WILLEMSTAD - Member of Parliament for the opposition party PAR, Zita Jesus-Leito has raised concerns about the deposit guarantee system for the people of Curaçao. She has observed the constant changes in the financial system of Curaçao and the recent events involving Giro, which has shaken the trust that the people of Curaçao had placed in this institution to safeguard their savings. Jesus-Leito believes that the government of Curaçao should have intervened to protect the interests of the clients to the greatest extent possible.
The parliamentarian further emphasizes that the situation at Giro has created uncertainty within the community and shattered the trust that the people of Curaçao had in the institution. It is disheartening to see people relying on the perceived security of their savings in an institution without concerns.
In other countries, a "Deposit Guarantee System" is in place to protect bank clients' funds. This system ensures that in the event of financial or other issues faced by a bank, the funds of clients are guaranteed to be protected. However, Jesus-Leito points out that such a system is not yet implemented in Curaçao.
Jesus-Leito states that the Minister of Finance has promised and assured the Parliament that the deposit guarantee system will be established. To achieve this, a law needs to be enacted to regulate the system in the short term. However, the Parliament has not yet received this law for consideration.
Therefore, utilizing Article 96, Jesus-Leito has posed several questions to the Minister of Finance on this matter. The first question pertains to the progress made by the Minister regarding the law that regulates deposit guarantees for citizens in relation to any financial institution in Curaçao. Additionally, Jesus-Leito requests the Minister to explain the benefits for the people of Curaçao once this system is implemented, as well as the risks associated with the absence of such a system.
Jesus-Leito urges the Minister to provide a specific date for the implementation of the system.
In the interim, since the law is not yet in effect, Jesus-Leito inquires whether the Minister has established a social safety net to protect citizens who have deposited funds in financial institutions in Curaçao. Furthermore, the parliamentarian seeks clarification on whether the deposit guarantee system will also cover citizens' pension funds.
Jesus-Leito raises these questions in light of the current situation concerning Ennia's clients and the uncertainty surrounding the payment of their pensions.
