WILLEMSTAD - A recently uncovered email reveals that former Prime Minister of Curaçao and convicted felon, Gerrit Schotte, has indeed been involved as an advisor to Fundashon Kas Popular (FKP), the housing foundation in Curaçao.
In the email, Schotte is thanked for his 'knowledge, skills, and determination,' for which he allegedly received 8,000 guilders per month.
This news puts Minister Charles Cooper, a friend of Schotte, in a difficult position, as he previously denied being aware of Schotte's involvement with FKP.
Parliamentarian Ana Maria Pauletta has now strongly criticized Minister Cooper, stating that he was well aware of Schotte's role in the housing foundation.
Involvement
She refers to previous questions to Minister Charles Cooper about Schotte's alleged involvement with FKP as a consultant. She emphasizes that Cooper and Arthur Con from FKP declared at the time that Schotte was not a consultant and not involved in FKP and projects in Rif and other areas.
About a year ago, photos were published of Schotte together with Rudney Garmers, former Member of Parliament for MFK, and others in the Rif area, where FKP houses are located.
It was also revealed that FKP had signed a Letter of Intent with Garmers' company, HD&M Urban Village Management, for the sale of FKP properties.
This prompted the PAR faction to request a meeting to understand what is special about the Rif/Otrobanda area and why there is interest in purchasing certain monuments there.
Mi Casa
There are also rumors that Schotte may be involved in the Mi Casa project as an intermediary. Recently, FKP filed a claim with Giro Settlement Holding for the nineteen million guilders it is still owed. This raised questions in parliament about FKP's intentions to get its money back, including the use of a collection agency.
FKP director Arthur Con responded that this is not the case. The question was raised due to rumors that the collection agency was also involved with Schotte.
Integrity
This revelation raises questions about transparency and integrity within the government and the FKP housing foundation. Especially considering the relationship between Minister Cooper and party colleague Gerrit Schotte and former MFK parliamentarian Rudney Garmers.
According to Pauletta, the uncovered email suggests that Cooper intentionally misled parliament to favor his MFK party colleagues.
