WILLEMSTAD - Quincy Girigorie, leader of the opposition party PAR, has strongly criticized Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas following his remarks made last Friday, just three days after the arrest of Member of Parliament, Amparo Martinez. During a local radio interview, Pisas expressed his willingness to continue collaborating with the KEM Party, even if Martinez remains in detention. According to Pisas, a detained Member of Parliament has the legal right to leave prison temporarily to vote in parliamentary sessions.
Girigorie responded with astonishment to Pisas' statements, accusing the Prime Minister of prioritizing political power over integrity. He argued that Pisas is effectively suggesting that Martinez should be released from prison temporarily to support his cabinet's stability, which Girigorie views as a serious compromise of ethical standards.
The opposition leader sharply criticized Pisas, a former police officer, for disregarding the principle of integrity. Girigorie alleged that Pisas has repeatedly shown a lack of moral compass, pointing to his controversial decisions, including partnering with the CPR Group, which Girigorie claims has falsified documents and made empty promises about reopening the island's refinery. He also highlighted what he described as a failed and illegal deal with former Venezuelan Minister Tellechea, which collapsed, leaving Curaçao's international reputation tarnished.
Girigorie expressed concern that Pisas' latest move—to allow a detained parliamentarian, accused of drug trafficking and money laundering, to vote in Parliament—signals a willingness to undermine the integrity of the nation for political gain. He argued that the Prime Minister's actions indicate a lack of regard for Curaçao's international image and its people.
While acknowledging that MP Martinez remains innocent until proven guilty, Girigorie emphasized the need for the government to distance itself from any association with serious criminal allegations, particularly those involving drug trafficking and money laundering. He urged Prime Minister Pisas to reconsider his stance, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating integrity and respect to the families affected by drug-related crimes.
"The time has come to defend the integrity of our country," Girigorie declared, calling on the government to take a firm stand against any tolerance of crime and corruption in its ranks.