JVO Wraps Up with Kingdom agreements on coast guard, detention, investigations, data Sharing, and youth crime prevention

GREAT BAY--The Judicial Four-Party Consultation (JVO) concluded on St. Maarten on January 16, 2026, with the four Kingdom justice ministers reaching a series of concrete agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation across detention reform, law enforcement, border management, youth crime prevention, data sharing, and the fight against organized and undermining crime.

Among the principal outcomes, the ministers approved the Judicial Policy Plan for the Caribbean Coast Guard (2026–2029), renewed the Taskforce on Detention with an updated mandate and work program, and adopted the 2026 Joint Investigation Cooperation Plan and RST Budget Framework (2027–2030) to reinforce investigative coordination. The ministers also endorsed a regional framework to combat organized and undermining crime, introduced the Judicial Balance Monitor to assess capacity within justice services, and supported a six-pillar approach to youth crime prevention focused on early intervention and rehabilitation.

Countries also advanced discussions on modernizing detention and forensic care systems, acknowledging existing capacity limitations while reaffirming continued collaboration. Progress was further recorded on harmonizing data protection and information exchange, reflecting a shared commitment to translate dialogue into practical steps and sustainable reform across the justice chain.

The semi-annual JVO was hosted by the Ministry of Justice of St. Maarten and brought together the Minister of Justice and Security of the Netherlands, Mr. Foort van Oosten, the Minister of Justice of Aruba, Mr. Arthur Dowers, the Acting Minister of Justice of Curaçao, Mr. Charles Cooper, and the Minister of Justice of St. Maarten, Ms. Nathalie Tackling. The consultation was held from January 14–16, 2026 and included both technical and strategic sessions.

This year’s JVO was conducted in a newly revised format, with the introduction of a strategic session and a full day dedicated to reflection, forward planning, and open dialogue on shared Kingdom priorities. Minister Tackling said the strategic component was deliberately introduced to create space for deeper discussion alongside operational matters, strengthening coordination, anticipating emerging risks, and ensuring decisions remain both practical and forward-looking. The ministers agreed to continue this strategic session in future JVOs, noting that the traditional two-day format and extensive agenda limited opportunities for more comprehensive exchanges on selected priority themes.

Curaçao announced that it will host the next JVO from September 1–3, 2026, and indicated that the revised structure will again include space for strategic discussion among ministers.

Site visits and bilateral engagements

During JVO week, Minister van Oosten and his delegation toured the Point Blanche Prison with Minister Tackling and met with the Prison Director to discuss challenges. UNOPS Head of Program William Squier presented an update on the new prison construction, outlining how the project is expected to address long-standing challenges and set new standards for humane and secure detention.

The Dutch minister also visited the St. Maarten Coast Guard Station, where the ministers discussed strengthening maritime enforcement and regional coordination.

All four ministers also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new prison facility, described as a milestone within the broader Detention Sector Reform Program. While not part of the formal JVO agenda, their attendance was presented as a symbol of shared commitment among Kingdom partners to strengthen and modernize the justice system.

A week of exchange

The week also included a Welcome Reception and Cultural Night, providing delegates the opportunity to experience St. Maarten’s culture while allowing for informal exchanges.

Reflecting on the week, the ministers of Aruba, Curaçao, and the Netherlands described the meetings as productive and constructive, thanked Minister Tackling for chairing the sessions, and cited the smooth organization of the consultation. Minister Tackling expressed her gratitude to her counterparts and delegations for their openness and constructive engagement, and said the decisions taken this week will shape justice systems across the Kingdom, including capacity building, youth prevention, data security, and regional coordination.

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