WILLEMSTAD - On Tuesday, December 1, the Curaçao parliament will discuss the controversial emergency law, which is officially called state ordinance on an exceptional situation. Previously, the treatment was postponed due to protests, meanwhile the government has partly amended the law.
The second memorandum of amendment states that fundamental rights such as freedom of the printing press, inviolability of the home and the confidentiality of letters can only be restricted by means of a national decree. This is to prevent a minister from abusing the emergency law for other purposes. This was explained by the President of Parliament Ana-Maria Pauletta.
The concerns and protests in the Curaçao community because people are afraid of losing their freedoms is justified, says political scientist, Professor Gilbert Cijntje. "But a law that prescribes the exceptional circumstances what may or may not happen in a country is necessary."
What does the emergency law mean?
The new emergency legislation includes laws and regulations that come into effect during emergencies, such as during a pandemic. These are emergency laws that are ready-to-use, to be used quickly in special situations. Emergency regulations that are made at the last minute (such as a curfew) also fall under the national ordinance.
“A self-respecting country must have legislation that can be used in exceptional circumstances, as stated in our state regulations. But this law has been drawn up too generally,” Cijntje criticizes.
There has been a lot of fuss about the new emergency law. For example, the protest group Rosea di Pueblo organizes actions. The protest group previously held two events in the city center. The changes to the law are still not enough to stop their protests. They want more explanation from the government, says spokesman Yolanda Faneyt.
In the meantime, the government has started an information campaign. Justice Minister Quincy Girigorie says that because of the pandemic, the people have not been sufficiently informed and that is why there has been a stir.