WILLEMSTAD – Member of Parliament Juniel Carolina has raised multiple concerns regarding the draft 2027 budget of the Curaçao Parliament, calling for greater transparency and clarification on several spending items.
According to Carolina, while the overall budget appears balanced, certain areas require further explanation and possible adjustments. He pointed to a significant projected decrease in building rental expenses in future years and questioned the reasoning behind this change.
The MP also highlighted ongoing high costs for electricity consumption and suggested that internal awareness campaigns could help reduce expenses. Additionally, he questioned expenditures related to vehicle leasing and maintenance, noting that if vehicles are leased, maintenance costs should typically be included in contracts.
Carolina further raised concerns about a budget allocation of 300,000 guilders for telephone and fax costs, questioning whether fax services are still in use in an era dominated by digital communication. He suggested that outdated systems should be eliminated if no longer necessary.
Other points of concern included public information spending projected at 585,000 guilders over the next five years, for which Carolina requested details on past and planned activities. He also asked for clarification on the management of the recently launched Parliament radio station, 102.5 FM, and the transition to digital newspaper subscriptions for parliament members.
The MP stressed that his remarks are not intended as criticism but as part of Parliament’s responsibility to ensure proper oversight of public funds. He called for detailed explanations and, where necessary, corrections to ensure responsible financial management.