WILLEMSTAD – PAR Member of Parliament Shaheen Elhage has strongly criticized the Pisas government's proposal to provide year-end bonuses, including payments to ministers and parliamentarians, arguing that public funds should instead be used to reduce the financial burden on Curaçao's population.
In a press statement issued Thursday, October 29, 2026, Elhage questioned why elected officials and government ministers should receive additional compensation for performing duties for which they already receive salaries.
His criticism follows Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas' defense of the proposed payments, which the Prime Minister reportedly justified by pointing to the government's performance and the availability of financial resources.
"Mr. Pisas, serving the people is our duty, not a favor we are doing them. Why should we reward ourselves extra for doing so?" Elhage asked.
Private Sector Should Not Be Excluded
Elhage also questioned why the government's proposed compensation appears to benefit the public sector while leaving private-sector employees without similar relief.
According to the PAR parliamentarian, the government's financial surplus is not generated exclusively by public-sector workers. Private-sector employees and entrepreneurs also contribute through taxes, job creation and economic activity.
"The government's surplus did not come only from the public sector. Private-sector workers and entrepreneurs also pay taxes, create jobs and support Curaçao's economy. Yet only the collective sector is being compensated. Why not consider the private sector as well?" he stated.
Elhage emphasized that he supports financial assistance for workers and families who need it. However, he believes the government should develop measures that benefit the population more broadly rather than focusing primarily on public-sector compensation.
Use the Money to Reduce Utility and Fuel Costs
Instead of distributing millions in additional compensation, Elhage proposed using the available funds to help offset increases in gasoline, diesel, water and electricity prices.
He argued that such an approach would benefit households and businesses across Curaçao, regardless of whether residents work in the public or private sector.
"If I were in that position, I would use those millions to absorb the increases in gasoline, diesel, water and electricity tariffs. That way, the entire population, both the private and public sectors, could benefit," Elhage said.
He pointed to the rising cost of living as a major concern for residents, questioning why the government would prioritize additional payments to public officials instead of measures to ease household expenses.
Demands Legal Justification for Bonuses
Elhage also raised questions about the legal basis for granting additional compensation to ministers and parliamentarians.
He stated that he opposes, in principle, any bonus, thirteenth-month payment or other additional compensation for these officeholders.
According to Elhage, the government must demonstrate that such payments have a proper legal foundation and sufficient budgetary coverage before proceeding.
He argued that any payment lacking a legal basis should be stopped or corrected.
The PAR parliamentarian did not claim to have established that the proposed payments are unlawful, but insisted that the government must provide the necessary legal and financial justification.
Challenges Prime Minister to Work for Minimum Wage
Elhage also issued a direct challenge to Prime Minister Pisas in response to remarks concerning parliamentarians who oppose the proposed bonuses.
"Mr. Pisas, I am willing to work for minimum wage to serve my country. Are you and your ministers willing to do the same?" he asked.
The parliamentarian further declared that if he receives a legally permitted bonus, he is prepared to donate the entire amount to a less fortunate family.
However, he maintained that if the payment is not legally authorized, it should not be made.
Elhage concluded by emphasizing that public officials have a responsibility to place the interests of citizens above their own financial benefits.
"Public money is meant to serve the people. We are here to serve the people, not ourselves," he stated.
His comments add to the political debate surrounding the government's proposed year-end compensation and whether available public funds should be directed toward additional payments or broader measures to address Curaçao's rising cost of living.