WILLEMSTAD - Former Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath has issued a public rectification today, May 22, 2023, addressing the comments made about him in the article titled "Koninkrijksbelangen | First Lady" published on May 21, 2023, on the website Knipselkrant-Curacao.
Rhuggenaath emphasizes the significance of this topic and the importance of political leaders adhering to high standards of integrity and ethics. He also highlights the responsibility of professional journalists to base their reporting on factual information.
Former Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath
"After resigning as a minister in June 2021 and stepping away from politics, I am still aware of my accountability to the community for my actions. Hence, my response," stated the former prime minister.
Rhuggenaath clarifies that it is accurate that he worked in the same building as Pinnacle from late 2015 to early 2016, where the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) also rented space. However, he denies having any meetings with Pinnacle's CEO or engaging in policy or business dealings with the company. During his term as prime minister, the Ministry of Justice was responsible for issuing licenses until the jurisdiction was transferred to the Ministry of Finance, under the supervision of the Gaming Control Board, as part of efforts to comply with international standards and principles of compliance and substance. These measures aimed to ensure proper supervision, transparency, and local economic impact. Rhuggenaath clarifies that his involvement with this matter was limited to these actions.
Regarding allegations of disrespect towards US authorities or NYT journalists, Rhuggenaath states that such incidents did not occur and are not mentioned in their article.
Addressing the issue of misleading the Dutch Parliament or Second Chamber, Rhuggenaath points out that it is not the role of the Prime Minister of Curaçao to answer questions from the Second Chamber. That responsibility lies with the Dutch minister or state secretary.
"Protecting Pinnacle or any other company is not aligned with my economic policy, nor did I have any reason to do so. As the Minister of Economic Development, I introduced legislation to establish a competition authority (FTAC) because I strongly believe in market forces and fair competition. With a background in the international financial services sector and as a certified anti-money laundering specialist, I considered it essential to ensure transparency and effective supervision for online gaming, given the importance of our international reputation as a jurisdiction. These are the facts!" concluded Rhuggenaath.