WILLEMSTAD - Member of Parliament Ruisandro Cijntje (PNP) has submitted a formal letter to Prime Minister Gilmar “Pik” Pisas demanding urgent clarification regarding the government’s continued support for Minister of Finance and Health Javier Silvania (MFK). The move follows the circulation of a leaked audio recording on social media in which Silvania can allegedly be heard verbally abusing civil servants, making threatening remarks, and accusing senior tax officials of corruption.

In the strongly worded letter, dated October 2, 2025, Cijntje accuses the Pisas III Cabinet of failing to act against a minister who, according to him, has repeatedly displayed “unacceptable behavior.” He calls the incident “a national embarrassment” and poses 22 questions to the Prime Minister about the government’s stance, accountability, and the example being set for Curaçao’s citizens.

“A Disgrace to the Nation”

Cijntje refers to the recording, in which Minister Silvania allegedly tells a senior tax official that he “could have a heart attack” and boasts that he “has more power than the Prime Minister or the Council of Ministers.” In the same recording, Silvania reportedly accuses the head of the Tax Office of accepting bribes but has not filed any formal complaint.

“The fact that a minister would wish death upon a citizen and insult his subordinates is deeply shameful,” Cijntje wrote. “This recording reveals not only a total lack of respect toward civil servants but also toward the people of Curaçao, who place their trust in their government institutions.”

Cijntje further warned that such behavior could have a damaging impact on Curaçao’s youth. “If we do not act now, this kind of behavior will become the new norm in our country. When young people begin to imitate this kind of attitude toward their teachers or leaders, we cannot be surprised when respect disappears.”

Questions for Prime Minister Pisas

In his letter, Cijntje challenges Prime Minister Pisas to clarify whether his government continues to support Minister Silvania, despite the repeated controversies surrounding his conduct. Among the key questions posed:

Does the Pisas III Cabinet approve of Minister Silvania’s behavior? 

What is the Prime Minister’s position on the leaked recording in which the minister can be heard making threats? 

What actions will be taken regarding the serious corruption allegations Silvania made against the head of the Tax Department? 

Has the Prime Minister been previously informed of these accusations, and if so, what steps were taken? 

How will the government ensure that the accused official receives a fair process? 

What measures will be taken to prevent further intimidation of public servants? 

Does the Prime Minister agree that Silvania’s behavior sends a negative message to the youth and international community? 

Is the Prime Minister aware that Minister Silvania has referred to himself as being “more powerful than the Prime Minister”?

Given Silvania’s previous controversial incidents — including public insults toward former Prime Minister and current Minister of State Maria Liberia-Peters — does the Prime Minister still consider him fit to serve?

Cijntje also reminded Pisas that just two months ago he had publicly promised that Curaçao would see a “different attitude” from Minister Silvania. “Is this the behavior you referred to?” Cijntje asked pointedly.

“Leadership Is Now in Question”

The PNP parliamentarian concluded by warning that if the Prime Minister continues to remain silent or fails to act, his leadership itself will be in doubt.

“If the Prime Minister and his cabinet wish the people of Curaçao to believe that he is truly in control of this government, then now is the moment to bring Minister Silvania to order,” Cijntje wrote. “The people and the civil service deserve reassurance that they will no longer be intimidated by him.”

The letter ends with an appeal for transparency:

“As a member of Parliament representing the people who voted for us, I urge the Prime Minister to respond as soon as possible to these questions. Curaçao deserves clarity, accountability, and leadership.”

The Pisas III government has not yet issued an official response to Cijntje’s letter.