WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Ministry of Justice has announced plans to intensify its fight against organized crime, armed robberies, car theft, illegal firearms, money laundering, and human trafficking as part of its newly presented Justice Policy Agenda for 2025–2029.
The agenda, officially presented on October 27, 2026, carries the theme “Strengthened Justice – For a Safe, Fair and Stable Curaçao” and outlines the government's priorities for improving public safety, strengthening law enforcement, and preventing young people from becoming involved in criminal activities.
Justice Minister Shalten Hato says the policy framework is intended to strengthen the entire justice system while creating safer neighborhoods and improving cooperation between law enforcement agencies and community organizations.
One of the main priorities is increasing the police presence in residential neighborhoods. The ministry wants to strengthen community policing and improve the visibility of officers as part of a broader effort to prevent crime and respond more effectively to security concerns.
The government also intends to modernize security equipment and strengthen the operational capabilities of law enforcement agencies.
Particular attention will be directed toward organized criminal activities, including the illegal trafficking of firearms and human beings, as well as financial crimes involving money laundering.
Armed robberies and vehicle thefts are also identified as priority areas requiring intensified enforcement.
The ministry's agenda extends beyond traditional policing and includes improvements in traffic safety and fire prevention.
Among the infrastructure projects being considered is the construction of a new fire station in Banda Riba, which would strengthen emergency response capabilities in the eastern part of Curaçao.
Preventing Young People From Entering Criminal Activity
A significant component of the new policy agenda focuses on preventing juvenile delinquency and addressing violence in schools.
The ministry recognizes that combating youth crime requires more than police intervention and criminal prosecution.
Its proposed approach emphasizes cooperation between schools, families, police officers, and social service organizations to identify problems early and provide appropriate support.
Prevention, guidance, education, and employment opportunities are among the measures the government intends to prioritize.
The objective is to reduce the risk of young people becoming involved in criminal activities by addressing circumstances that may contribute to delinquency.
School violence will also receive specific attention as part of efforts to create safer learning environments for students and teachers.
The ministry wants to strengthen cooperation between institutions responsible for education, youth development, social welfare, and public safety.
Technology to Support Law Enforcement
The policy agenda also includes plans to modernize law enforcement through technology and innovation.
Among the initiatives being considered are pilot projects involving police body cameras, expanded camera surveillance, and the use of artificial intelligence.
These technologies could support policing and public safety operations, although the ministry has not yet provided detailed implementation schedules or technical specifications.
The agenda also identifies personal data protection as an important consideration in the modernization of justice services.
The government intends to continue investing in staff recruitment, professional training, integrity, and modern equipment to strengthen the capacity of justice institutions.
Cooperation with local, regional, and international partners will remain an essential element of the ministry's strategy, particularly in addressing criminal activities that extend beyond Curaçao's borders.
Minister Hato emphasized that the agenda represents a commitment to the population rather than simply another government policy document.
“We will continue to strengthen our justice system, combat crime with determination, and ensure that every citizen can live in a safer, fairer, and more stable Curaçao,” the minister stated.
The ministry says progress under the 2025–2029 agenda will be monitored through performance indicators intended to measure the results of the various initiatives.
The announcement outlines the government's intended direction but does not provide specific implementation dates or budgets for the individual security projects.
Justice plan