WILLEMSTAD – Staff at the Curaçao Juvenile Detention Center have called in the assistance of labor union ABVO following ongoing concerns about safety and working conditions within the facility.
According to union representative Gregory Wilson, the situation has been troubling for some time and is now reaching a critical point.
The immediate trigger was a violent incident over the weekend in which a staff member was attacked and struck on the head with a bucket. The employee sustained head injuries and required medical treatment. Wilson stated that this was not an isolated case, noting that staff members regularly face verbal and physical aggression from youths in the facility.
Beyond safety concerns, the union also points to issues within the internal organization of the institution. Group leaders reportedly feel unsupported when addressing inappropriate behavior. According to the union, youths often bypass staff and appeal directly to management, which then makes decisions that undermine the authority of frontline employees.
Working conditions are further affected by the physical state of the building. Reports indicate problems such as pest infestations and malfunctioning sanitation systems, with instances of sewage water flowing through parts of the facility.
At the same time, a shortage of staff is increasing the workload on employees, making supervision more difficult and adding to the overall pressure within the institution.
Minister of Justice Shalten Hato visited the facility on Monday and said he was surprised by the severity of the situation. He indicated that consultations will be held with all involved parties to address the issues raised.
The situation has sparked renewed concern about conditions within the juvenile justice system and the safety of those working on the front lines.