WILLEMSTAD – Former Curaçao Finance Minister Javier Silvania has publicly defended the professional integrity of Dr. Nijdam, who has been involved in tax administration reform in Curaçao and is now associated with the modernization of Sint Maarten’s Tax Administration. Silvania expressed confidence in Nijdam’s qualifications and warned against the continued circulation of allegations that he says have already been examined by the courts.
In a public statement, Silvania described Nijdam as a highly competent and dedicated professional with whom he worked closely during efforts to reform and modernize Curaçao’s Tax Administration.
According to the former minister, Nijdam played a significant role in strengthening tax compliance and improving government revenue collection.
Silvania said that throughout their professional relationship, he never encountered circumstances that caused him to question Nijdam’s integrity or professional conduct.
His statement comes amid renewed public discussion about Nijdam’s professional background and his involvement in tax administration, particularly in connection with his work in Sint Maarten.
Silvania acknowledged that Nijdam has faced repeated public allegations in Curaçao over several years but emphasized that serious accusations must be supported by verifiable evidence.
The former minister specifically referred to a judgment issued by the Court of First Instance of Curaçao on August 24, 2026.
According to Silvania, the court examined several allegations published about Nijdam and concluded that the publications were unlawful because the serious accusations lacked an adequate factual basis and had been published without giving Nijdam a proper opportunity to respond.
Silvania stated that the court ordered the defendant to remove the publications and issue a rectification.
The judgment, as described by Silvania, concerned the lawfulness of the publications and the procedures followed in reporting the allegations. His statement does not establish that the court independently investigated and resolved every underlying issue concerning Nijdam’s professional activities.
Silvania argued that allegations currently circulating about Nijdam are substantially similar to those previously raised. He said he was unaware of any new, independently verified information that would justify questioning Nijdam’s integrity or professional suitability.
He urged those examining Nijdam’s background to distinguish between substantiated concerns and the repetition of allegations that have already been subjected to judicial scrutiny.
At the same time, Silvania acknowledged that legitimate questions about public officials and advisers should be evaluated objectively and on their merits.
The former minister expressed particular concern that renewed allegations could affect Nijdam’s ability to contribute to tax administration reform in Sint Maarten.
Silvania said he believes Sint Maarten has secured the services of a professional whose experience and expertise could contribute significantly to improving the country's tax administration.
He expressed hope that unsubstantiated media allegations would not distract from Nijdam’s work or undermine efforts to modernize tax collection and strengthen government institutions.
The statement represents a clear endorsement of Nijdam by a former minister who worked directly with him during Curaçao’s tax reform efforts.
It also places renewed attention on the importance of procedural fairness, the right of individuals to respond to serious allegations and the responsibility of public debate to distinguish between established facts and disputed claims.
Silvania’s description of the August 24 court ruling and his assessment of Nijdam’s professional conduct are presented as his statements. The full judgment was not provided with the declaration for independent examination.