Reporting misconduct in Caribbean Netherlands? Your signal gets lost somewhere between The Hague and the island

KRALENDIJK – Civil society organisations in the Caribbean Netherlands are in need of authorities that actually follow up on reports of misconduct. Not more reporting hotlines, but an end to the passing of signals back and forth between the islands and The Hague, that is what Transparency International Netherlands argues is needed.

The organisation bases this conclusion on conversations with twelve representatives of civil society organisations and other individuals involved. Two participants chose to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the discussions.

In the report, many of those interviewed cite patronage, nepotism and a culture of silence as major obstacles to good governance and a safe reporting culture. According to them, residents often do not dare to report misconduct out of fear of dismissal, social exclusion or other reprisals.

Without consequence

The organisations say they are generally well acquainted with the existing reporting channels. They raise issues not only locally, but also with the National Office Caribbean Netherlands, the Kingdom Representative, ministries in The Hague, politicians and sometimes international organisations. Yet they find that their signals frequently go without any visible follow-up.

According to those interviewed, responsibility is regularly passed on. The Caribbean Netherlands refers to The Hague, while The Hague, in their view, points back to the islands. This creates frustration, especially regarding issues that have already been publicly discussed for some time.

Transparency International Netherlands therefore advocates for structural dialogue between government and civil society organisations. The organisation also recommends improving whistleblower protections, making legal support more accessible for citizens, and exploring how elements of whistleblower legislation can be introduced on the islands.

Island-wide organisation

A central recommendation is the establishment of an independent, island-wide organisation or network dedicated to integrity, transparency and good governance in the Caribbean Netherlands. This organisation must be rooted locally, while remaining sufficiently independent from political and administrative networks.

The report emphasises that this is an exploratory study. The conversations do not provide a representative picture of the entire population, but according to Transparency International Netherlands they do demonstrate that civil society organisations play an important role in bringing persistent problems to light.

• Read the report by Transparency International here