WILLEMSTAD — Ongoing problems at the Sentro di Detenshon i Korekshon Kòrsou (SDKK) prison have once again sparked concerns among staff, prompting them to file formal complaints with labor unions. According to Gregory Wilson of the ABVO union, many of the issues raised have remained unresolved for over a decade. 

The complaints focus on several persistent problems: a chronic shortage of staff, safety concerns for prison employees, unfilled vacancies, and a lack of financial resources. On Tuesday, representatives from the ABVO union met with the acting Secretary-General of the Ministry of Justice to discuss the deteriorating situation at the prison. 

Wilson cited examples of prison employees being forced to perform duties outside of their official job descriptions due to staffing shortages. “For years, staff have gone above and beyond to keep the institution running. Yet now they are being told that they are not qualified to officially hold certain positions within the prison,” Wilson said. He emphasized that this situation is unacceptable for ABVO. 

The union is now demanding urgent action from the Ministry to resolve the longstanding structural and financial issues that continue to undermine both the wellbeing of prison staff and the functioning of the facility.