ORANJESTAD, WILLEMSTAD – In a powerful address during the formal swearing-in ceremony of new judicial officials on Friday, April 4, the President of the Joint Court of Justice, Mr. Mauritsz de Kort, emphasized the urgent need to improve the wellbeing of judges and court staff across the six Dutch Caribbean islands. Speaking from Aruba, de Kort drew a direct line between judicial health, public trust, and the strength of the legal system.
De Kort began his speech by reflecting on the importance of legal craftsmanship, which he linked not only to quality education but also to active and engaged citizenship. “Without well-being,” he said, “citizens cannot participate meaningfully in society. And without engaged citizens, good governance – the foundation of our shared prosperity and well-being – falters.”
He pointed to global examples such as Bhutan, where national progress is measured not just in GDP but in Gross National Happiness, to illustrate the growing focus on societal wellbeing over economic indicators.
Judicial Wellbeing Under Pressure
The president sounded the alarm on increasing judicial stress, stating that the work of the courts has grown significantly in complexity and volume, while organizational structures and budgets have remained unchanged for over 15 years. “Too much work, too much pressure, and too few resources – we are burning ourselves out,” de Kort warned.
He cited a recent internal study that confirmed staff at all levels of the court system are struggling to manage workloads, and highlighted concerns raised by the United Nations and the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers, which have identified judicial wellbeing as a crucial factor in maintaining integrity, efficiency, and public trust in the legal system.
“We Are Eating Ourselves Alive”
With the same team also responsible for oversight of notaries, bailiffs, medical professionals, and numerous registers, as well as participating in various selection commissions and training new judges, de Kort stressed that the core mission of the court – delivering judgments – is in danger of being overshadowed by the burden of additional duties.
“When a judge says ‘I can’t keep up anymore,’ the foundation is no longer solid,” he stated. He called on the governments of Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, and the BES islands to increase investments in the judiciary—not just for the courts’ sake, but for the wellbeing of society as a whole.
“Open the Door to Caribbean Talent”
De Kort also acknowledged the stiff competition the judiciary faces on the local job market, competing with institutions such as Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten, Aqualectra, and Elmar. While recognizing the need to sometimes bring in legal professionals from the Netherlands, he warned that doing so could create disparities on the work floor if not managed carefully.
“More money won’t solve all our problems,” he said, “but it would allow us to build a fairer salary structure and become more attractive to Caribbean talent—people we warmly welcome into our judiciary.”
“We Must Care for Each Other”
Beyond external funding, de Kort emphasized the need for internal solidarity and open communication within the court. “Let us not jump to easy assumptions about each other. Let’s ask curious, open questions—just as we do in court.”
He urged colleagues to live out their values daily, not just in legal proceedings but also in how they interact during lunch or meetings, reinforcing that collegial respect and care are central to judicial wellbeing.
A Missed Opportunity with Aruba’s New Government
De Kort closed with a subtle note of disappointment, mentioning that the Joint Court was not invited to consultations held by Aruba’s incoming government with other institutions. “Of course, it feels good to be heard,” he said, “but beyond that, we had valuable contributions to offer.”
Nonetheless, he welcomed the new government’s commitment to strengthening judicial capacity, calling it a hopeful sign for the future.
“Our door remains open,” he concluded. “Let us continue working together—within the judiciary and across our islands—to protect the wellbeing of our people and the integrity of justice throughout the Kingdom.”