WILLEMSTAD – Opposition party PNP has accused Minister of Justice Shalten Hato of failing to adequately address longstanding problems within Curaçao's justice system, warning that crime could continue to worsen if structural reforms are not implemented.
The criticism follows a recent violent incident at the Justitiële Jeugdinrichting Curaçao (JJIC), the island's juvenile detention facility, where a youth detainee allegedly assaulted several staff members.
According to PNP Member of Parliament Sheldry Osepa, the incident should not be viewed as an isolated event but rather as a symptom of deeper problems that have existed within the justice chain for years.
"Warnings Have Been Ignored"
Osepa argues that numerous reports, investigations, and recommendations over the years have highlighted weaknesses within the juvenile justice system, yet many of those warnings have not been adequately addressed.
According to the PNP parliamentarian, the recent violence at JJIC demonstrates that fundamental issues remain unresolved despite repeated calls for reform.
"The incident is not a stand-alone occurrence," Osepa said, arguing that the situation reflects the consequences of years of delayed decision-making and insufficient action.
Calls for Structural Reform
PNP pointed to previous statements by Minister Hato regarding problems at the former Government Youth Institution, where he reportedly indicated that many of the challenges stemmed from decisions that were not taken in the past.
However, Osepa contends that the current situation shows that meaningful reforms are still lacking.
The opposition party says that replacing personnel alone will not solve the underlying problems and is calling for comprehensive reforms throughout the justice system.
According to PNP, lasting improvements will require structural changes, updated legislation, investments in facilities, and stronger support systems for young offenders.
Fifteen Questions for the Minister
In response to the latest incident, PNP has submitted fifteen written questions to Minister Hato.
Among the issues raised are the status of a new National Ordinance on the Prison System, the measures that have been implemented since 2023 to improve conditions at JJIC, and investments made in infrastructure, staffing, security, and youth rehabilitation programs.
The party is also seeking clarification regarding proposed prison legislation that was discussed in Parliament in October 2024 but has yet to be formally published.
PNP wants to know why the legislative process has not been completed and whether delays are hindering broader reforms within the correctional system.
Concerns About Public Safety
The opposition argues that the challenges facing juvenile detention facilities are part of a broader issue affecting public safety and crime prevention.
According to PNP, failures to address problems within correctional and rehabilitation institutions can have long-term consequences for crime reduction efforts and the effective reintegration of offenders into society.
The party is urging the Minister of Justice to provide detailed answers and a clear timeline for the reforms that have been promised.
With concerns about crime and public safety remaining high on the public agenda, PNP says the government must demonstrate that it is taking concrete steps to strengthen the justice system rather than continuing to postpone difficult decisions.
The Ministry of Justice has not yet publicly responded to the latest questions submitted by the opposition.