WILLEMSTAD – Opposition MP Giselle Mc William (MAN) is questioning why Curaçao continues to operate without permanent ministers for the portfolios of Finance and Governance, Planning and Services (BPD). According to Mc William, the situation raises concerns about the government’s approach to filling important ministerial positions.
In a Facebook post, Mc William referred to the recent changes within the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN), where former minister Javier Silvania temporarily took over the portfolio of Finance after the departure of another minister. She questioned what lessons should be learned from that situation.
“After Silvania left, for more than nine months it was said that Cooper would temporarily take over. Meanwhile, we accepted that consultants continued to run this important ministry,” Mc William wrote.
She also referred to the departure of the former BPD minister in January. According to Mc William, the government announced seven months ago that a process would begin to appoint a new minister for the portfolio, but no permanent replacement has been installed.
The opposition MP questioned whether it is acceptable for an important ministry responsible for civil servants and government development to remain largely in the hands of consultants.
“While the current Minister of Justice already has his hands full with justice and public order in this country, an important ministry such as BPD is being handled by consultants?” she asked.
Political comparison
Mc William also criticized what she described as inconsistency from the current governing party. She reminded MFK supporters of criticism the party made while in opposition against former Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath when he temporarily held responsibility for the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (OWCS) after the minister left office.
According to Mc William, MFK at the time demanded that a new minister be appointed, despite her view that Rhuggenaath was doing a good job in the portfolio.
Her comments come amid broader discussions about government continuity, accountability and the importance of having fully appointed ministers responsible for key policy areas. The government has not yet announced when permanent appointments for the Finance and BPD portfolios will be made.