WILLEMSTAD – Former interim Prime Minister and former Lieutenant Governor Stanley Betrian is calling on Curaçao to consider establishing a separate authority for public order and safety, warning that recent violence, unrest at schools and growing public concern point to increasing pressure on respect for rules and authority.
In an opinion article published in local media, Betrian argues that recent crime and violence, disorder at schools, the number of weapons in the community, problems in daily traffic and what he describes as shortcomings at the Public Prosecutor’s Office should not be viewed as isolated incidents. Instead, he says they point to a broader deterioration in the enforcement of public order.
Betrian also points to limited resources within the Curaçao Police Force, an aging workforce and the prospect of losing experienced officers. However, he argues that simply adding more police officers will not resolve the underlying problems.
According to the former prime minister, Curaçao also needs clearer authority, stronger organization and accountability, and a renewed emphasis on integrity throughout society.
Betrian argues that integrity should apply not only to police and justice authorities but also to government, Parliament, civil servants, public companies, businesses, schools, social organizations, parents, young people and the media. Rules, he says, must be applied consistently regardless of a person's position, name or connections.
A central element of his proposal is the creation of a separate Authority for Public Order and Safety. Betrian says such an institution should have clearly defined powers, sufficient independence where necessary, and strong democratic and rule-of-law oversight.
He argues that while the Minister of Justice carries political responsibility for the portfolio, the continuous supervision and coordination of public order requires a recognizable and non-political authority with a clear mandate.
Betrian does not present the proposed authority as a replacement for the police. He also calls for investment in strengthening and rejuvenating the police force, improved training and equipment, structural financing and a more visible police presence in neighborhoods and around schools.
At the same time, he argues that responsibility for public order extends beyond law enforcement. Government officials, institutions, professionals, parents, young people and other citizens all have a role in maintaining standards and respecting established boundaries.
Betrian warns that the developments he identifies could represent signs of a developing social crisis and says Curaçao should act before individual incidents develop into a more serious problem.
His proposal has not yet been presented as a government initiative or formal legislative proposal. It is an idea advanced by Betrian in his opinion article as a possible institutional response to what he sees as growing problems surrounding public order, authority and integrity.