THE HAGUE - Following a recent working visit to Curaçao and Bonaire by a delegation from the Dutch House of Representatives' Committee on Justice and Security, a total of 41 pointed questions have been submitted by six MPs from six different political factions. These questions, directed at two ministers and two state secretaries, underscore serious concerns about the state of justice and security in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The questions focus on issues ranging from staff shortages to the regulation of the gambling sector.
The delegation, which included Ingrid Michon (VVD), Songül Mutluer (GroenLinks-PvdA), Ulysse Ellian (VVD), Faith Bruyning (Nieuw Sociaal Contract), Hanneke van der Werf (D66), and Michiel van Nispen (SP), addressed their concerns to Minister Van Weel (Justice and Security), Minister Faber (Asylum and Migration), and State Secretaries Struycken and Coenradie (both from Justice and Security). The ministers and state secretaries have been requested to provide their responses before the committee debate scheduled for September 29.
Key Issues Highlighted by MPs
Severe Staff Shortages in the Justice Sector:
A major concern raised by the MPs is the significant staff shortages across almost the entire judicial chain in the Caribbean territories, with some areas facing up to a 50% shortfall in personnel. The MPs inquired how the Netherlands can assist in addressing these shortages, particularly in the police force, the Public Prosecution Service, customs, and security services. They also questioned whether the temporary deployment of personnel from sister organizations in the Netherlands could be a viable solution.
Balancing Investments Across the Justice Chain:
Another issue raised pertains to the potential imbalances caused by investments in specific areas of the justice system, such as drug enforcement, which could lead to bottlenecks further down the chain, such as in the prison system and the national investigative services. The MPs are seeking solutions to prevent such disbalances.
Language Barriers in Training Programs:
The delegation also expressed concerns about the language used in training programs for professions facing severe capacity issues, such as police, fire services, and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMAR). Currently, these programs are conducted in Dutch, which may not meet local needs in the Caribbean. The MPs have asked if there are possibilities to translate or teach parts of these programs in English or Papiamentu, the local language in Curaçao and Bonaire.
Shortages in Police Equipment:
The Curaçao Police Force is not only struggling with a personnel shortage but also with a lack of essential equipment such as weapons, bulletproof vests, and police vehicles. The MPs questioned whether the Netherlands could assist in providing these materials in cooperation with the national police.
Broader Security and Judicial Concerns
Port Security and Employee Screening:
The MPs have also asked whether the Netherlands could play a role in enhancing the security of Curaçao’s port and improving the screening of port employees, given the strategic importance of these facilities.
Future Judicial Policy for the Coast Guard:
Looking ahead, the MPs are keen to understand the priorities for the yet-to-be-drafted judicial policy plan for the Coast Guard covering the period from 2025 to 2028.
Challenges in the Prison System:
Significant attention was given to the challenges faced by the prison system in Curaçao, particularly regarding smuggling of contraband by drones, ongoing criminal activities within the prison, inadequate infrastructure, understaffing, and the humanitarian conditions at the Sentro di Detenshon i Korekshon Kòrsou (SDKK). The MPs questioned who bears responsibility for these issues and what role the Netherlands might play in addressing them.
Lack of Facilities for Offenders with Mental Health Issues:
The absence of a facility across the six islands for securely housing and treating offenders with mental health issues was another point of concern. The MPs are pressing for the establishment of such facilities and inquired about the rehabilitation and reintegration programs within Curaçao’s prison system.
Addressing Youth Crime and Wellbeing
Preventing Youth Crime and Supporting Youth Wellbeing:
The MPs are seeking information on the extent of collaboration between the Netherlands and the Caribbean countries to prevent youth crime and promote youth wellbeing. This includes an inquiry into whether current efforts are sufficient and how they compare to programs like "Preventie met gezag" (Prevention with Authority) in the Netherlands.
Regulation of the Gambling Sector:
The regulation of the gambling sector in the Caribbean was also scrutinized, with concerns about addiction issues, the risk of criminal infiltration, and money laundering. The MPs questioned whether these issues are being adequately addressed and what role the Netherlands might have in providing support.
Legal and Administrative Reforms
Ratification of the Lanzarote Convention:
The status of the ratification of the Lanzarote Convention for Curaçao was also questioned, alongside the designation of the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) as the Central Authority in this regard.
Justice Sector Legislation Updates:
The MPs expressed frustration over the delay in receiving the report from the last Quadripartite Judicial Meeting and sought confirmation on whether this report would be shared with Parliament. They also asked whether future policy discussions for these meetings could be shared with the Parliament beforehand and whether feedback would be provided afterward.
Evaluation of the Regional Information and Expertise Center:
Inquiries were made about the performance of the Regional Information and Expertise Center (RIEC) Caribbean Netherlands on Bonaire, including the criteria for success and the financial arrangements supporting it.
Review of Social Legal Aid Fees:
The MPs are also questioning whether there is a need to revise the compensation system for social legal aid to align it with that of European Netherlands.
Preventing Youth Crime in the BES Islands:
Questions were also raised about the resources allocated to prevent youth crime and promote parental involvement in the BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba), and how these efforts compare to similar programs in the Netherlands.
Conclusion
The MPs have requested detailed responses to these questions by September 22, ahead of the committee debate on the justice system in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. The answers are expected to provide clarity on the Dutch government's stance and its plans for supporting justice and security in its Caribbean territories, addressing the pressing issues highlighted during the delegation's visit.