WILLEMSTAD – Minister of Justice Shalten Hato has officially launched an important reform process aimed at reorganizing the salary structures of uniformed personnel within the Ministry of Justice.
During an orientation meeting held last Thursday, Minister Hato invited representatives from various uniformed services, including the Curaçao Police Force, Curaçao Fire Department, Curaçao Detention and Correctional Center (SDKK), Customs, the Security Service (VDC), Curmil and the Coast Guard. Directors of the respective services gathered to discuss the need for a modernized and more equitable salary structure.
Each of the invited institutions currently operates under its own salary framework, based on its specific specialization, making the reform process complex. In several services, rank corresponds directly with salary levels, while in others — such as the Intelligence Service (VDC) — compensation is more closely tied to professional expertise and specialization.
Outdated System Dating Back to 1998
The reform initiative stems from a long-standing reality: the current remuneration system is based on a salary structure introduced in 1998, during the Netherlands Antilles era. The framework remained largely unchanged following Curaçao’s transition to country status on October 10, 2010, and no longer aligns with today’s economic and professional realities.
Over the years, some uniformed services received salary indexation while others did not. However, even where adjustments were made, base salary levels remained rooted in outdated standards. This has created disparities between responsibilities, occupational risks and compensation.
According to the ministry, these discrepancies place significant pressure on the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and make careers within the uniformed services less competitive compared to similar positions in other Caribbean jurisdictions.
Deloitte Appointed as Independent Advisor
As part of the reform trajectory, Deloitte has been appointed as an independent consultant to guide the process. During its presentation, Deloitte indicated that a unified salary structure — integrating all uniformed services into one harmonized system — would represent the most sustainable long-term solution.
According to Deloitte’s assessment, such a structure would enhance mobility between services, improve career progression opportunities and increase the overall attractiveness of uniformed professions. It would also allow personnel to transition more easily between different services without losing salary prospects or career development opportunities.
A Strategic Long-Term Reform
Minister Hato emphasized that the salary reorganization will not be completed overnight. However, he described the reform as a necessary and strategic investment in the men and women who safeguard public order, enforce the law and protect the country.
A modern, fair and competitive salary structure, the minister stated, is essential to ensure a strong, professional and sustainable justice system for the future.
The reform process will continue in the coming months with further analysis, structured dialogue with the involved services and individual consultations aimed at developing concrete recommendations for a structural solution covering all uniformed personnel within the Government of Curaçao.