WILLEMSTAD – PAR faction leader Quincy Girigorie has formally expressed concern to Parliament President Charetti Brownbill over what he describes as the increasingly ineffective scheduling of parliamentary meetings. In a letter dated June 18, 2025, Girigorie called for more timely notice to allow members of Parliament to adequately prepare for discussions, especially on complex legislation. 

Girigorie highlighted an incident that took place on May 22, during a Central Committee meeting, where MPs were expected to review two extensive pieces of legislation with less than 24 hours' notice. According to Girigorie, parliamentarians received an email about the meeting at 12:03 AM on May 21, informing them of a meeting scheduled for 9:00 AM the very next day. 

One of the bills addressed was a proposed amendment to Curaçao’s Criminal Code, consisting of 52 pages, while the other covered the “Providers of Digital Payment Systems” legislation—comprising 207 articles and 486 pages of technical recommendations. Girigorie noted that few MPs asked detailed questions during the session, which he believes reflects the lack of time to properly prepare. 

When Girigorie raised his concern at the time, he claims the President dismissed it by stating that the meeting notice had been published earlier than he had mentioned—on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. However, Girigorie says this misses the point, as it does not address the underlying issue of inadequate preparation time. 

He also pointed to another example on June 12, when fixed commission meetings to appoint vice presidents were announced just minutes after midnight, leaving MPs to learn of the meeting the same morning it was scheduled. 

In the letter, Girigorie emphasized that the duties of an MP extend beyond attending last-minute meetings. “Parliamentary work involves community engagement, meetings with stakeholders, and being active in public life. We must be given time to fulfill those responsibilities,” he wrote. 

He urged the President to commit to calling meetings at least five working days in advance, especially given that several MPs are new and still adjusting to the pace and responsibilities of parliamentary work. 

Girigorie concluded his letter by stating his willingness to hold a personal discussion to exchange ideas for improving parliamentary procedures and strengthening democratic effectiveness in Curaçao.