SXMElections.com

Curaçao policeman Xavier de Windt was sentenced to eight years in prison and forbidden to execute the profession for 10 years. He had admitted providing confidential information against payment of NAf. 50,000 that he himself received from a Security Service employee to criminals in the deadly gang-related shooting at Hato Airport on July 15 last year.

The same officer also confessed to stealing two police radios with the intention to offer them for sale to a local radio journalist. He used his dire financial situation and high debts as excuses, but bought a car from the first 35,000 guilders paid to him after the fatal “hit” he helped orchestrate.

Interestingly, the defendant’s lawyer, while acknowledging he had done wrong, said it did not really feel that way because so many colleagues showed the same or comparable behaviour. “The function of police official in Curaçao for a long time already is no longer a guarantee for intelligence, stability, trustworthiness and integrity,” she added.

“The prevailing corps culture is what made my client a rotten apple. The entire bushel is rotting, so you can’t blame the individual apple. With criminal youths from your neighbourhood who you have known your whole life, as well-intended young officer you must be very strong indeed.”

It’s an understandable argument, but at the same time disconcerting. After all, St. Maarten too has seen its share of scandals involving high-ranking police officers and other police personnel, the latest of which regarded the vote-buying case.

In the early 1990s several integrity inquiries took place within law enforcement of the – now dismantled – Netherlands Antilles. Also the local – then Windward Islands – Police Force was subjected to such an exercise.

With all that has happened since, one would have to conclude that meaningful improvement of the situation did not happen overnight and is in fact very much a work in progress. The proposed new Chief Commissioner Carl John is in any case known as a no-nonsense type who undoubtedly will tackle whatever transgressions and inappropriate actions may still be taking place within the corps.

As stated earlier, it’s very important that the Police Force continues to inspire confidence among the population, so it also can keep counting on the public’s much-needed support.