WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch government says Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten remain particularly vulnerable to organized crime because of their geographic location and warns that geopolitical developments and migration could affect both security and economic stability on the islands.
The assessment is contained in the Netherlands’ proposed Kingdom Relations budget for 2027.
According to the Dutch government, the interconnection between legitimate society and organized criminal networks can undermine the rule of law and weaken the effectiveness of public administration.
The Netherlands therefore intends to continue supporting Curaçao and the other Caribbean countries in strengthening their justice systems in 2027.
The approach includes investments across the criminal justice chain, from criminal investigations and prosecution to adjudication and execution of sentences.
Among the organizations receiving support are the Recherche Samenwerkingsteam (RST), the Public Prosecutor’s Offices and the Joint Court of Justice.
The Dutch government says these investments make it possible to conduct criminal investigations involving a strong financial-economic component.
The RST, in particular, investigates serious, organized and cross-border crime, including international corruption and money laundering. It also handles international requests for mutual legal assistance and operates under the authority of the local Public Prosecutor’s Offices.
The 2027 budget includes approximately €0.8 million to be transferred to the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security for RST investigative capacity. That rises to approximately €1.6 million in 2028.
The Netherlands also says recent events in Venezuela demonstrated the vulnerability of the wider Caribbean region.
As a result, the Kingdom intends to work with the countries and islands to identify vulnerabilities to crises connected with geopolitical and climate-related developments.
The Netherlands will also contribute to the Caribbean Civil Protection Mechanism and participate in crisis exercises aimed at strengthening regional preparedness and cooperation.