JVO Strengthens Cooperation to Combat Crime and Enhance Security Across the Kingdom

Minister of Justice Arthur Dowers, together with his fellow Ministers of Justice Nathalie Tackling of Sint Maarten, David van Weel of the Netherlands, and Shalten Hato of Curaçao, attended the various JVO meetings in Willemstad.

One important outcome is the 2026–2029 Action Plan on Juvenile Crime. At the initiative of Curaçao and with the support of Aruba, this issue was prominently raised during the consultations. This resulted in a concrete plan to address concerns surrounding young people becoming involved in criminal activity. The plan provides a foundation for the countries to work together in a more coordinated and effective manner to prevent and combat juvenile crime.

The countries also agreed to improve the exchange of information on designated individuals and to organize joint return operations for individuals who do not have legal status to remain on the islands.

Border Control Is a Necessity, Not an Option

Effective border control is important not only in the context of migration, but also in preventing cross-border crime and protecting the security of our countries.

Intensifying the Fight Against Organized Crime

Another important component of the joint action agreement within the JVO is the commitment to intensify efforts to combat organized crime. The goal is to prevent criminal organizations from gaining influence or control in neighborhoods, businesses, government institutions, or critical infrastructure such as ports and airports.

In addition, the countries agreed to establish and strengthen structural cooperation with partners within the Kingdom to combat arms and drug trafficking, as well as criminal organizations that undermine the authority and integrity of institutions.

The scale of the challenge is significant. In 2025, the Coast Guard intercepted more than 11,000 kilograms of drugs in territorial waters. This demonstrates the pressure that cross-border crime places on the region and underscores the need to continue investing in joint operations.

In this context, it was also agreed to further strengthen cooperation among the Coast Guard, the RST, Customs, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, and international partners.

Minister Dowers emphasized that cooperation among the countries does not diminish the individual responsibility each country has for its own justice system.

“Justice is not a responsibility of the Kingdom. We have voluntarily decided to work together because we know that we are more successful when we work together,” Minister Dowers said.

According to the Minister, cooperation is essential to achieving significant results in the field of justice. It is particularly important during the Judicial Four-Country Consultation to remain aware that the countries need one another.

What we cannot accomplish on our own, we can achieve together with our partners. The determination of those who believe in security and understand the need to work together is essential to addressing the challenges ahead.

ICT in the Justice Chain Needs to Be Improved

An important issue discussed during the consultations was the ICT infrastructure connecting law enforcement agencies across the Kingdom. There is currently considerable room for improvement, and JVO partners have expressed their dissatisfaction with the current situation.

A committee will analyze the situation and oversee the necessary improvements. Reliable and modern ICT infrastructure is essential for the exchange of information and for ensuring the effective functioning of the various services within the justice chain.

Organized Crime Requires Greater Capacity and Resources

Finally, the rising costs within the justice chain were also discussed. Criminal organizations now have substantial financial resources, while small countries, such as those in the Caribbean, must use their limited resources as efficiently as possible to effectively address these organizations.

According to Minister Dowers, this requires not only the efficient use of available resources, but also a willingness to make additional investments where necessary. In situations where additional resources are required, it will be important to convince governments of the need to make the necessary investments in order to achieve better results.

The agreements signed during the JVO reaffirm the importance of cooperation among the countries. Organized crime, drug trafficking, border control, and other modern security challenges are not confined to the borders of a single country. To address these challenges effectively, a strong exchange of information, sufficient capacity, and sustainable cooperation among partners within the Kingdom and with international partners are essential.