WILLEMSTAD – MFK Member of Parliament Ishahier Monte wants the Curaçao government to examine whether compulsory military or community service could help address youth unemployment, school dropout, and a lack of opportunities among young people, raising questions about whether structured service could contribute to discipline, vocational training, and greater social participation.
Monte submitted ten written questions to Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas on July 22, asking the government to assess the feasibility, potential benefits, legal implications, and financial costs of introducing some form of mandatory service for young people.
The proposal has become part of a broader discussion about military obligations within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, although Monte's questions focus primarily on the potential social and educational benefits for Curaçao's youth.
According to the parliamentarian, problems such as unemployment, school dropout, insufficient participation in society, and a lack of structure and future prospects deserve greater attention.
He wants to know whether a compulsory service program could provide young people with opportunities to develop discipline, personal responsibility, practical skills, and a stronger sense of social commitment.
Monte has also asked whether such a program could contribute to character development, vocational preparation, and social cohesion.
However, his questions do not focus exclusively on military service.
The MFK parliamentarian has also asked the government to examine whether alternatives, including community service programs or structured education and employment initiatives, could achieve similar objectives without introducing a military obligation.
An important part of his inquiry concerns the constitutional and legal framework.
Under Article 31 of the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, residents of Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten may only be required to perform military or civilian service on the basis of legislation adopted by their respective countries.
Monte wants the government to clarify whether compulsory service would be legally compatible with the Charter and what legislative steps would be required before such a system could be introduced.
He has also requested information about the potential financial implications, including the costs of establishing and operating a program.
The questions come at a time when several civil society organizations have expressed strong opposition to the possibility of compulsory military recruitment.
Fundashon Museo Tula, Kòrsou na Kaminda pa Libertat, Plataforma Bèrdát Históriko, Plataforma di Pueblo, and Kousa Promé have requested an urgent parliamentary discussion on the issue.
Unlike Monte, who is exploring compulsory service as a possible instrument for youth development, the organizations are approaching the subject from the perspective of constitutional autonomy, democratic consent, and the Caribbean islands' colonial history.
They warn against the militarization of Caribbean societies and oppose any military obligation imposed without the approval of the countries concerned.
The organizations are also cooperating with groups on Aruba, Sint Maarten, and Sint Eustatius on a petition opposing compulsory military recruitment within the Kingdom.
The contrasting positions illustrate the different questions surrounding the debate.
For Monte, the central issue is whether a structured service program could improve opportunities and personal development among young people.
For the civil society organizations, the primary concern is protecting democratic decision-making and ensuring that Caribbean citizens are not subjected to military obligations without their consent.
The government's responses to Monte's ten parliamentary questions were not included in the information provided.
No concrete proposal, implementation timetable, or government decision to introduce compulsory military service has been announced in the material available.
For now, the discussion remains focused on whether such a program would be desirable, legally possible, financially feasible, and more effective than existing or alternative youth development initiatives.