WILLEMSTAD – Civil servant Gabriël Murray has successfully challenged the decision barring him from entering the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN), after it was determined that the ministry’s secretary-general did not have the authority to impose the measure. Despite that ruling, Murray will remain barred from the ministry through Tuesday because the underlying reasons for temporarily removing him from the workplace were considered justified.
The Minister of GMN must now decide by Tuesday whether Murray will be allowed to return to work or whether the access restriction will be extended through a properly authorized decision.
The dispute is connected to an ongoing investigation into financial management within the ministry.
One of the matters under scrutiny is the project “Accelerated Growth of Agriculture and Livestock Farming,” which was approved in March 2025. The project was not carried out that year, raising questions within the ministry about the use of funds and whether the proper procedures were followed.
Questions have also been raised about cleaning projects handled by the ministry.
Another issue forming part of the investigation involves an incident in late 2025 between Murray, the ministry’s financial controller and the then-head of the Agriculture and Fisheries Management implementing organization.
Murray himself has filed a police report concerning suspected fraud within the ministry.
The investigation is expected to determine what occurred in the various cases and whether Murray or other individuals can ultimately be held responsible for any wrongdoing.
For now, the outcome of Murray’s objection means that the original access ban was procedurally flawed because it was imposed by an official who lacked the necessary authority. However, it does not clear Murray of the issues being investigated.
The next decision rests with the GMN minister, who must determine by Tuesday whether Murray can resume his duties or whether there are sufficient grounds to formally extend the restriction.