WILLEMSTAD – Finance Minister Javier Silvania has strongly criticized a recent article published by local newspaper Èxtra, which claimed that Curaçao performed extremely poorly in a new evaluation by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). The minister disputes the figures and accuses the outlet of misrepresenting the facts, thereby harming the island’s international reputation. 

In a public statement, Silvania described the article as based on “false information” and “unnecessary sensationalism,” urging local media to exercise more caution in verifying sources. 

Disputed Evaluation Scores 

On July 19, Èxtra reported that Curaçao received a “low” score in nine out of eleven effectiveness criteria evaluated by the CFATF, and only “moderate” scores in two. 

Minister Silvania strongly refuted this account. According to the official CFATF report, published on July 16, Curaçao received four low scores, six moderate scores, and even one substantial rating—a considerably more balanced outcome than suggested in the newspaper article. 

Damage to International Reputation 

Calling the reporting “extremely regrettable,” Silvania emphasized that this kind of misinformation creates unnecessary public concern and undermines the island’s efforts in a complex international review process. He stressed that communications around such evaluations must be professional and fact-based. 

Silvania has called on Èxtra to thoroughly read the official CFATF report and issue a correction to its article. 

“This is not just about local politics,” the minister said. “This is about the integrity and image of Curaçao on the international stage.” 

The CFATF evaluation is part of a broader effort to assess jurisdictions on their compliance with international standards to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. Accurate reporting on such matters is seen as crucial to maintaining investor confidence and global partnerships.