THE HAGUE – Young people in Curaçao and the other Caribbean parts of the Kingdom risk missing opportunities within the justice system if they are not adequately supported in learning Dutch, according to former Aruba Attorney General Bote ter Steege.
Speaking at the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) in The Hague, Ter Steege highlighted language as one of the practical challenges facing the justice system in the Caribbean.
According to the former Chief Public Prosecutor for Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, criminal law throughout the Caribbean part of the Kingdom continues to be largely written, processed and administered in Dutch.
While court proceedings may be conducted in English or supported by interpreters in places such as Saba, St. Eustatius, Bonaire and Aruba, the preparation of criminal cases, legal documentation and much of the justice system's daily work still takes place in Dutch.
Ter Steege emphasized that his comments were not intended to diminish local languages such as Papiamentu or English.
“People should be proud of their own language,” he said. “But at the same time, they must recognize that Dutch remains the language of criminal law and the courts.”
During his years working in the Caribbean, Ter Steege encouraged employees within the Public Prosecutor's Office to improve their Dutch language skills through training programs, which he said were generally well received.
He warned that insufficient command of Dutch could create barriers for young Caribbean professionals seeking careers in the justice sector, including positions within prosecutors' offices, the judiciary and other legal institutions.
The former Attorney General said access to justice is not only about laws and courts, but also about ensuring that residents have the skills necessary to participate fully in the legal system.
Ter Steege's remarks added another dimension to the ongoing discussion about Kingdom cooperation, highlighting the importance of investing in education, language skills and professional development to strengthen legal institutions throughout the Caribbean.
According to him, developing local talent remains essential for ensuring a strong and sustainable justice system across the Kingdom.