WILLEMSTAD, THE HAGUE – The Minister of General Affairs has formally detailed the reasons behind the temporary denial of access imposed on Martha Semil, acting director of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao (KGMC) in The Hague, citing concerns about cooperation, financial management and the need to safeguard an ongoing investigation.
In a letter dated March 1, 2026, the Minister informed Semil that the order measure was necessary in light of public allegations directed at both her and former Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel, who resigned on January 12. The letter states that the complaints against Semil make it “impossible to maintain” her as acting director while investigations are underway .
Refusal to Provide Full Access
According to the letter, after Manuel’s resignation, Semil assumed responsibility for the daily management of the KGMC. The Minister noted that in order to restore “calm and structure” within the Curaçao House, an official from Curaçao, Ms. M. Bernadina, was flown to The Hague to assist with personnel-related matters.
Semil was reportedly requested both verbally and in writing to cooperate and grant Bernadina full access to all documents relating to personnel affairs. However, the Minister states that Semil refused to comply or did not provide complete access to those documents .
The letter references Article 45 of the National Ordinance on Material Civil Service Law (LMA), which obliges civil servants to diligently perform their duties and comply with instructions issued by the responsible Minister. The alleged refusal to cooperate is presented as a potential breach of these obligations.
Concerns About Financial Management
In addition to personnel-related issues, the Minister cites “unclear developments” in the financial management of the KGMC. These reportedly include alleged settlement agreements and other expenditures that require further clarification .
On the basis of Article 46 of the LMA, the Minister exercised the authority to deny Semil access to the offices, buildings and workplace of the KGMC as an order measure. The letter emphasizes that this is not a disciplinary sanction, but a temporary measure intended to allow investigation into possible misconduct to proceed without interference .
Scope of the Order Measure
Effective March 2, 2026, Semil has been denied access to the KGMC premises through March 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension if deemed necessary .
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of General Affairs has been appointed to immediately assume leadership of the KGMC in order to restore stability and oversee the required investigations .
The letter further obliges Semil to surrender:
- All keys and access devices to KGMC offices and buildings;
- Keys and access tools related to the official residence;
- Passwords for her work email and the general KGMC email account;
- Keys to cabinets and drawers containing work documents;
- Relevant information concerning subscriptions entered into by KGMC;
- All banking information necessary to meet financial obligations .
She is also required to provide complete information and access to all personnel-related documentation.
Additionally, Semil must remain available for the ongoing investigations and may not leave the Netherlands without prior written permission from the Minister .
Expanding Administrative Crisis
The formal letter confirms that the situation at the Curaçao House has broadened beyond the earlier resignation of Carlson Manuel and now encompasses administrative and operational management at the highest civil service level.
With explicit references to possible failures in cooperation and financial oversight, the government’s decision signals a deepening administrative crisis at the KGMC, as authorities seek to determine whether disciplinary or other measures may ultimately be warranted.