Member of Parliament for the MEP faction and former Minister of Justice, Rocco Tjon, expressed his deep concern over the current situation in Aruba’s judicial sector. According to Tjon, the current government’s decisions to cut the justice budget are placing the country’s security and the safety of police officers themselves in great danger.
Tjon noted that a few months ago, the Public Prosecutor’s Office raised the alarm through an official letter. In this document, the entity warned that the 10% cut applied by this government to its operational budget is resulting in several investigative cases no longer being able to be carried out.
Radars out of service
One of the most critical points brought forward by Tjon is the state of the radars in Aruba, which have been completely out of operation for several months.
• 2014: The same Minister Dowers at the time dismantled and abandoned the radars.
• 2018: Under the leadership of former Minister Bikker, the radar system was reintroduced.
• Tjon’s tenure: During his term as minister, Tjon ensured the connection of the remaining radars and acquired a fourth radar, which to this day has not been installed.
Tjon recalled that in the year 2025, when the current government was already in office, the Parliamentary Justice Committee—formed by the AVP, Futuro, PPA, and MEP factions—visited the Operation Command Center in Savaneta. On that occasion, the Police Force gave a demonstration and detailed explanation of the added value these radars provide for national security and the protection of the officers themselves. At that time, the radars were operational, whereas today they are paralyzed.
No maintenance funds and lack of response
The radar project cost the nation of Aruba millions of florins. Tjon emphasized that under the previous administration, all necessary licenses and maintenance were properly taken care of. However, current budget cuts have left the system without funds to keep the radars operational.
According to information received by the MP, the Police Force has been sending official requests to the minister for months to resolve this issue, but the official gives no answer.
Tjon concluded by warning that the lack of vision and these budget cuts carry serious consequences for the control of our coasts and the security of the people of Aruba.