WILLEMSTAD – On Thursday morning, Curaçao’s Parliament will hold a question hour in the plenary hall at Wilhelminaplein, addressing two pressing issues: the fire safety of the newly renovated tax office on Regentesselaan and the level of public trust in the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM).

The first agenda point focuses on the tax office, which was heavily damaged by arson in 2019 and has since undergone extensive reconstruction. Justice Minister Shalten Hato (MFK) will brief lawmakers on the building’s compliance with safety standards. According to the ministry, the renovated facility now meets “virtually all” fire safety requirements.

However, opposition voices remain skeptical. PAR parliamentarian Quincy Girigorie has raised concerns based on a fire department report, questioning whether the building still falls short in critical areas such as emergency exits, compartmentalization, sprinkler systems, and certified fire alarm installations.

The second topic will examine public trust in the Public Prosecutor’s Office, focusing on whether justice officials are acting with sufficient transparency and what measures are being taken to improve public confidence. The debate comes at a sensitive time, as Curaçao strengthens its cooperation with the Netherlands on protecting the rule of law and tackling organized crime.

Minister Hato is expected to outline steps the government is taking to improve accountability and enhance integrity within the Prosecutor’s Office.

The issues were formally placed on the parliamentary agenda following petitions filed by MPs Quincy Girigorie on September 12 and Giselle McWilliam (MAN-PIN) on September 15.