Ministers of Sint Maarten, Aruba, and Curaçao Unite on Shared Justice Challenges
Mon, June 23, 2025
During the semi-annual Judicial Four-Party Consultation (JVO), Justice Ministers Nathalie Tackling (Sint Maarten),
Sint Maarten, Aruba, and Curaçao Unite on Shared Justice Challenges
Arthur Dowers (Aruba), and Shalten Hato (Curaçao) came together to tackle urgent public safety and legal concerns.
Ministers of Sint Maarten, Aruba, and Curaçao Unite on Shared Justice Challenges
The meetings included both bilateral and tripartite sessions.
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Strengthening Crisis Response
Minister Tackling thanked her counterparts for their fast response to the recent prison riot and fire in Sint Maarten.
Well-trained justice personnel from Aruba and Curaçao helped restore control quickly.
Swift Support After Sint Maarten Prison Riot
She highlighted shared struggles across all three countries: staff shortages, aging prison facilities, and security issues.
This event underscored the need for stronger inter-island crisis response.
Tackling Rising Violence
Focus on Youth, Guns, and Regional Strategy
A key concern was the sharp rise in violent crime in Sint Maarten. Tackling noted that the French side of the island also faces similar challenges.
Ministers of Sint Maarten, Aruba, and Curaçao Unite on Shared Justice Challenges
In response, ministers discussed prevention. They agreed on the need for early intervention and youth-focused programs.
Aruba’s success in crime control stood out as a model worth adapting.
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The ministers acknowledged organized crime’s growing influence, especially in gun violence. They agreed enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. Instead, social programs and mentorship must be part of the solution.
Managing Kingdom Services
High Costs and Small Budgets
Another major issue was the rising cost of shared Kingdom services. Ministers warned that smaller nations struggle to keep up.
They stressed that these services must remain cost-effective and tailored. Every country should get value for money—without overstretching its budget.
Reframing the JVO Format
From Technical to Strategic
Ministers called for a new direction in JVO discussions. They want more strategic focus—led by ministers, not just technical experts.
“We have very similar problems… let’s work more strategically together as countries in the Kingdom.”
— Minister Nathalie Tackling
Bilateral Talks with Curaçao
Crime Prevention Fund and Gun Violence
In a separate meeting with Minister Hato, Tackling discussed the Crime (Prevention) Fund. Both ministers stressed the need for more transparency in how funds are used.
They also addressed the growing problem of youth firearm possession. Both agreed to strengthen prevention and rehabilitation alongside enforcement.
Building Legal Capacity
Shared Resources, Shared Solutions
All three ministers voiced concern over limited legal drafting capacity. They committed to explore shared legal teams and regional support systems.
They concluded the meetings with a renewed promise: work together, stay united, and tackle shared challenges head-on.