The Netherlands is intensifying its efforts to combat serious crime in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel outlined the expanded strategy in a progress report submitted to the Tweede Kamer. The initiative aims to reduce “high impact crimes,” with Van Weel noting that security developments in the Caribbean have a direct influence on cities in the Netherlands.
Cooperation is being strengthened within the existing framework of justice and security between the countries and islands. The primary focus of the approach is on the prevention of criminality, the protection of potential victims, and the reduction of recidivism. To support these goals, the Netherlands is providing assistance to local initiatives and offering training to organizations and businesses to enhance their professionalism.
A key component of the plan involves the implementation of preventive programs for young people. This includes the “Alleen jij bepaalt wie je bent” program, the Leerorkest, and the deployment of reintegration officers to guide ex-prisoners during their return to society. The “Alleen jij bepaalt wie je bent” initiative is currently active in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Scientific research cited in the Minister’s report shows that participants of this program come into contact with the police up to two times less frequently and are convicted three times less often than young people who do not participate.
Van Weel explained that the decision to reinforce cooperation is based on the reality that issues regarding suspects and delinquents from the Caribbean Netherlands also manifest in major Dutch cities. Therefore, the Minister views investment in combating serious crime on the islands as a shared interest for the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands.
