WILLEMSTAD – Raymond Jamanika, nominated by Parliamentarian Zita Jesus-Leito for the position of Minister of Economic Development, has withdrawn his candidacy. Although he successfully underwent the screening process, his name was never officially submitted to the Governor for swearing-in. Jamanika cited personal reasons for his decision to step back.
Political sources revealed that earlier fiscal issues surfaced during the screening. While these matters were resolved with the tax authorities, concerns about Jamanika’s appointment persisted. With less than two months remaining before the elections and the conclusion of the Pisas II Cabinet, Jesus-Leito has decided not to nominate another candidate. However, she continues to support the caretaker cabinet, as she previously indicated.
Jesus-Leito expressed satisfaction with her collaboration with Charles Cooper, the Acting Minister of Economic Development, stating that this partnership will continue until the current government term ends.
Meanwhile, political developments within the Pisas II Cabinet remain dynamic. Recently, the political party KEM succeeded in appointing a minister after facing challenges with prior candidates. Dayanara Chin-A-Lien-Roozendal was sworn in as Minister of Social Development, Labor, and Welfare (SOAW), marking a significant milestone for KEM. According to Parliamentarian Anthony Godett, her appointment is historic, as it represents the party’s first ministerial position in its four-year history.
The appointment of Chin-A-Lien-Roozendal occurred under the leadership of KEM leader Michelangelo “Lo” Martines, who is currently in pretrial detention on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering. Despite criticism, KEM continues to emphasize the importance of addressing challenges within the Ministry of SOAW.
As the political landscape evolves ahead of the elections, the focus remains on governance stability and addressing the nation’s pressing issues.