THE HAGUE/ORANJESTAD--The Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten have agreed to improve the exchange of information in cases of transfer of detainees within the Dutch Kingdom.
The Ministers of Justice of the four countries: Ard van der Steur of the Netherlands, Arthur Dowers of Aruba, Nelson Navarro of Curaçao and Richard Gibson of St. Maarten signed a declaration of intention in Aruba on Tuesday, during the so-called Judicial Four Party Consultation JVO.
The improving of the exchange of information is necessary where it concerns people who are the subject of criminal investigations in one or more of the countries or who are already in detention. The agreement that was signed on Tuesday facilitates the cooperation between the Public Prosecutor Offices, Police Forces and the detention facilities within the Kingdom.
The four ministers also agreed, during their one-day meeting in Aruba, to improve the exchange of knowledge and expertise for the penitentiary institutions in the three Dutch Caribbean countries. The prisons in these countries are all facing challenges.
The four countries further agreed on establishing uniform requirements for the use and application of force, means and skills for active police officers. These so-called Integral Basic Skills Trainings will give an impulse to the exchange and mutual assistance among the countries.
Also reinforced will be the joint training and education of members of the police forces in order to increase the capacity of police within the Kingdom. The JVO meeting is held twice per year and is aimed at increasing cooperation in the judicial area and to discuss common issues.
