WILLEMSTAD – Conditions at the Curaçao Juvenile Detention Center (JJIC) have once again come under intense public and political scrutiny, as a former resident stages a protest and hunger strike while authorities acknowledge serious shortcomings within the institution.
Minister of Justice Shalten Hato has confirmed that the situation inside JJIC is “serious and concerning” following a recent visit, citing deficiencies in food, hygiene, and access to basic necessities. He has announced a series of measures, including an investigation, strengthened oversight, and management changes.
At the same time, a former resident of the facility is drawing attention to what she describes as deeper, structural problems.
Genesis de la Rosa (29), who was placed in the institution as a teenager, has launched a protest outside the facility, combined with a hunger strike. Her action is aimed at raising awareness of what she calls “systemic failure and inhumane conditions,” and to advocate for the protection of current detainees.
De la Rosa, originally from the Dominican Republic, was admitted to the facility at age 13 and remained there until she was 15. She says her placement occurred during a period of behavioral issues and school absenteeism, and emphasizes that she was not involved in serious criminal activity, yet was housed alongside youths with more severe offenses.
After leaving the institution, she rebuilt her life and now lives independently, with a family and her own business. Despite that, she says her experience at JJIC continues to shape her life and motivates her current activism.
Her protest follows reports and video footage shared by current residents, alleging poor living conditions. According to De la Rosa, detainees face shortages of essential items such as soap, toilet paper and sanitary products, while also receiving insufficient or sometimes spoiled food.
Driven by these reports, she organized a peaceful demonstration outside JJIC and began a hunger strike to demand immediate action and greater transparency.
In recounting her own time at the institution, De la Rosa describes a mixed experience. She says the educational component provided a safe space where she learned to read and write, but this was overshadowed by what she characterizes as traumatic events.
She recalls an incident in which she was allegedly mistreated by guards and placed in isolation after being accused of violence. According to her account, the isolation cell was unhygienic and degrading, with dirty walls, a soiled mattress and a non-functioning toilet. She also states that she was denied contact with her mother for a period and that her stay was extended based on negative reports, before eventually being released following judicial intervention.
Prior to her protest, De la Rosa says she attempted to raise her concerns with the Ministry of Justice. Although she was told the matter would be addressed, she received no concrete follow-up, prompting her to take public action.
During the demonstration, she was joined by several parents, including one father whose daughter reportedly refused to return to the facility. The protest continued into the early morning hours before being ended following police intervention, citing concerns over public order. De la Rosa says she decided to leave to avoid arrest, given her responsibilities as a mother.
Meanwhile, the director of JJIC has stepped down amid the growing controversy.
Despite the measures announced by Minister Hato, De la Rosa argues that they fall short of what is needed. She says there is still no clear plan outlining immediate improvements or long-term structural reform.
She has indicated that her hunger strike will continue until concrete actions are taken. She is also considering bringing the issue to international attention, including organizations such as the United Nations, and has called on the Netherlands to provide support through funding and expertise.
The situation has reignited debate about the treatment of vulnerable youth on the island and the effectiveness of existing oversight mechanisms. While the government has acknowledged the problems and promised reforms, the ongoing protest underscores the urgency of restoring trust and ensuring that conditions within JJIC meet basic standards of care and dignity.
Source: Caribbean Network