THE HAGUE – Serious internal tensions have emerged within the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao in The Hague, with allegations of unauthorized actions, misleading information, and a dysfunctional administrative culture now coming to light.
The claims are outlined in a formal objection filed by suspended acting director Martha Semil, who is contesting the decision to deny her access to the Curaçao House. In her submission, Semil argues that the measure was based on “incomplete and incorrect facts” and that she was not given an opportunity to respond before the decision was made.
The case offers a rare glimpse into ongoing internal struggles within the Curaçao House, where disputes over personnel management, authority, and governance have reportedly been escalating for some time.
At the heart of the conflict is a disagreement over who holds decision-making authority regarding staff matters. Authorities in Willemstad have suggested that the local management acted without proper mandate in handling employment contracts. Semil disputes this, stating that in most cases no dismissals took place, but rather that temporary contracts simply expired.
The situation further deteriorated over demands from Curaçao for full access to personnel files. According to Semil, only specific files were requested under prior agreements. She says her refusal to hand over all records—citing privacy concerns and due diligence—led to increased pressure and ultimately contributed to the escalation of the dispute.
Her objection also paints a picture of a workplace marked by long-standing tensions, internal conflicts, and reports of inappropriate behavior among staff. Semil maintains that her efforts to introduce stricter rules on working hours, attendance, and reintegration were aimed at restoring order, but instead met resistance within the organization.
Accusations have since intensified on both sides. Correspondence included in the objection shows that an external advisor accused Semil of unauthorized conduct and misleading authorities. In response, she claims that inaccurate information is being spread and that employees are being approached outside formal channels.
The situation has also drawn political attention in Curaçao, including questions raised in Curaçao Parliament about an alleged financial discrepancy of nearly 15,000 guilders. Semil insists this was an administrative issue and not fraud, but argues that the matter has damaged the reputation of the institution without proper verification.
Concerns have also been raised about the handling of confidential information, with claims that documents from her case were leaked to the media.
Multiple investigations are now underway, including a planned independent review by the Algemene Rekenkamer Curaçao. Semil has warned that the involvement of external parties and the actions already taken could undermine the objectivity of these investigations.
What began as a dispute over personnel files has evolved into a broader conflict over authority, integrity, and governance within one of Curaçao’s most important diplomatic representations abroad.