WILLEMSTAD – PAR parliamentary leader Quincy Girigorie is demanding immediate action from the government following what he describes as a growing wave of crime, public disorder and dangerous behavior on Curaçao’s roads.
In a statement dated October 7, Girigorie pointed to several turbulent weeks involving violence at schools, murders and armed robberies, followed this week by additional robberies and fatal traffic accidents. He warned that without intervention, the situation could increasingly get out of control.
Girigorie said he already submitted questions to Justice Minister Shalten Hato last year concerning an increase in home burglaries and crime in general but has yet to receive answers.
The PAR leader also expressed concern about traffic behavior, describing conditions on Curaçao’s roads as increasingly chaotic and saying the consequences include deaths as well as millions of guilders in annual costs to society.
Girigorie stressed that he does not consider rising crime solely the responsibility of the Justice Minister. Instead, he argued that crime is closely connected to broader social problems and said Hato should take the lead in bringing his Cabinet colleagues together to restore security and public order.
He has now submitted additional questions to the Justice Minister seeking information about measures that can be taken in the short term to restore a sense of safety, calm and public order.
PAR said responsibility also extends to government officials dealing with economic affairs, social development and public finances.
According to the party, Curaçao’s economic growth and expanding tourism sector are occurring alongside increasing financial pressure on parts of the population.
Girigorie argued that government announcements of budget surpluses and celebrations by public companies contrast sharply with the situation of workers who struggle to cover their monthly expenses.
PAR called for the government to respond urgently to what it considers interconnected problems involving crime, public safety and economic insecurity.