ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Justice, Integration, Public Transport, and Energy Minister Arthur Dowers met with the leadership of the Department of Integration, Management, and Admission of Foreigners (DIMAS) to review the current situation in the building housing both DIMAS and the Department of Labor (DAO).
Recent days have seen incidents raising concern about the working environment. Last week, several DAO employees became unwell at work, prompting a precautionary evacuation and further testing. On Tuesday morning, a strong and unpleasant odor was detected on the lower floor, causing public service staff to temporarily leave the building.
Preliminary reports from the Public Health Directorate indicate that all tests were within acceptable standards and no immediate health risk to employees or visitors was found.
Minister Dowers acknowledged the legitimacy of the employees’ concerns and emphasized that safety and well-being remain top priorities. During the meeting, he received a full briefing on the preliminary results, ongoing investigations, and the measures DIMAS is implementing to ensure a safe working environment.
The minister highlighted that various scenarios are being evaluated to minimize impact on DIMAS productivity while ensuring the public continues to receive essential services.
