WILLEMSTAD – The temporary director of Curaçao’s SDKK prison has issued an internal memo this week banning all loan activity between staff members. The decision follows a series of financial disputes among prison employees that have recently come to light. 

According to the memo, prison guards have been lending large sums of money to one another, creating a cycle of debt that has led to workplace tension and disciplinary issues. The directive explicitly prohibits staff from lending money to colleagues. In cases of problematic debt or financial hardship, employees are now required to contact their supervisor or designated confidential counselor. 

The move comes amid broader concerns about rising personal debt among prison staff. According to reports, some employees are turning to loan sharks or high-interest informal lenders, with little hope of resolving their financial situations. The memo aims to prevent further conflicts and protect both staff relationships and the integrity of the workplace environment at SDKK. 

No public comment has been issued yet by the Ministry of Justice, which oversees prison operations.