WILLEMSTAD - The Ministry of Justice has allocated additional funds for the prison after prison guards went on strike yesterday. The guards were dissatisfied with their treatment, legal status, and inadequate equipment.
Following a meeting between the unions Straf, NAPB, SAP, Abvo, and the minister, Minister of Justice Shalten Hato agreed to the key demands of the prison guards.
Improvements will be implemented, such as replacing broken chairs in the prison and enhancing the intercom system.
The ministry is also acquiring new buses and pick-up trucks, and in January 2024, new portable communication devices will be provided. Discussions regarding work hours and compensation will continue next week.
The prison guards have expressed a lack of confidence in the prison management, and the ministry will investigate this based on a job satisfaction survey among the staff.
The ministry also acknowledges the staff shortage in both the prison and the police force and has announced plans to hire new employees. The recruitment process will take place gradually until 2026.
Anyone meeting the requirements can apply for the position of probationary police officer at the Curaçao Police Force or probationary security personnel at the prison.