WILLEMSTAD - The Parliament of Curaçao will hold a public meeting this Friday to discuss the escalating dispute between Minister of Finance Javier Silvania (MFK) and the Head of the Tax Receiver’s Office, Alfonso Trona. Both men, along with Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas (MFK), have been summoned to appear before Parliament to clarify the situation.
The meeting was requested by the opposition parties PNP, PAR, and MAN-PIN, who submitted a formal letter dated October 3 to Parliament Chair Fergino Brownbill (MFK). Opposition leaders Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia (PNP), Quincy Girigorie (PAR), and Suzy Camelia-Römer (MAN-PIN) are demanding explanations from both Silvania and Trona regarding their heated altercation, which has sparked widespread public criticism and political concern.
Leaked Audio Sparks Outrage
The conflict became public after an audio recording of an internal meeting was leaked on social media, in which both officials can be heard arguing and exchanging accusations of corruption. The tone of the argument reportedly turned personal, with Silvania stating that he had “enough power,” a remark that fueled criticism of his leadership style.
Unions Condemn Minister’s Behavior
Several major public sector unions have since condemned Silvania’s conduct toward Trona and civil servants in general. The unions ABVO (civil service), NAPB (police), STrAF (customs), SAP (police and judicial chain), and Sitek (education) have all voiced strong disapproval, calling the minister’s behavior “the last straw” in a pattern of disrespect toward government employees.
Government and Party Remain Silent
So far, the Council of Ministers has not issued any official comment on the dispute. The MFK party, to which both Pisas and Silvania belong, released only a brief statement saying the matter is “under review.” Meanwhile, Minister of Education Sithree van Heydoorn (MFK) — who also serves as MFK party chairman — told local media that he had “no statement to make” regarding the controversy.
The government’s silence has fueled speculation and rumors across the island. This week, a voice message from a journalist circulated on social media, claiming that Silvania had been sidelined and that his ministerial portfolios had already been reassigned. The MFK has not publicly denied these claims, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
Parliamentary Debate Expected to Be Tense
The upcoming parliamentary session, which will include Prime Minister Pisas, Minister Silvania, and Alfonso Trona, is expected to be tense and closely watched. The Finance Minister, who also holds the Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) portfolio, will have the opportunity to respond to questions from Members of Parliament and address the controversy directly.
Friday’s meeting marks the first time the government will publicly address the deepening conflict at the Ministry of Finance, a dispute that has quickly evolved from an internal disagreement into a full-blown political issue, drawing attention from across the public and private sectors.
