THE HAGUE - Transparency International has been commissioned by State Secretary for Kingdom Relations, Zsolt Szabó, to investigate corruption in Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, and the Caribbean Netherlands. The announcement was made by Szabó on Wednesday evening during the debate on his budget. 

Szabó has already held discussions with the globally-operating integrity watchdog, calling Transparency International an important authority that conducts investigations in 150 countries, including the European Netherlands. While the organization has previously conducted occasional investigations into public administration issues on the islands, Szabó noted that little action has been taken with the findings. 

“I want to work with them to gain insight into corruption and integrity on the islands. I expect to see results in a year, which will help shape future policy,” Szabó stated. 

The decision to involve Transparency International received widespread support in Parliament.