WILLEMSTAD – Opposition party MAN-PIN has voiced deep concerns about the functioning of democracy in Curaçao, warning of systemic dysfunction across critical national institutions and a worrying lack of transparency from the government.
During a press conference held yesterday, party leader Giselle Mc William and former Minister Suzy Camelia-Römer painted a stark picture of institutional silence and political imbalance, calling the current situation “a sign that our island is not functioning.”
With the government now dominated by a single ruling party, the MAN-PIN leadership emphasized the need for stronger checks and balances. “It’s not just Parliament that needs to speak up,” Camelia-Römer said, “but also the press, civil society, and business organizations. We are seeing silence from all sides.”
She pointed to the absence of regular government press briefings, a practice that was previously held weekly. “I remember how upset journalists were when, under the Rhuggenaath cabinet, they were limited to asking only two questions each. And yet now, when there are no press briefings at all, there is no protest from the media.”
Criticism of Business Sector and Legal Institutions
The party also criticized the current inactivity of the Curaçao Business Association (VBC), which they say has failed to speak out on key economic concerns. One example cited was the recent turmoil surrounding Guardian Group and comments by the Minister of Finance regarding financial issues involving a Jamaican investor.
“This kind of speculation damages public trust,” Mc William said, “and it’s the kind of situation where the VBC should be stepping up to provide clarity and stability.”
The duo also expressed concern over the functioning of the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM), claiming that a lack of personnel has resulted in critical cases being ignored or not investigated. “We plan to formally request the Minister of Justice to reinforce the OM. Justice cannot be selective or paralyzed due to capacity issues.”
Staten and Unions Also Under Fire
Camelia-Römer did not hold back her criticism of Parliament, stating bluntly, “As an institution, the Parliament is not functioning. Yes, there are some individuals doing good work, but overall, there is a disbalance. We tolerate too much — no transparency, no public information.”
She also lamented the diminished role of labor unions on the island, which she said are no longer a vocal force in social and political matters.
Warning of Dutch Intervention
In a sobering conclusion, Camelia-Römer warned that the island’s autonomy could be at risk if local governance fails to improve.
“We must not forget that we are still part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands,” she said. “If we do not ensure that our institutions and government function properly, the Netherlands will eventually intervene. That could lead to increased oversight or higher supervision. And that is exactly what we don’t want — we must protect our autonomy.”
The MAN-PIN leadership urged all sectors of society — media, business, Parliament, unions, and the justice system — to recommit to their responsibilities in order to safeguard the democratic fabric of Curaçao.
