WILLEMSTAD – The opposition party PAR is demanding urgent answers from Justice Minister Shalten Hato over serious concerns about fire safety at the new Tax Office building on Regentesselaan.

In a formal letter to Parliament President Fergino Brownbill, PAR faction leader Quincy Girigorie invoked Article 96A of the Rules of Order to request a special Question Hour with the minister. Girigorie cited a recent report from outgoing Fire Chief Jair Tromp, which concluded that the building does not meet several essential fire safety standards. The report strongly advised against using the facility until crucial adjustments are made.

Despite this warning, the building was opened to the public in August. Girigorie described the situation as “remarkable and deeply troubling,” noting that the government appears unwilling to follow the same safety regulations it expects citizens to comply with.

In his letter, Girigorie posed ten pointed questions to Minister Hato, asking for guarantees that the building is equipped with an up-to-date fire alarm system, certified in accordance with international standards (NEN 2535), adequate fire compartments or sprinklers, sufficient fire hoses and extinguishers, properly reinforced separation walls, and clearly marked and lit escape routes. He also requested confirmation that a complete evacuation plan has been developed and implemented, and that the Fire Department has received an official action plan to address its recommendations.

Girigorie further questioned how the government could authorize the opening of the building on August 22 if these fire safety measures were not in place. “It would be highly regrettable if ministers once again interfere with the work of safety officials, thereby putting employees and visitors of the Tax Office at risk,” he wrote.

The PAR leader emphasized that the matter requires immediate clarification to ensure the safety of staff, the public, and to reaffirm the government’s responsibility to uphold its own safety regulations.

The Justice Minister has not yet responded publicly to the concerns.