THE HAGUE - A delegation from the Dutch House of Representatives' Committee on Justice and Security is set to embark on a working visit to Curaçao and Bonaire next week. The delegation, led by Michon-Derkzen (VVD), includes representatives from various political parties: Van Haasen (PVV), Mutluer (GroenLinks-PvdA), Ellian (VVD), Bruyning (NSC), Van der Werf (D66), and Van Nispen (SP).
The primary goal of the visit is to gain a deeper understanding of the justice and security systems in the Caribbean territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With a strong focus on safety, the delegation will explore multiple facets of the criminal justice chain, emphasizing issues such as subversive crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, migration, prevention, and sexual offenses.
The visit will kick off on Monday in Curaçao, where the delegation will meet with Governor Lucille George-Wout and Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas. They will also engage in discussions with Justice Minister Shalten Hato on key topics, including the fight against human trafficking. The day will feature a presentation by the Joint Criminal Investigation Team and a tour of the Parera naval base. On Tuesday, the group will visit the SDKK prison and the Juvenile Justice Center, followed by meetings with various law enforcement agencies. Additionally, a session with U.S. Consul James Story in Willemstad is planned.
On Wednesday, the committee will begin its visit to Bonaire by meeting with the newly appointed governor, John Soliano. The delegation will then hold talks with the Executive Council and the Island Council and visit the Regional Information and Expertise Center (RIEC) Caribbean Netherlands. The following day includes a visit to the local prison and a stop at Jong Bonaire. The visit will conclude on Friday with meetings at the police force and fire department, along with discussions on the role of the maritime hub in border security and immigration control.