WILLEMSTAD – Minister of Justice Shalten Hato met Tuesday afternoon with police unions and personnel of the Landelijke Beveiligingsdienst (LBD) following protests and growing concerns about the ongoing reorganization of the security unit.
The minister responded to a call from the police unions ABVO, SAP, NAPB and STrAF, who have raised issues regarding the treatment and legal position of LBD staff within the Curaçao Police Force. During the meeting, union representatives and LBD employees voiced complaints about how they have been treated by leadership and requested clarity about their status in the organization.
The LBD, which is responsible for securing key government buildings and providing personal protection to officials, has been undergoing integration into the Curaçao Police Force since the constitutional reforms of 10-10-10. Officers from the unit safeguard vital state institutions, including the Governor’s Palace, Fort Amsterdam and the courthouse, and are tasked with protecting ministers and other high-ranking officials.
According to Minister Hato, the structural framework, job functions and social plan related to the reorganization have largely been finalized. The only remaining component, he stated, involves completing the training plans. He emphasized that misconduct will not be tolerated and urged employees to submit complaints in writing so they can be formally investigated.
The police unions, however, expressed ongoing concerns about the legal status of LBD personnel. They argue that the legal position of these security officers has still not been properly regulated and warn of possible labor-related irregularities and unclear policy guidelines.
Union representatives also indicated that some employees have been told they lack sufficient training or experience, despite having worked within the organization for more than 25 years. According to the unions, responsibility for proper training lies with the organization itself.
While there is a job description for LBD officers, unions claim that it has not been legally formalized in a correct manner. They stress that it is unacceptable for staff to continue working under conditions of uncertainty.
Earlier in the day, union representatives had attempted to contact the Minister of Justice during working hours but were informed that he was attending a parliamentary session. The subsequent meeting was intended to address the escalating concerns and provide clarity moving forward.