WILLEMSTAD – Political movement Kousa Promé is calling for stronger oversight, greater transparency and independent investigations into suspected corruption in Curaçao, arguing that the country already has the institutions needed to combat wrongdoing but must ensure that they can operate effectively and independently.
In a statement addressing corruption in government, semi-government organizations and the private sector, Kousa Promé questioned why allegations of misconduct continue to emerge despite the existence of numerous supervisory and investigative bodies.
Giselle Rosalia, Kousa Promé president
The movement referred to recent controversies involving the online gambling sector, Domeinbeheer and Fundashon Kas Popular (FKP), as well as renewed public discussions about alleged irregularities involving the Tax Collector's Office.
Kousa Promé emphasized that these matters have generated serious concerns and pointed to government announcements about investigations into some of the controversies.
The movement did not present new evidence establishing corruption in the organizations mentioned. Its statement focused primarily on the need for effective investigations, institutional accountability and measures to prevent misconduct.
According to Kousa Promé, the public ultimately bears the consequences when corruption occurs, particularly when resources intended for economic development and essential services are diverted for private benefit.
Stronger Powers for Supervisory Institutions
One of the movement's central proposals is to strengthen the authority and operational independence of Curaçao's existing supervisory institutions.
Kousa Promé identified several organizations that it believes should play a more effective role in preventing and investigating corruption, including the government auditing organization SOAB, the General Audit Chamber, the Ombudsman, the Tax Audit Department (SBAB), internal government control units, Customs, the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Curaçao Police Force.
The movement also supports stronger cooperation between these institutions through multidisciplinary investigative teams.
According to Kousa Promé, supervisory organizations must have sufficient authority to examine the activities of public institutions and government-related companies when necessary.
It specifically mentioned the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, FKP, Aqualectra, Curoil, government foundations and public departments as organizations where effective oversight should be possible.
The movement argues that if existing statutes or organizational arrangements prevent authorized supervisory bodies from carrying out necessary inspections, those provisions should be reviewed and amended.
Such changes, it believes, would help prevent public institutions from operating beyond effective scrutiny.
Independent Investigations and Accountability
Kousa Promé also wants stronger guarantees that corruption allegations will be investigated independently and that the law will be applied consistently.
The movement argues that investigations should not be influenced by political considerations or the positions held by individuals involved.
It is calling for appropriate sanctions against those found responsible for corruption, including individuals who knowingly facilitate illegal practices.
Another important proposal concerns the protection of public employees who report suspected misconduct.
Kousa Promé supports legislation that would protect whistleblowers from retaliation, allowing civil servants to report irregularities without fearing consequences for their employment or careers.
The movement also considers an independent and investigative press an essential part of the country's anti-corruption framework.
According to Kousa Promé, journalists must be able to investigate public affairs and expose possible wrongdoing without political interference.
Government Must Strengthen Integrity
The movement believes that institutional controls must be accompanied by a stronger culture of integrity throughout government.
It proposes mandatory and continuous training in civic responsibility and professional ethics for civil servants at all levels.
Kousa Promé argues that public employees should regularly receive instruction about their responsibilities, ethical standards and the importance of protecting public resources.
The movement also advocates collective government decision-making on major issues, particularly those involving public assets and economically significant agreements.
It believes that important decisions should be supported by a majority within the government rather than being determined by an individual officeholder acting without sufficient oversight.
According to Kousa Promé, such safeguards could reduce the risk of agreements that compromise public property or deprive the country of revenue.
The movement concluded that Curaçao does not necessarily lack institutions to combat corruption but must ensure that those institutions have the independence, authority and resources needed to perform their duties.
It maintains that transparency, effective supervision and accountability should become fundamental standards of public administration rather than measures introduced only after controversies arise.