WILLEMSTAD – Residents living along the Cubaweg and surrounding neighborhoods are calling on Minister of Justice Shalton Hato to shut down all night bars in the area, following a surge in violence and weekly shootings tied to the establishments.
The complaint concerns three night bars located along the Cubaweg. According to residents, from Tuesday through Sunday it has become “impossible to sleep,” due to continuous noise, crowds, and dangerous behavior.
Every night, cars and scooters race through the street, and in recent months gunfire has been heard almost weekly in front of the bars.
Violence Ranging From Assault to Murder
Residents say the area has seen repeated acts of violence, including assaults, attempted murders, a murder, and numerous car break-ins. They warn that the neighborhood is deteriorating rapidly, with bars staying open into the early morning hours.
They report that heavy drinking frequently leads to fights, gun incidents, and traffic accidents.
Police Presence Nearly Every Weekend
Residents stress that their concerns are not exaggerated. Police must intervene nearly every weekend to respond to incidents around the three bars.
They argue that the pattern is now unmistakable: disorder, violence, and sleepless nights have become a routine part of living on the Cubaweg.
Urgent Call for Closure
In a formal appeal to the minister, residents are asking for the complete closure of all three night bars before another tragedy occurs. They say only shutting the establishments will restore safety and peace in their community.
“We cannot live like this anymore,” one resident said. “We need action before someone else gets hurt.”