WILLEMSTAD — The screening process of candidates for ministerial positions in Curaçao is still ongoing, according to recent updates from the Governor’s Office. Formateur Chester Peterson has reported that some of the investigations required under the Integrity Ordinance for (candidate) ministers have been completed, but others are still underway.
Yesterday, the Governor’s Office announced that Peterson submitted his second interim report on the cabinet formation and progress of the new government program to Governor Lucille George-Wout. The formateur continues to work on the government program while awaiting the completion of all screening investigations.
In discussions with Governor George-Wout, Peterson reaffirmed his commitment to fully comply with the Integrity Ordinance—both in letter and spirit—during the cabinet formation process. It has been agreed that Peterson will provide another update on the progress of his formation efforts no later than June 2, 2025.
Further research by the Curaçao Chronicle editorial team revealed additional critical deadlines. The final composition of the Parliament (Staten) must be settled by August 11, 2025. According to the Constitution, holding the position of minister and member of Parliament simultaneously is allowed for a maximum of three months following the May 11 installation of the new government. At present, five current Parliament members—Gilmar Pisas, Javier Silvania, Sithree ‘Cey’ van Heydoorn, Shalten Hato, and Charles Cooper—also serve as ministers.
If all five pass their screenings, they will resign their parliamentary seats to focus solely on their ministerial roles. Their parliamentary seats will then be filled by the next five candidates on the MFK party list.
The Constitution also mandates that outgoing (demissionary) ministers undergo screening anew when a new government is being formed. If an incumbent minister fails the screening, they must step down from the ministerial post but may continue as a Parliament member.
Regarding possible delays in the screening process beyond the three-month period, the Governor’s Office clarified: since holding both offices is incompatible, the individual must choose either to remain a Parliament member or continue temporarily as a demissionary minister until the screening concludes.
Peterson first reported to the Governor on May 8 about the formation progress and government program development. With some Parliament members stepping down by August 11 to assume ministerial roles, the Electoral Council will then approach the next eligible candidates on the election list to fill the vacant parliamentary seats. These new members must be sworn in by the Governor and have their credentials approved by Parliament.
The formation process remains under close scrutiny as Curaçao awaits a fully vetted and functioning new government.
