliamentary session today.
Expanding Forensic Care
The motion builds on discussions from the June 2024 Judicial Quadripartite Consultation, which supported a multi-year program to develop forensic care and treatment options in the Caribbean. The proposal included exploring the feasibility of a small-scale forensic care facility, including a TBS (compulsory psychiatric treatment) unit, for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.
The motion highlights that while initial plans focus solely on the Caribbean Netherlands, there is no concrete strategy to involve the CAS countries (Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten) in the facility’s development.
Motion Details
The text of the motion states:
“The House, having heard the deliberations, notes that the Judicial Quadripartite Consultation in June 2024 approved a proposal to develop a multi-year program for forensic care and treatment, including exploring the possibility of establishing a small-scale TBS facility in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.
Acknowledging that no specific plans have been made to involve the CAS countries in the development of such a facility, the House requests the government to actively engage the CAS countries in the further development of the multi-year forensic care and treatment program and to explore making the proposed small-scale TBS facility accessible to residents of Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten.
And proceeds to the order of the day.”
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
The motion underscores the importance of collaboration among all parts of the Kingdom to address the growing need for forensic care in the region. Proponents argue that expanding access to the facility would enhance regional safety and provide equitable treatment for residents across the islands.
The government has yet to formally respond to the motion, but its passage signals a clear intention from the Dutch Parliament to prioritize forensic care as a shared responsibility within the Kingdom.