WILLEMSTAD - Ramon Chong was rightfully not nominated as Minister of Economic Development during the cabinet formation of the Pisas I government. This is the verdict of the Court of First Instance in Curacao. Chong was convicted of official corruption in 2003.
Chong believed that his conviction for a crime should not disqualify him from a ministerial position, citing reasons such as the statute of limitations. However, the court ruled that the existing legal integrity requirements, as outlined in the screening law, are both reasonable and in accordance with the Constitution of Curacao and international agreements.
The core of the case revolved around Chong's nomination as a candidate for the position of Minister of Economic Development after the parliamentary elections in March 2021. A judicial investigation revealed Chong's previous conviction.
2003
Justice acted at that time following tips that several commissioners of the Island Territory of Curacao had accepted bribes from the Antillen NV. Bribes were also alleged to have been received when attracting a foreign partner for the Post Netherlands Antilles NV.
Chong was charged with forgery, fraud, and accepting bribes, along with political contemporaries Anthony Godett and Nelson Monte. Godett even had to forgo the prime ministership a year later.
The bribery scandal occurred because Antillen NV had been tasked with constructing roads and parking lots at Hato Airport.
Conduct
The court once again emphasized the importance of integrity and unblemished conduct for political officeholders to maintain public trust in the rule of law. Chong's presence in judicial records, combined with the severity of the offense, was considered a valid reason not to nominate him as a minister. "It is also important that the nature of the offense committed by Chong is inconsistent with an appointment as a minister," said Judge Nijhuis.
In response to the court's decision, Ramon Chong, through his representatives Soliana Bonapart & Aardenburg, expressed concerns about some principled aspects of the ruling. He emphasized that, despite a conviction for a conditional sentence of two months without imprisonment, community service, fines, or voting restrictions, he feels burdened by a lifelong conviction for a past act before the introduction of the "National Ordinance Integrity (Candidate) Ministers."
Chong and his legal team are considering appealing the decision and have decided not to make further public statements on the advice of their lawyers and advisors.