WILLEMSTAD – Police Chief Raymond Ellis has responded to recent public statements by the police union NAPB, rejecting suggestions that personnel decisions within the Curaçao Police Force (KPC) were made under political pressure or as a form of intimidation.
The controversy follows a telephone conversation between Ellis and the union, during which the police chief requested that the NAPB vice president temporarily return to active duty to take charge of the Immigration Service.
According to Ellis, the request was made because of an urgent shortage of personnel and was necessary to guarantee the continuity of police operations.
Sources indicated that the NAPB president interpreted the request as a possible form of retaliation, allegedly because the union had invited Member of Parliament Javier Silvania to address members about the “lei di Bion” (Bion law) several days earlier.
In an official statement, Ellis emphasized that, under the law, he is the only authority responsible for the daily operational management of the police force.
He rejected any suggestion that decisions within the organization are influenced by political actors or that personnel measures are being used to pressure employees or unions.
According to the police chief, the request regarding the vice president of the NAPB was solely based on operational needs and the responsibility to ensure that essential police services continue without interruption.
Ellis stated that the police force faces ongoing staffing challenges and that management decisions must be taken based on the needs of the organization and public safety.