WILLEMSTAD – Former Member of Parliament Ana-Maria Pauletta (PAR) has expressed concern over the ongoing corruption investigation within the Ministry of Traffic, Transport, and Spatial Planning (VVRP). According to Pauletta, discontent with alleged corrupt practices runs not only among external contractors but also within the ministry's own ranks. VVRP Minister Charles Cooper (MFK), meanwhile, says he will calmly await the outcome and refuses to speculate. 

Pauletta had previously questioned the minister in a parliamentary meeting late last year about two letters related to a procurement process that raised suspicions of corruption. 

On Tuesday, the Landsrecherche Curaçao (National Criminal Investigation Department) arrested several individuals in connection with the corruption probe at the ministry’s Public Works Implementation Office (UOOW). During house searches, various items were seized. 

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) emphasized the importance of integrity in public administration, stating that official corruption is a serious threat to public trust. “That is why this case is being treated as a priority,” the OM said. It remains unclear whether the letters mentioned by Pauletta are part of the investigation. 

Pauletta said she spoke with VVRP staff at the time. “They are fed up with this kind of behavior,” she stated. During the budget debate on December 9, she confronted Minister Cooper about the 2022 Life Extension project, citing two letters showing that submitted bids failed to meet the tender requirements and should have been disqualified. According to sources, the first letter—which disqualified certain bidders—was withdrawn under pressure but had already been sent to the minister. The second letter, a revised version, suggested excluding specific companies and asked the minister to make a decision. 

Despite the concerns, contracts were eventually awarded to two contractors who, according to the letters, did not meet the criteria. This was done per the minister’s instructions. 

During the meeting, Minister Cooper denied the existence of the letters, prompting Pauletta to present them to Parliament. “It was clear to me that he knew exactly what I was talking about. He appeared visibly nervous,” she said. However, her motion did not pass. 

When asked why she didn’t file a formal complaint, Pauletta said: “The Public Prosecutor’s Office was becoming politically influenced at the time, and I didn’t want to go down that path.” She added that other complaints had already been filed and expressed hope the OM was listening to the parliamentary debate. 

Minister Cooper issued a brief statement, saying he is awaiting the investigation’s outcome and will not engage in speculation. “My response is simple: Let the OM and the Landsrecherche do their job. I will not participate in rumors or speculation,” Cooper said. 

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests have not been ruled out.