WILLEMSTAD - Member of Parliament Gwendell Mercelina Jr. (PNP) has raised concerns following a public meeting regarding the financial policies of Finance Minister Javier Silvania. The controversy centers around the decision to forgive billions of guilders in tax debts, with Mercelina questioning the legality and transparency of this move, fearing its impact on good governance in Curaçao.
In a letter addressed to the minister, Mercelina called for an independent investigation, citing the phrase, "Those who have nothing to hide, have nothing to fear." He expressed concern that the minister is avoiding accountability, which only heightens worries about government integrity.
The MP also criticized the disregard for key recommendations from advisory bodies such as the Social and Economic Council (SER) and the Court of Justice. He warned of the long-term financial consequences for the government, questioning whether this decision could lead to more widespread tax exemptions in the future.
Furthermore, Mercelina demanded clarification on the role of the law firm 'De Roos & Pen' and the involvement of private companies and public institutions in the tax debt forgiveness. He urged Minister Silvania to provide a swift and transparent response to address these growing concerns.