WILLEMSTAD - The committee tasked with investigating the construction of the new hospital in Otrobanda, Curaçao, known as Hospital Nobo Otrobanda (HNO), has announced substantial progress in its inquiry. The committee made this announcement through an official press release.
According to reports, the committee conducted a series of initial confidential discussions, resulting in significant additional information and clarifications on previously documented facts. However, the committee has chosen not to disclose specific details about this newfound information, opting to keep these details confidential.
Despite this decision, the HNO investigation, initiated by the Parliament of Curaçao, maintains its commitment to complete transparency in the investigative process. To engage the public in the inquiry, the committee has launched a digital survey and aims to collect comprehensive information related to the hospital's construction. The investigative process has included two public meetings, along with the aforementioned confidential discussions.
Committee Chair Eduard Braam clarified that the investigation's purpose is not to act as a people's tribunal but to shed light on the facts. Additional support for this mission has been provided by Parliament members Giselle McWilliam, Ana-Maria Pauletta, and Gwendell Mercelina.
The committee's inquiry focuses on the intricate decision-making and potential irregularities surrounding the construction of the new hospital, initially intended to replace the outdated Sehos.
Key questions raised include the decision to construct an entirely new hospital instead of renovating the existing one, the influence of political interests on location choices, and the financial implications of these decisions on the Curaçao community.
While the investigation centers on factual circumstances, its significance lies in uncovering irregularities and restoring trust in Curaçao's political and healthcare systems.
The HNO Investigation Committee aims to present the final report in the first half of 2024, representing a crucial step in clarifying the circumstances surrounding the construction of the new hospital in Otrobanda.