WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Parliament did not endorse the self-nomination of MP Gwendell Mercelina (PNP) for the presidency of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino). This was confirmed in a letter from Parliament Chairperson Charetti America-Francisca. Mercelina withdrew his candidacy after it was determined that it did not meet the requirements of the Parlatino Congress, according to Secretary-General Elias A. Castillo G.
Castillo stated that Mercelina’s nomination was a personal initiative and had not been formally backed by the Curaçao Parliament. The matter was publicly addressed during the recent Parlatino meeting in Panama City, where Rolando González Patricio of Cuba was re-elected by acclamation as the body’s president.
In her statement, America-Francisca highlighted Curaçao's focus on preparing for the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 21, 2025. Meanwhile, she, along with Mercelina and three other Curaçao MPs, represented the island at the regular Parlatino session and the celebration of the organization’s 60th anniversary.
On the final day of the anniversary celebration, America-Francisca emphasized the importance of collaboration within Parlatino. “The work we do here transcends generations,” she said. The event highlighted the strengthening of regional ties and the significance of parliamentary democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean.