WILLEMSTAD - Minister Javier Silvania has made adjustments to the Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK) following criticism from the Curaçao Bar Association. The previous requirement for accreditation of lawyers has been changed to a non-mandatory certificate. This decision follows a letter of objection from the Bar Association, which reviewed the draft version of the new gambling law in early January. 

The changes also include granting financial independence to the newly established Curaçao Gaming Authority, which is intended to provide the regulator with more autonomy. The Bar Association had expressed concerns about the original accreditation requirements, fearing that they would undermine the independence of lawyers. 

Minister Silvania stated that after "careful consideration of your objections," it was decided to replace the accreditation requirements with a certification system. This certificate is valid for up to three years, and its application is optional. Silvania emphasized this in a letter he shared on his personal Facebook page. 

The amendment of the LOK also comes after advice from the Sociaal-Economische Raad and the Council of Advice, and after the new bill was assessed against the agreements in the Landspakket with the Netherlands.