WILLEMSTAD - The inquiry committee investigating decision-making and cost overruns in the new hospital must seek legal advice on the execution of its mandate. This was communicated by the president of the Parliament to committee member Gwendell Mercelina. She states that she has no authority to respond to the request from the PNP politician.
His call for legal advice followed his own uncertainty about the committee's authority to file a report with the Public Prosecutor. His request for legal advice put the committee led by Eduard Braam in a difficult position.
In the letter, the Parliament President states that the question of whether the inquiry committee acted within its powers can only be answered with access to specific information currently only held by the committee itself.
Gwendell Mercelina had urgently requested legal advice, but without a final or interim report from the inquiry committee, according to Chairwoman Charetti America-Francisca, the Parliament is powerless.
Mercelina's request came amid doubts about the authority and obligation of the inquiry committee to file a report with the Public Prosecutor, a step that could potentially fall under the responsibility of Parliament.
The President now advises Mercelina to direct his request directly to the inquiry committee, as they have the necessary funds and freedom to engage experts in accordance with their establishment decision.