An irresponsible statement that caused total indignation among workers!
The public debate in Parliament regarding the situation at the Korrektie Instituut Aruba (KIA) showed two clear realities. On one hand, an alarming security crisis at the prison requiring immediate action; on the other, a plan for a new prison for 2028 that has yet to be converted into concrete decisions. Parliament is not asking for more recognition of the problems; it is asking for leadership, clarity, and a timeline the people of Aruba can count on.
For this reason, the MEP faction presented two crucial motions in Parliament to send the responsible minister back to the Council of Ministers to secure the necessary funds and concretize immediate decisions. Regrettably, neither motion was approved, leaving the workers without the direct solutions they needed this week.
Great disappointment with Minister Dowers KIA workers, who followed the meeting closely, were extremely disappointed with Minister Dowers’ response. The minister stated that the solution right now is to “live with the reality,” a stance that caused indignation. Workers, expecting a rescue plan and short-term solutions, cannot accept that the mandated official’s answer is simply to conform to the dangerous daily situation.
Where is the transition plan for 2026, 2027, and 2028? The MEP faction strongly questioned the lack of a concrete transition plan. Although Minister Dowers presented a structural UNOPS plan for a $119 million prison for 2028, the reality is that Aruba is already halfway through 2026 and nothing has been concretized to stop the current crisis. A future prison does not provide protection to personnel on duty today: a study does not cover holes in walls, a long-term vision does not replace a missing scanner, and a plan for tomorrow does not give the K9 department the vehicle they need today.
Deplorable working conditions Denunciations from KIA workers regarding deteriorating walls, structurally weak areas covered with plywood, and shortages of personnel and materials must be addressed urgently. A government is not elected to explain what others failed to do in the last seven years, but to solve the crises that exist now!
Serious questioning of ‘Good Governance’ The situation regarding the prison scanner, which is currently non-functional, raises serious questions about good governance. If an “emergency” arose because a lease expired or contracts were not signed, this is an administrative emergency with direct political responsibility attached to the minister. The MEP faction reminded the minister that Parliament demanded all structural documentation regarding the scanner within 14 days, including risk analyses, contracts, invoices, and functioning plans. To this day, Parliament has received absolutely nothing.
Urgent action for KIA The MEP faction concluded by emphasizing that KIA workers are not asking for luxury, but safe working conditions, adequate materials, a properly equipped K9 team, and sufficient protection. While work can be done simultaneously on a new prison for the future, the government’s current responsibility is to protect the human beings entering KIA every day. Their safety cannot wait for another announcement; KIA needs action today.