WILLEMSTAD – In response to recent media reports and public debate regarding the purchase of new ambulances in Curaçao, Minister of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) Javier Silvania has reaffirmed the importance of clear governance structures and well-defined lines of accountability within semi-autonomous government organizations.
The provision of ambulance services in Curaçao is managed by Fundashon Kuido Ambulans Kòrsou (FKAK) — an independent foundation with its own director, internal structure, and Supervisory Board (RvC). The minister emphasized that this responsibility was deliberately placed at arm’s length from the government, in line with principles of good governance and accountability.
Under this structure, it is solely the responsibility of the FKAK director to:
determine the technical and functional requirements for new ambulances,
conduct the tender and selection process, and
place the order with the chosen supplier.
Minister Silvania stressed that he is not involved in any part of this process. He does not select suppliers, set specifications, or participate in procurement procedures.
If concerns arise regarding the quality or suitability of the ambulances, FKAK employees are expected to raise these internally with the director. If needed, the trade union may escalate the matter to the Supervisory Board, which is responsible for overseeing management and providing directives where necessary. The minister has no authority to issue instructions to the FKAK director.
Therefore, it is inaccurate and inappropriate for employees, via the union, to hold the minister or the government responsible for ambulance purchases. “I am not the one ordering ambulances,” Minister Silvania stated, reiterating that bypassing established governance processes undermines the principles of responsible administration.
The minister also urged more nuance in the recent public discourse. Curaçao, he noted, benefits from a diverse fleet of ambulances:
Smaller vehicles are essential for narrow streets in areas like Punda and Otrobanda,
Taller, more robust ambulances are critical for emergencies during floods or rough terrain in extreme weather conditions.
Solutions, Silvania emphasized, must be practical and evidence-based, shaped by expert input rather than uninformed opinions or personal preferences. He called on all parties to refrain from baseless criticism and to engage through the appropriate internal communication channels.
On Monday, the minister will send a formal request to the Supervisory Board to conduct an in-depth investigation into the matter.
In closing, Minister Silvania reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ambulance care in Curaçao — within the framework of good governance and with respect for institutional roles. “The government sets the conditions,” he said. “Execution lies where it belongs — with FKAK and its leadership.”
