WILLEMSTAD – Growing frustration is spreading within the Curaçao Police Force after officers were informed they do not qualify for the overtime tax exemption created under the Bion Law, according to MFK Member of Parliament and former Minister of Finance Javier Silvania.
In a letter sent to Minister of Finance Javier Cooper and Minister of Justice Shalten Hato, Silvania said many officers feel disappointed after learning that the legislation does not apply to them.
According to Silvania, the Human Resources Department (BPD) informed police personnel that they are not eligible for the exemption, despite the law benefiting many other workers in both the public and private sectors.
"The police are of the opinion that, during the last election campaign, several MFK politicians created the impression that they would also qualify for the exemption," Silvania wrote.
The Bion Law allows eligible employees earning below a specified income threshold to work up to 40 hours of overtime per month without paying income tax on those additional earnings.
Silvania said many officers believed they would be among the beneficiaries because of the nature of police work, where overtime is common due to staffing shortages, emergency operations and public safety responsibilities.
Instead, officers now feel they have been left behind while other workers benefit from the new tax relief.
Calls for clarification
Silvania has asked the government to explain why police officers were excluded and whether steps will be taken to correct what he describes as an unintended consequence of the legislation.
He argues that uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the law has fueled dissatisfaction within the police force and should be resolved as soon as possible.
The former finance minister believes restoring confidence among officers is important not only for morale but also for maintaining trust between the government and one of the country's most essential public services.
The Ministers of Finance and Justice have been asked to provide written answers to Silvania's parliamentary questions within a reasonable period.