WILLEMSTAD – Martha Semil will no longer serve in a function at the Cabinet of Curaçao, following a decision by the government to terminate her availability in the role.
Semil, who had been acting as interim director since the resignation of former Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel in January, received an official letter on Tuesday confirming the decision.
The development follows earlier measures taken against her on March 1, when she was barred from entering the office and prohibited from leaving the Netherlands. These restrictions were imposed after allegations of fraudulent activities involving approximately 14,000 guilders.
Semil has denied the allegations and recently requested a reconsideration of the measures, stating that her explanation had not been properly taken into account. According to her, an internal investigation identified only isolated administrative irregularities.
Despite this, the government has decided to maintain the restrictions while the investigation continues. The letter indicates that Semil will be given the opportunity for “hearing and rebuttal” at a later stage.
She has also been instructed to return to her previous position in Curaçao on April 16.
The matter has drawn political attention. The Curaçao Parliament has called a public meeting with Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas and former Minister Plenipotentiary Manuel to discuss the situation at the Cabinet. It remains unclear whether Manuel will attend.
Semil is currently working with the General Education Committee. It is not yet known whether she will comply with the government’s directive to return to Curaçao.
The case continues to unfold, with further details expected to emerge during the upcoming parliamentary session.