WILLEMSTAD – Ben Whiteman has officially stepped down as political leader of the Pueblo Soberano party. In a letter dated June 3 addressed to party members and supporters, Whiteman announced that his health has forced him to immediately withdraw from active political duties within the party. 

Whiteman revealed that he had neglected his health over the past year due to intense political activity. In mid-May, he was rushed to the hospital and underwent intensive treatment, which concluded on May 27. He is currently in recovery and receiving care from district nursing services and outpatient specialists. 

Bernard Whiteman has long been a key figure in Curaçao’s political landscape. Following the assassination of party leader Helmin Wiels, he repeatedly assumed leadership roles within Pueblo Soberano, including that of political leader and party chairman. He also served as a Member of Parliament, Minister of Health, Environment and Nature, and was Prime Minister of Curaçao from 2015 to 2017. 

In consultation with his family, Whiteman has decided to step down entirely from his positions in the party, including that of acting chairman. “The party is bigger than me,” he wrote. “It is now time to make way for new leadership and ensure a proper transfer of responsibilities.” 

He is calling on party members to convene as soon as possible to begin the leadership transition process. He proposed the formation of an interim board, opening applications for a new political leader, holding elections for that position, and ultimately appointing an official party board.