WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao’s Receiver of Taxes, Alfonso Trona, has broken his silence following the release of a heated recording of an argument between him and Minister of Finance Javier Silvania (MFK). In an extensive written statement, Trona said he felt compelled to speak publicly after what he called “a systematic attempt to damage my honor and reputation” through misinformation and personal attacks.
“I am not here to record polished videos to gain popularity,” Trona stated firmly referring to a video posted social media from the Minister of Finance asking for forgiveness. “I am here to tell the truth as it is. I am Alfonso Trona, the Receiver of Curaçao, entrusted with safeguarding the government’s treasury. I am not a politician — I am a civil servant.”
Trona acknowledged that his tone during the confrontation with the minister was strong but said it came after “months of pressure, humiliation, and now even attacks on my family.” He added, “If I must lose my job, so be it — but enough is enough. The people deserve to know the truth.”
Tense Work Environment at the Ministry of Finance
Trona described the current situation within the Ministry of Finance as one of “continuous fear and intimidation”, claiming that many civil servants are struggling under excessive pressure. “The average public employee at the ministry is working in an environment of constant fear,” he said. “That is harmful to morale, integrity, and the effectiveness of public administration.”
According to Trona, the tension between him and Minister Silvania has existed for some time and stems from the minister’s “personal animosity” toward him and other senior officials, including the head of the Tax Inspectorate. He also alleged that the ministry ordered a personal investigation into his private life under the false pretext of a general audit, calling it “a serious breach of trust.”
Trona said the public argument that was recorded occurred after he openly challenged attempts to intimidate him and his family. “All my actions have been in line with the law and properly documented,” he noted. “If there are investigations, they must be carried out objectively — that is the only way to improve the tax service.”
The Role and Responsibility of the Receiver
Explaining his position, Trona said the Receiver of Curaçao is the principal official responsible for collecting, managing, and overseeing all government revenues in accordance with the Comptabiliteitsverordening (Public Accounts Ordinance) and other financial regulations.
He stressed that while the Receiver operates under the Ministry of Finance, the position requires technical autonomy and professional independence to safeguard the integrity of the island’s fiscal system. “In recent years, the Receiver’s Office has consistently met or exceeded its collection targets,” Trona said. “This demonstrates effective management, strong internal controls, and consistent technical leadership.”
Call for Transparency and Legal Clarity
Trona noted that he is bound by the legal obligation of confidentiality under Article 50 of the ALL (General Tax Ordinance), which prohibits the disclosure of taxpayer or financial information without formal exemption. However, he suggested that the government consider granting him a dispensation from that secrecy clause so he can formally present all relevant facts and documents to the Council of Ministers or Parliament.
“This would clarify the facts based on documentation, prevent misinterpretations or false suspicions, and strengthen confidence within government institutions,” Trona said. “If granted legal permission, I am ready to present every document and explanation to the competent authorities.”
Commitment to Integrity and Good Governance
Trona concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the law, integrity, and good governance, emphasizing that all operational actions and administrative decisions at the Receiver’s Office are properly documented and verifiable.
He urged the government to act prudently and transparently to protect the credibility of the island’s financial institutions. “The Receiver’s Office stands ready to serve,” he said. “Our work must remain guided by professionalism, legality, and the trust of the people of Curaçao.”
