WILLEMSTAD – The opposition party MAN-PIN is calling for full transparency and an independent investigation into serious allegations of misconduct involving Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel at the Curaçaohuis in The Hague. Reports of sexual misconduct, employee intimidation, and illegal room rentals have prompted growing concern within the Curaçao parliament.
According to MAN-PIN, staff members at the Curaçaohuis have accused Manuel of inappropriate behavior, including sexual harassment, intimidation, questionable financial transactions with merchants, and unlawfully renting out rooms in the government building.
Calls for Transparency and Independent Investigation
Member of Parliament Giselle Mc William has formally urged Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas to handle the case with transparency and to immediately launch an independent inquiry into the allegations. “We are receiving continuous complaints from staff members about the minister’s behavior toward various employees,” Mc William said.
Secrecy Within Parliamentary Leadership Sparks Frustration
The so-called "Seniorenconvent" — the council of parliamentary group leaders — reportedly held a closed-door meeting on the issue. Attendees were instructed to maintain confidentiality about the discussions, a move that has sparked irritation and criticism from some members of parliament and the public.
In addition to the misconduct allegations, questions have emerged regarding travel expense claims submitted by Manuel for the transportation of parliamentary delegations between Curaçao and the Netherlands. The Parliament’s Clerk has officially expressed doubts about the authenticity of these claims.
Echoes of Aruban Scandal
The situation mirrors a recent case involving Aruba’s former Minister Plenipotentiary, Guilfred Besaril, who was sentenced to several weeks in prison last month and ordered to repay more than 100 florins for misuse of official credit cards from the Arubahuis.
Concerns over Manuel’s conduct are not new. During his first term in office, questions were already being raised about his integrity and his strained relationship with staff and leadership at the Curaçaohuis. Nevertheless, he was reappointed for a second term — a decision now under renewed scrutiny.
MAN-PIN is demanding swift action to preserve public trust in the government’s integrity and to ensure accountability at the highest levels of Curaçao’s diplomatic representation in the Netherlands.
