THE HAGUE - Despite growing concerns in the Dutch Parliament about the impact of poor governance in Curaçao on the Netherlands, "The Hague" has limited ability to intervene. This was the key message from today’s debate between the Parliamentary Justice and Security Committee and Minister David van Weel.
Several MPs, who earlier this year visited Curaçao and Bonaire to examine the functioning of the judicial system, expressed their worries over issues such as the inhumane conditions at the SDKK prison in Willemstad, the absence of a resocialization program which increases the risk of repeat offenders relocating to the Netherlands, the infiltration of the money-laundering gambling mafia into the government, and the flow of drugs through Curaçao to the Netherlands.
Van Weel acknowledged these concerns but emphasized that the Netherlands cannot impose better policies on areas that fall under Curaçao’s jurisdiction. His role, he stated, is limited to "addressing" local officials. After some pressure from committee members, the minister agreed to adopt a "slightly more proactive approach without becoming overbearing."
Regarding the understaffing of the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force, Van Weel promised to consult with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and the National Police to see if they could provide temporary support. The issue of unchecked population growth on Bonaire, largely due to immigration, was also discussed. The government, Van Weel explained, is working with island authorities to develop an "integrated approach" to managing migration.