WILLEMSTAD – Parliament Speaker Fergino Brownbill has defended his trip to attend Curaçao's three group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that no formal invitation was required for the Curaçao Parliament to send a delegation to the historic event.
Brownbill's response comes after questions from MAN-PIN Member of Parliament Giselle Mc William, who criticized the use of public funds for the trip, particularly at a time when many residents are struggling with the island's high cost of living.
In a written response, Brownbill said he traveled to the United States together with the Deputy Clerk of Parliament. According to him, the trip was financed from the Parliament Speaker's separate travel budget, which had sufficient funds available.
He emphasized that unused travel funds cannot be redirected to other government purposes but are returned to the public treasury at the end of the fiscal year.
No Invitation Required
Brownbill confirmed that he did not receive a formal invitation to attend the national team's opening World Cup match. He noted, however, that the MAN-PIN parliamentary faction had approved the trip for that match.
He also acknowledged that no invitations were issued for the second and third group-stage matches. Nevertheless, Brownbill argued that Parliament has previously decided on its own initiative to send delegations to events considered nationally significant.
According to the Parliament Speaker, Curaçao's first-ever participation in the FIFA World Cup represented a unique moment in the country's history that justified parliamentary representation.
"The Parliament represents the entire population and therefore had to visibly show its support for the national football team," Brownbill stated.
FIFA Granted VVIP Status
Brownbill said access to the matches was arranged directly with FIFA.
After FIFA was informed about Curaçao's constitutional and political status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, he said he was included in FIFA's protocol group alongside heads of state and other dignitaries.
According to his letter, he was granted "VVIP" status for the matches.
Travel Procedure Defended
The Parliament Speaker also rejected criticism that an emergency procedure had been improperly used to approve the trip.
Following consultation with the Clerk of Parliament, Brownbill said it was determined that Parliament's Rules of Procedure allowed the proposal to be approved without first being discussed in a meeting of the Central Committee.
He also defended traveling with the Deputy Clerk, describing it as standard practice during official representation. According to Brownbill, the person accompanying the Speaker falls under his direct responsibility during such official trips.
Cost of Trip Remains Undisclosed
While Brownbill defended both the purpose of the trip and the approval process, his written response does not disclose the total cost of the visit.
The letter also does not provide a breakdown of airfare, hotel accommodations, daily allowances or other travel expenses. Nor does it specify any official meetings or duties performed during the visit beyond attending Curaçao's World Cup matches.