WILLEMSTAD – The Council of Advice of Curaçao (RvA) has issued sharp criticism of a government proposal to raise the maximum salaries of medical specialists above the ceiling set by the National Ordinance on Capping Top Incomes (LNT). The objections were outlined in a formal letter sent to Governor Lucille George-Wout.

According to the Council, the government’s plan lacks a mandatory review by the Government Accountants Bureau (SOAB). Furthermore, a legally required body that must be consulted on the matter has still not been established, raising concerns that the decision could be in violation of the law.

The government argues that higher salaries for specialists are urgently needed to retain expertise within the healthcare system. As justification, it refers to a comparative study suggesting the increases are warranted. However, the Council points out it is unclear whether similar studies were conducted for other top-level positions, which could open the door to legal challenges based on the principle of equal treatment.

The RvA also criticized the government’s explanatory note, stating that it focuses too heavily on internal challenges at the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) and fails to adequately justify why medical specialists, in particular, should be granted an exception.

The Council has advised the government to strengthen its explanatory note, seek the required SOAB review, and ensure all legal procedures are properly followed before moving forward with the proposal.