WILLEMSTAD – The General Audit Chamber of Curaçao has responded to a publication by the Dutch media outlet Follow the Money, which raised concerns about Chairman Joël Felida's professional background. The report claimed that Felida had spent much of his career working in the controversial gambling sector on the island. The Audit Chamber has denied these allegations and stated that it was unaware of any complaints against Felida at the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS).
In its official response, the Audit Chamber clarified that Felida had worked in the trust sector for a relatively short period, a sector that is supervised by the CBCS. The statement further emphasized that no complaints or enforcement actions had been taken against Felida by the CBCS related to his work.
The Audit Chamber also pointed out that an independent background check was part of Felida's appointment process, and the results of this investigation did not present any obstacles to his appointment.
"The General Audit Chamber (ARC) emphasizes that Felida's appointment was processed without issue and the background check did not hinder the decision to proceed with his appointment," the statement concluded.
The response comes amid ongoing scrutiny over the backgrounds of key officials in Curaçao’s public institutions.