WILLEMSTAD – MFK Member of Parliament Juniël Carolina is calling for urgent government action to combat livestock theft in Curaçao, arguing that farmers and ranchers are increasingly feeling unprotected as incidents continue to affect rural communities across the island.
The parliamentarian has submitted a request for a Question Hour in Parliament directed at the Minister of Justice, following a recent incident involving an alleged livestock theft that has sparked widespread discussion among farmers and livestock owners.
According to Carolina, the incident involved a ranch owner who reportedly caught individuals allegedly attempting to steal an animal from his property. The case gained additional attention after the livestock owner himself was detained in connection with the alleged mistreatment of one of the suspected thieves.
MFK faction in Parliament
The incident has reignited concerns within the agricultural sector about security in rural areas and what many farmers perceive as inadequate protection of their property.
Growing Frustration Among Farmers
Carolina said he understands the frustration felt by many livestock owners who repeatedly suffer losses due to theft and vandalism.
"The concerns of farmers and ranchers are legitimate, and their voices are being heard in Parliament," Carolina stated.
At the same time, the MFK parliamentarian emphasized that he rejects all forms of violence and believes disputes must be handled within the framework of the law and the justice system.
However, he noted that many agricultural producers are becoming increasingly frustrated as the results of years of hard work, investment, and sacrifice are threatened by recurring theft.
Questions for the Minister of Justice
Using Article 96A of Parliament's Rules of Order, Carolina has formally requested a Question Hour to address the issue.
He intends to seek answers regarding the true extent of livestock theft on the island, including the number of cases reported to authorities, the penalties imposed on offenders, and the effectiveness of existing prevention measures.
The parliamentarian also wants the government to explain what additional steps can be taken to strengthen patrols and law enforcement presence in rural areas where livestock theft is most common.
Modern Tracking Systems Proposed
Among the measures Carolina wants the government to consider is the broader registration and identification of livestock through modern technologies such as microchips or other tracking systems.
According to him, such measures could help protect livestock owners, facilitate investigations, and make it easier to identify stolen animals.
The proposal reflects growing interest within the agricultural sector in adopting technological solutions to address a problem that many producers say has persisted for years.
More Than a Property Crime
Carolina stressed that livestock theft should not be viewed simply as a crime against property.
For many families, livestock and agricultural production represent their primary source of income and livelihood. The loss of animals can therefore have significant financial consequences, particularly for smaller farmers.
"Livestock theft is not only a crime against property. It is also an attack on the livelihood of families who depend on agriculture and livestock production to support themselves," he said.
Call for Stronger Protection
MFK says it will continue pressing the government to take concrete action to improve security for the agricultural sector.
"The agricultural sector's struggle will not be ignored," Carolina stated. "We will continue insisting on concrete measures to increase security, strengthen controls, and ensure that farmers and livestock owners feel better protected."
He concluded with a message directed at policymakers and law enforcement authorities: "When thieves lose their fear, honest people lose their confidence. That is why the law must protect those who work."
The issue is expected to be discussed in Parliament in the coming weeks as lawmakers seek answers about the government's strategy to combat livestock theft and improve security in Curaçao's rural communities.