WILLEMSTAD – The Cabinet-Pisas is facing renewed criticism over its handling of public finances after the College financieel toezicht (Cft) warned that the distribution of so-called “Bashi premiums” undermines the budgetary authority and oversight role of the Curaçao Parliament.
In a letter to Finance Minister Charles Cooper, the Cft states that the manner in which the one-off payments were approved and financed fails to sufficiently respect the budget rights of the Staten van Curaçao.
In January, the government decided to grant a one-time gross payment of XCG 800 to employees of selected government entities and subsidized institutions. The total cost of the measure amounts to approximately XCG 6 million. Although the expenditure is charged to the 2025 budget year, it does not appear in the budget formally adopted by Parliament.
According to the Cft, this approach prevented Parliament from properly assessing the financial implications of the payments in relation to other expenditures and from exercising its supervisory role effectively. The watchdog warns that such practices risk shifting the role of Parliament from one of prior approval to after-the-fact oversight, weakening transparency and order in the budgetary process.
In its letter, the Cft emphasizes that this development is particularly concerning as it intends to intensify and systematize its scrutiny of Curaçao’s financial management in the coming period, including the quality of the budgeting process.
The Cft’s remarks underline broader concerns about governance and fiscal discipline, especially as Curaçao remains under financial supervision. The watchdog has repeatedly stressed the importance of respecting institutional checks and balances, particularly when it comes to decisions with budgetary impact.
This is not the first time the Cabinet-Pisas has been cautioned about safeguarding Parliament’s constitutional role. Earlier warnings have also pointed to the need for greater transparency and adherence to established budgetary procedures when introducing new or additional expenditures.