WILLEMSTAD - Quincy Girigori, leader of the opposition party PAR, has formally requested that Minister of Finance Javier Silvania provide crucial documentation ahead of a central committee meeting scheduled for August 19. The meeting, which will address the Minister’s controversial decision to exempt approximately 3 billion guilders in taxes, was initially adjourned on May 11, 2023, leaving over a year and three months of unanswered questions.
In his letter, Girigori highlighted the lengthy delay in receiving responses from the Minister, suggesting that this may set a new record for delayed governmental transparency in Curaçao’s democratic system. He emphasized that both the body tasked with overseeing the Minister's actions and the broader tax-paying public are eager for clarity on this issue. The Minister's decision, which Girigori describes as highly unusual, has raised significant concerns about its impact on taxpayer trust.
"Given the lengthy period that has passed since the initiation of the meeting, and to allow Parliament to effectively perform its oversight role over the government's management, I am approaching the Minister with a request to provide all relevant documents, advice, and decisions that led to the decision to exempt billions of guilders in taxes, including the formal instruction from the Minister of Finance to carry out this exemption, before the meeting resumes," Girigori stated.
The PAR leader has requested that the documentation be submitted by August 13, 2024, to allow Parliament members sufficient time to prepare for the upcoming meeting. Girigori stressed that this preparation is essential for Parliament to carry out its duties with the seriousness and thoroughness required.
The resumption of this central committee meeting is expected to be closely watched, as it will address a decision with far-reaching financial implications for the country. The provision of the requested documents will be key in determining the direction and outcomes of the discussions.