WILLEMSTAD - The government must pay 538,039 guilders to fireworks importer Alivio BV. The judge determined this on November 22 as compensation for the damage caused by the theft of fireworks from the container in the Kruithuis.
The judge also ordered the government to pay financing costs, costs incurred to determine the damage and liability, the extrajudicial and legal costs.
During the trial there was a discussion about the number of fireworks that had been stolen. Wiek Herben, lawyer for Alivio, said 22,682 pieces were stolen. The State indicated that this number was incorrect. The judge assumed 14,368 pieces.
According to Herben, the costs amount to 538,459 guilders. According to the State, this is based on 22,682 pieces and not 14,368 pieces. The judge indicates that the calculated and claimed damage amount of 538,459 guilders must be reduced by an amount of 420 guilders. The decorative fireworks were not present in the container. This resulted in the claim being awarded for an amount of 538,039.