As part of his official working visit to Aruba, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, accompanied by Aruba’s Minister of Justice, Arthur Dowers, visited the Aruba Correctional Facility (KIA) in Santo di Patia.
During the visit, KIA Director Erik Teepe led the delegation on a tour through several areas of the facility. Prime Minister Schoof was presented with a stark view of the severely deteriorated conditions in which the center currently operates. He observed the urgent need for investment in infrastructure, security, and the well-being of both inmates and staff—areas essential for Aruba to meet international standards for modern correctional institutions.
Justice Minister Arthur Dowers expressed deep concern over the state of the facility. He noted that KIA is now in significantly worse condition than it was 15 years ago, during his previous tenure as Minister of Justice. According to Dowers, the current situation stems from years of poor management, lack of vision, and indifference—particularly troubling given that the former Justice Minister previously served as KIA’s director and was well aware of the facility’s challenges and needs.
The visit offered a clear and sobering look at the urgent reforms required to restore KIA to its intended role as a functional and humane correctional institution. The current government, led by a cabinet committed to integrity, humanity, and justice, has pledged to take the necessary steps to improve conditions and work toward a sustainable, long-term solution.
