WILLEMSTAD – Growing concerns about thefts at beaches, burglaries, and public safety in Bándabou have prompted discussions between Minister of Justice Shalten Hato and representatives of community organizations in the western part of Curaçao.
The meeting, announced by the Ministry of Justice on October 26, brought together representatives of Fundashon VIBA and Pilarnan di Westpunt, an organization that unites residents and members of various community groups representing the Westpunt area. Community police officers assigned to Bándabou also participated in the discussions.
Minister of Justice Shalten Hato during the meeting
The talks focused on security challenges affecting residents, businesses, and visitors, particularly incidents of theft at beaches and burglaries in the surrounding communities.
Representatives of the organizations shared their concerns and presented suggestions for improving safety throughout the area. Special attention was given to strengthening the sense of security among residents and tourists who visit Bándabou's beaches and attractions.
The discussions also addressed the growing importance of tourism in western Curaçao. According to the ministry, increased tourism activity is creating economic opportunities for local communities, but it also requires greater attention to public safety and crime prevention.
For residents and businesses, maintaining a secure environment is considered essential to ensuring that tourism development benefits the surrounding communities.
Minister Hato emphasized that economic development and public safety must be addressed together rather than treated as separate priorities.
"A safe community requires not only firm action, but also that we listen to what is happening in our neighborhoods. Bándabou has enormous development potential, and security must be an integral part of that development," Hato said.
The minister stressed the importance of maintaining direct communication with community organizations to better understand the challenges residents experience in their daily lives.
The meeting provided an opportunity for local representatives to bring their concerns directly to the Ministry of Justice and discuss possible approaches to improving security.
Although the discussions highlighted the need for stronger preventive measures and greater cooperation, the ministry did not announce specific new police deployments, additional patrol schedules, or a timetable for implementing the proposals raised during the meeting.
The dialogue reflects increasing attention to the relationship between tourism growth, community development, and public safety in Bándabou, where residents and visitors share beaches, roads, and other public spaces.