WILLEMSTAD - Minister of Governance, Planning and Public Service (BPD) Kimberly Lew-Jen-Tai has acknowledged that civil servants are afraid of intimidation and political pressure, yet she was unable to cite a single investigation, complaint, or disciplinary action. Her statements come in written answers submitted to Parliament, where several parties have repeatedly demanded clarity and better protection for government employees.
Although the minister stresses that intimidation “is not tolerated,” she also states that her ministry will not take action unless a formal complaint is filed. According to Members of Parliament, that is precisely the problem: civil servants do not dare to report misconduct out of fear of repercussions.
Protection Systems Still Not in Place
The Integrity Bureau—intended to independently receive and investigate reports—is still not operational. Lew-Jen-Tai says its establishment “has recently been resumed.” A whistleblower regulation has been included in the law for years, but was never implemented. A proposal is expected to reach Parliament only in 2026, leaving structural protection out of reach for now.
All ministries are currently conducting a baseline assessment of staff knowledge of integrity rules. Results are expected at the end of November or beginning of December. The minister says she will set her priorities only after reviewing these findings, meaning further action is delayed once again.
Key Question Remains Unanswered
Lew-Jen-Tai points to existing codes of conduct within the civil service but reiterates that no investigation begins without a formal complaint. How civil servants—who fear retaliation and therefore avoid filing complaints—will be protected remains unanswered.
As a result, concerns continue to grow that political pressure on civil servants may persist without effective safeguards or independent oversight.