WILLEMSTAD – The Audit Chamber Curaçao will launch an investigation into the financial management surrounding the Curaçaohuis (Curaçao representation) in The Hague, expanding the scope to include all ministries and multiple years.
The decision follows a motion adopted by Curaçao Parliament requesting an inquiry into the integrity, legality, and efficiency of the financial policies of the Minister Plenipotentiary for the period 2022 to 2025.
In a letter to Parliament, the Audit Chamber confirmed it will carry out the investigation but opted for a broader approach. Initial analysis and discussions revealed that the Curaçaohuis processed expenses not only for Parliament but also for various ministries. As a result, the review will include expense declarations from all nine ministries, insofar as they made use of services linked to the Curaçaohuis.
The investigation will focus on two main questions. The first examines declared costs for official travel, assessing whether these were submitted correctly, completely, and in accordance with applicable rules. The second focuses on the broader financial and personnel management of the Minister Plenipotentiary, evaluating whether actions complied with standards of legality and integrity.
In its assessment, the Audit Chamber will consider relevant legislation related to financial management and civil service law, as well as integrity standards such as preventing conflicts of interest, ensuring responsible use of public funds, and avoiding abuse of power.
The institution has requested Parliament to respond within one week to the proposed research framework. If no response is received, the Audit Chamber will proceed under the assumption that the approach has been approved.
The investigation is expected to address politically sensitive issues related to the functioning of the Curaçaohuis and the use of public funds within the government, potentially shedding light on long-standing concerns about oversight and accountability.