Axcel Figaroa, President of the TOPA Union, provided further explanation during an interview with Matutino DIARIO regarding the situation at the Korrektie Instituut Aruba (KIA) and the recent meeting between union representatives and Minister of Justice Arthur Dowers.
During the meeting, unions and the minister discussed four important issues that had been pending for some time. According to Figaroa, one of the main topics was the need to recruit additional personnel to work directly with prisoners at the institution.
Figaroa explained that the minister confirmed that a study is currently underway to evaluate how staffing levels can be increased at KIA. The goal is to bring in more employees who can support daily operations and improve conditions within the correctional facility.
The union leader also stated that both sides agreed to meet again in three weeks. During that follow-up meeting, the minister is expected to present progress and possible KIA building solutions and staffing measures that are currently being explored. Several options are being considered, although Figaroa noted that it is still too early to share specific details.
Another topic discussed was the condition of the KIA building itself. Figaroa said the unions are awaiting further developments regarding the facility, and a presentation is scheduled to provide more detailed information about the building and possible improvements.
In addition, discussions addressed the institution’s salary structure. According to Figaroa, changes over the years have caused confusion within the organization. One of the key reasons is that KIA has not had a stable director for a long period of time.
“Each new director who arrived had different ideas and implemented different changes,” Figaroa explained. “Many of those changes contributed to confusion within the institution.”
Currently, the government is reviewing the overall structure of the public sector in order to establish a more stable system that will remain consistent over time.
Figaroa said he fully agrees that a fixed and stable structure is necessary to prevent continuous changes that create operational difficulties. He noted that the salary structure review is being conducted across the entire government system, with the Ministry of Justice expected to be among the first to be evaluated.
This process could potentially bring improvements to KIA, although Figaroa emphasized that it is still unclear whether the changes will ultimately be positive.
He concluded that the recent meeting with the minister demonstrated willingness from the government to address the issues. Union representatives and the minister will meet again in three weeks to review progress, particularly regarding KIA building solutions and the recruitment of additional personnel for the correctional institution.
