Justice for our livestock farmers
Enough with the theft of livestock
An incident recently occurred that raised concern in our community, where a kunuku (farm) owner surprised individuals who, according to available information, were allegedly involved in an attempted theft of an animal from his land. It was also noted with great concern that in this case, the livestock farmer was detained due to the mistreatment of the animal thief.
This event has generated widespread reaction within the agricultural sector and among livestock farmers, who are expressing their growing anxiety regarding the feeling of insecurity in rural areas and the perception that the protection of their property is not always effective.
Member of Parliament for the MFK faction in the Parliament of Curaçao, Mr. Juniël Carolina, gives a clear message to all farmers and livestock breeders in Curaçao: “Your concern is legitimate, and your voice is being heard in Parliament.”
In the same breath, Mr. Carolina emphasizes that all forms of violence are rejected. Mr. Carolina points out that all matters must be handled within the framework of law and justice. However, Mr. Carolina demonstrates understanding for the frustration that many farmers feel when they see the fruits of their hard work, sacrifice, and investment repeatedly affected by livestock thieves and vandalism to their properties.
Using Article 96A of the Rules of Order of Parliament, Mr. Carolina, in a letter to the President of the Parliament of Curaçao, has requested a question hour, featuring a series of sharp questions directed at the Minister of Justice. The questions focus on the real magnitude of the problem, the number of registered cases, the penalties imposed, the available prevention measures, and the possibility of strengthening patrolling and control in rural areas and roads where livestock theft is frequent.
Mr. Carolina also wants to know if the government is willing to evaluate modern measures, such as broader registration and identification of animals through microchipping or other systems that can help protect owners and facilitate investigations.
Livestock theft is not only a crime against property. It is also an attack on the livelihood of families who depend on livestock farming and agricultural work to sustain themselves. Therefore, the government must treat this problem with the seriousness it deserves, Mr. Carolina states. “MFK will not let the agricultural sector’s struggle go unnoticed. We will continue to insist on concrete measures to increase security, strengthen control, and guarantee that farmers and livestock breeders can feel better protected,” MP Juniël Carolina points out.
“When thieves lose their fear, honest people lose confidence; that is why the law must protect those who work,” Mr. Carolina concludes.