With the swearing-in of Edson Kirindongo as Minister of Justice on Tuesday, the William Marlin Cabinet is finally at full strength. This means that Finance Minister Richard Gibson, who is also acting
Justice Minister, will now be able to concentrate on the country’s considerable budgetary challenges.
Moreover, police personnel and their union NAPB have been anxiously awaiting the appointment, because there are a number of pending issues related to the officers’ legal position and benefits considered urgent. That it took longer than expected due to Kirindongo’s national decree still having to be finalised is almost ironic, because it illustrates the kind of procedural delays that regrettably continue to exist in such governmental processes.
In that sense Kirindongo obviously very much needs to hit the ground running, whereby his vast law enforcement experience ought to suit him. He was reportedly well-respected by those under his command as Head of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, which is why few could understand efforts apparently being made by the head office in Willemstad to remove him from his most recent post starting at the end of 2013.
It must be said, the Coast Guard has seen its share of controversy particularly in Curaçao, where one former and three present employees are currently suspected of drug-trafficking and money-laundering (see related story). This has even led to holding off on plans to arm the officers there so they can defend themselves and their families after working hours.
However, no such problems were reported in St. Maarten or Aruba for that matter. Whatever the reason for Kirindongo’s past troubles, it apparently didn’t hamper his screening as ministerial candidate either, which should effectively put to rest any possible remaining doubts.
Congratulations and best wishes are in order for the new minister, along with a word of advice not to become too frustrated by the sheer magnitude of the task ahead. After all, Rome wasn’t built in one day.
