WILLEMSTAD – The Government of Curaçao has held consultations with the ABVO labor union to address concerns related to the current situation at the Fire Department. The meeting took place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, between Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, acting in his capacity as Minister of Justice, and representatives of the ABVO.
The talks followed an urgent request submitted by the union on Friday, January 16, seeking discussions with the Ministry of Justice on several issues raised by its members. Due to parliamentary and other official obligations, the prime minister had not been able to meet earlier, but did so this week. According to the government, the meeting took place in a constructive and respectful atmosphere, with open dialogue at its core.
Progress at the Fire Department
During the meeting, the government highlighted the progress made by Brandweer Curaçao throughout 2025. The Fire Department handled a total of 951 incidents during the year, including firefighting operations, technical assistance, and support at traffic accidents.
To strengthen operational capacity, the Fire Department recruited additional personnel, including prevention officers and emergency dispatch staff, helping to reduce workload and improve community outreach. Funding was also allocated for the reconstruction of several fire stations, while procurement procedures were launched for three fire engines, one rescue vehicle, and one tanker. Investments were further made in equipment and organizational expansion.
A new training facility was opened to enhance preparedness, and firefighters participated in various local and international training programs to strengthen professional expertise.
Focus on Prevention
The Fire Department’s Prevention Unit also expanded its activities. In 2025, it carried out a fire safety and disaster awareness campaign, distributing approximately 500 smoke detectors across the community. In addition, multidisciplinary inspections were conducted and more than 400 advisory opinions were issued in support of permit applications, aimed at improving overall safety and prevention.
According to the government, these achievements reflect the dedication and professionalism of the Fire Department, and the Pisas III Cabinet remains committed to supporting its continued development in the interest of public safety.
Union Concerns and Follow-Up
During the consultation, ABVO raised three main concerns: the exclusion of staff from overtime after attending union meetings, office personnel performing standby duties, and unresolved correspondence from 2021 and 2023 addressed to the union by then Minister of Justice Shalten Hato and by Prime Minister Pisas in his previous role as Minister of Justice.
The issues were discussed in detail, and several agreements were reached between the union and the Fire Department’s management to improve cooperation and ensure effective organizational functioning. One issue, along with the 2023 correspondence, requires further clarification.
As a result, the prime minister has invited ABVO to a follow-up meeting within a week, during which the Minister of Justice will also be present to fully address the outstanding matters.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing dialogue with labor unions and to working toward sustainable solutions in the interest of Fire Department personnel and the wider community.