WILLEMSTAD - Serious unrest has gripped Curaçao’s Tax Department as employees face growing uncertainty over their future amid an ongoing reorganization and a corruption investigation involving the country’s top tax official.

The turmoil stems from months of restructuring tied to the Landenpakket reforms, agreements made between the governments of Curaçao and the Netherlands in exchange for financial support during the COVID-19 crisis. A key element of those reforms is improving tax collection — but instead of restoring confidence, the process has sparked confusion, mistrust, and division inside the department.

Tax chief under investigation

Reports from the Government Accountants Bureau (SOAB) allege that Receiver-General Alfonso Trona personally intervened for years in tax collection and payment arrangements, allegedly granting favorable treatment to certain taxpayers, including politicians and senior civil servants. The alleged misconduct could have cost the government millions in lost revenue.

Trona, who denies any wrongdoing, has taken temporary leave, saying his decision allows investigators to proceed “without interference.” The investigation is being overseen by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) in collaboration with the Special Police Taskforce (RST).

Uncertainty amid restructuring

The corruption probe comes as the Tax Department undergoes a sweeping reorganization intended to modernize operations, streamline procedures, and boost revenue collection. To achieve this, the Ministry of Finance has brought in external consultants — but their roles and authority remain unclear.

Employees claim that some consultants have direct access to confidential taxpayer data and even contact citizens regarding their files, while another acts as a supervisor evaluating staff performance. These reports have fueled discontent among civil servants, who feel increasingly sidelined in decisions affecting their jobs.

Union demands clarity

The civil service union ABVO says staff have “no clear understanding” of their new positions or salary scales under the reorganized structure. Despite repeated requests since September for clarity from the Pisas government, including direct appeals to the Prime Minister himself, no formal response has been given.

This week, employees held informational meetings during working hours to express their frustration. On Tuesday, operations at the Tax Department came to a standstill. In response, Finance Minister Charles Cooper reiterated that while employees have the right to voice their concerns, the “No Work, No Pay” policy would apply to those who refuse to work.

Building safety concerns add to unrest

Adding to the tension, staff have complained about the poor condition of the office building on Regentesselaan. Several ceiling panels reportedly collapsed in recent months, and some areas are affected by mold and water leaks. A circulating fire department report describing safety issues has intensified concerns.

Government silence raises questions

So far, the government has remained largely silent on both the corruption allegations and the growing internal chaos. Minister Cooper said he plans to discuss the consultants’ role with the Council of Ministers next week, but offered no comment on the SOAB findings or the criminal investigation.

With a corruption probe, structural reforms, and growing workplace anxiety all unfolding simultaneously, morale within the Tax Department has hit a low point. The ABVO union is urging the government to act swiftly and transparently to restore confidence among staff and the public.

For now, the Tax Department remains operational — but insiders warn that “the atmosphere is tense, and the uncertainty far from over.”