KRALENDIJK – Law enforcement on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba is under sustained pressure and, without far-reaching reinforcement, is not fit for the future. This is the conclusion of the Law Enforcement Council in the new State of Law Enforcement Caribbean Netherlands 2025, published in May 2026.
The Council notes that the Ministry of Justice and Security (JenV) endorses the earlier findings and is taking steps, but that on crucial points sufficiently concrete measures are still not visible. As a result, the risk remains that structural problems will only be partially or too slowly resolved.
Population growth adds further pressure
The continued population growth on Bonaire is placing additional strain on law enforcement. Immigration, increasing tourism, inadequate infrastructure and insufficient social services are causing societal shifts that also affect the security chain.
Police force and prison facing shortages
The Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN) has been receiving temporary support from the National Police and the Royal Marechaussee (KMar) since February 2025. That cooperation has been extended until early 2027. The Council states that structural support is needed and will continue to be needed, despite efforts to bring the force up to full strength.
The Caribbean Netherlands Custodial Institution (JICN) is also facing capacity issues. Temporary measures have partially eased the pressure, but a structural solution is still under development.
Concerns over youth and forensic care
The Council expresses concern over a worrying rise in violence and crime among young people on the BES islands. At the same time, an adequate system of forensic care is lacking, which poses serious security risks.
A strategic security issue for the Kingdom
The Council emphasises that protecting the rule of law in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom is no longer solely a matter of local governance, but a strategic security issue for the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The Council urgently calls on the ministers to sustainably strengthen justice organisations in financial, organisational and capacity terms, and to swiftly translate policy intentions into concrete measures with clear deadlines.
Read the report here: 2025 — State of Law Enforcement Caribbean Netherlands
