WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government is moving ahead with plans to strengthen integrity and accountability within the public sector, including the creation of a dedicated Integrity Bureau and new mechanisms for handling complaints and supporting government employees.
The initiatives were highlighted during the Integrity Symposium held on Monday, June 9, where ministers, senior government officials, regulators, and business leaders discussed efforts to improve transparency and good governance.
Minister of Governance, Planning and Public Service (BPD) and Justice Shalten Hato used the occasion to reflect on several institutional reforms introduced over the years to promote integrity and accountability. He pointed to the establishment of the Ombudsman, the Foundation for Oversight and Standardization of Government Entities (SBTNO), the National Ordinance on Public Access to Government Information (LOB), and the independent status of the Electoral Council as important milestones in strengthening democratic governance.
A key moment during the event was the ceremonial presentation of the government’s Integrity Report to Governor of Curaçao, His Excellency Governor M.J. de Kort. The report was formally handed over by Minister Hato on behalf of the Ministry of Governance, Planning and Public Service.
The government also outlined several new measures currently under development. These include the establishment of an Integrity Bureau, the introduction of confidential advisors within government organizations, and the creation of a permanent mechanism for handling external complaints.
According to the ministry, legislation to establish the Integrity Bureau is currently in the final consultation phase and is expected to enter the formal legislative process later this year.
Officials said the new initiatives are intended to strengthen ethical conduct, improve accountability, and provide civil servants with additional support when dealing with integrity-related concerns.
Throughout the symposium, participants stressed that sustainable progress can only be achieved through cooperation among all sectors of society. Representatives from government, the private sector, and oversight bodies expressed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and sharing knowledge to help foster a lasting culture of integrity and good governance in Curaçao.
The event underscored the government’s intention to keep integrity high on the policy agenda in the years ahead as part of broader efforts to enhance public trust and institutional effectiveness.