WILLEMSTAD – Former politician Alex Rosaria has voiced strong criticism of the Curaçao Audit Chamber (Kontraloria General), accusing the institution of ignoring serious allegations against its newly appointed chairperson. The controversy stems from investigative reports by Follow the Money, which linked the chairperson to an alleged online gambling syndicate.
Despite the allegations, the Audit Chamber has consistently defended itself by stating that all procedures were properly followed, suggesting that, procedurally, nothing is wrong. But Rosaria says that is precisely the problem.
“Integrity Is About More Than Just Rules”
Rosaria, a former leader of the opposition party PAIS, former Minister of Finance, and a former official with the United Nations, has in recent years become a prominent public voice on issues of good governance and institutional integrity in Curaçao.
In this case, he argues, the Audit Chamber fails to understand that integrity is not solely about following the rules but about upholding public trust through values and ethical standards—particularly for a high-level state institution.
“There seems to be a complete lack of understanding that doubt about the chairperson’s integrity, which the Audit Chamber has never addressed substantively, undermines the institution,” said Rosaria. “This isn’t just about the Audit Chamber; it applies equally to the Council of Advice, the Council of Ministers, Parliament, and the entire public sector.”
Institutional Credibility at Risk
Rosaria emphasized that countries which have advanced economically and democratically have done so by investing in their institutions. This includes funding improvements in transparency, automation, and accountability, but most importantly, by putting the right people in the right positions.
“With mediocre individuals or people whose integrity is under scrutiny, you cannot move forward,” he stressed.
In a previous report, Follow the Money had exposed alleged ties between the Audit Chamber’s new chairperson and illegal online casinos operating from Curaçao. The news triggered outrage among critics, but no formal response has been issued addressing the substance of those claims.
“Democracy Depends on People, Not Just Structures”
Rosaria concluded that the quality of a democracy depends less on the structure itself and more on the quality and integrity of the people who manage it.
“But we continue to ignore this and pretend that nothing is wrong,” he said.
As calls for accountability grow, the Audit Chamber’s silence on the matter risks further eroding public trust in one of Curaçao’s key oversight bodies.
