WILLEMSTAD – Opposition parties in the Curaçao Parliament are intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas following the resignation of former Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel, arguing that his departure does not absolve the government of responsibility for ongoing issues at the Curaçaohuis (Curaçao representation) in The Hague.
During a heated parliamentary debate, several opposition members stressed that ultimate accountability for the functioning of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary lies with the government, and therefore with the prime minister himself.
Suzanne Camelia-Römer of MAN-PIN stated that while Manuel has stepped down, the actions taken during his tenure remain under the political responsibility of the prime minister. She emphasized that the role of Minister Plenipotentiary is directly tied to government oversight, making it impossible to separate individual conduct from broader executive responsibility.
Members of PAR and PNP echoed these concerns, pointing to longstanding issues within the Curaçaohuis, including alleged mismanagement, labor disputes, and broader governance failures. PAR leader Quincy Girigorie reminded Parliament that a motion had already been passed in December 2025 requesting the General Audit Chamber Curaçao to investigate the operations of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary.
He questioned whether the prime minister had supported the policies implemented at the Curaçaohuis and what actions had been taken in response to the growing list of allegations. According to Girigorie, the situation in The Hague requires not only investigation, but also a broader discussion about the profile and responsibilities of the Minister Plenipotentiary role.
Lawmakers also raised concerns about the treatment of staff at the Curaçaohuis. Allegations discussed during the debate included unpaid salaries, high levels of sick leave, workplace tensions, and claims of inappropriate conduct.
Camelia-Römer questioned whether the prime minister had taken sufficient action in response to these reports, arguing that leadership requires proactive intervention, especially when issues become public. She also criticized the government’s broader approach to personnel management, both in The Hague and on the island.
Former Minister Plenipotentiary Sheldry Osepa joined the criticism, stating that employees had not been adequately protected. He described cases in which staff had gone months without receiving salaries, calling the situation unacceptable and urging the prime minister to apologize to affected workers.
The debate highlights growing political tension surrounding the governance of Curaçao’s representation in the Netherlands, with opposition parties insisting that accountability must extend beyond individual resignations to the highest levels of government.