WILLEMSTAD - "Groups of criminals are behind the fires and vandalism," said Justice Minister Quincy Girigorie after Curaçao went through two days of disturbances last week. Several people have been arrested, including protest leader Lon Mutueel.
The minister is talking about 120 arson attacks, "from small ones in a trash can to a school." The fire brigade says there were 75 reports on just one night. Most concerned burning car tires, garbage bags and bushes. But a house, office, and a classroom of the Pedro Luis Brion primary school in Steenwijk also burned down.
Police spokesman Imro Zwerver spoke television about a "situation of terrorism". But Minister Girigorie is talking about the work of "criminals".
"It is suspected that these people have been encouraged and may be paid to do certain work."
He argues that the vandalism has nothing to do with the social unrest over austerity and discontent with the government. "But the situation during those two days was difficult and painful. And it felt powerless because the number of arson attacks was difficult to control.”
OM is looking for looters
In the meantime, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) has called on people who have been guilty of vandalism and looting to report. In a press release entitled "Justice Will Attack Criminals," the Public Prosecution Service is spreading the many images taken of looters last week Wednesday to find out who they are. Those who do not report voluntarily can expect a much heavier sentence later. Civilians are also called upon to WhatsApp videos and photos of looting, arson, and other vandalism to the police.
Trade unions in solidarity
The unions show solidarity with last Wednesday's protest, even though most leaders were not present during the demonstration. Frensley Sillie walked along. He is chairman of BTG, the union for government personnel and the Sentral Solaridat Sindikal (SSS) collective, which unites ten unions. "The government itself has provoked escalation."
Board member Gregory Wilson of the largest government association ABVO explains that they remain in talks. “We first play through the right channels and continue to talk. Because if we immediately stand next to the protestors, that is also a reason to attack us. But if we find it necessary to take to the streets, we will go too.”
Many protesters were youngsters
It was mainly many young people who participated in the riots. "Logical," says Hayley Reinita-Canword, a school social worker and youth coach.
“When you are hungry, you cannot think, and you can't put things into perspective. Young people can also be influenced very quickly and cannot put things into perspective. That makes sense because it is part of the development. So, adults need to coach them in the right direction. If that does not happen, then they will do such things.”
