WILLEMSTAD - The officers working at the Curaçao Customs Corps have met today about the dissatisfaction among the employees. There are several serious issues that require immediate attention, said the customs officers. For example, promotions are delayed and there is a staff shortage. In addition, payments are not made to customs officers who carry out extra work or who perform task that are way above their rank.
The staff shortage has increased because employees have taken early retirement. As a result, the workload for the employees left behind increases. The tasks of a so-called head clerk are carried out for years by a group of clerks. They should receive allowances for this, but they have not been paid for years.
The union has been unable to meet with the Minister of Finance Javier Silvania. He speaks twice a week with the Corps, but not with the Union. As an excuse, the customs officers are told that he has no time because of the current negotiations regarding the Caribbean Organ for Reform and Development (COHO). ABVO board member Raymond Margaritha says that this must change.
“The customs corps is one of the most important organizations. The employees are motivated, especially the group that has been performing higher-ranking activities for years, but are not paid extra for it,” says Margaritha.
The government complains about a lack of funds. According to the board member, it is also important for the government if customs can perform their tasks accordingly, as it is one of the most important sources of income for the government.