WILLEMSTAD – PNP Member of Parliament Ruisandro Cijntje is calling for an urgent investigation into possible corruption, political interference, mismanagement, and misuse of public funds within Curaçao's sports sector. The parliamentarian warns that personal interests and power struggles could undermine decades of work by athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and volunteers.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Cijntje expressed serious concerns about the management of sports facilities, the appointment of sports administrators, and the transparency of government investments in sporting infrastructure.
His intervention follows concerns raised by several sports administrators and former athletes during a local radio program on Sunday.
Drawing on his own experience as an athlete and sports administrator, Cijntje said the situation requires immediate attention from the government and the relevant authorities.
According to the parliamentarian, Curaçao cannot afford to allow political interests, favoritism, or possible corruption to jeopardize the development of sports on the island.
Questions About Millions Invested in Sports Facilities
One of Cijntje's main concerns involves the allocation of sports facilities and the management of public investments.
He argues that the distribution and use of sports grounds should be governed by clear and transparent criteria rather than political connections or favoritism.
The parliamentarian also raised questions about investments worth millions of guilders in sports facilities, artificial turf, and lighting installations.
According to Cijntje, the public has a right to know how much money has been spent, which companies received the contracts, and whether the quality of the completed work justifies the amounts invested.
He believes greater transparency is necessary to ensure that public resources intended for sports development are being used appropriately.
The statement does not identify specific contracts, companies, officials, or projects allegedly involved in wrongdoing. It also does not present documentary evidence establishing corruption or misuse of public funds.
Cijntje is therefore calling for an investigation to determine whether irregularities have occurred.
Political Influence Over Sports Organizations
The PNP parliamentarian also expressed concern about political interference in the management of sports organizations.
He believes appointments to leadership positions should be based on professional competence, integrity, knowledge of sports, and respect for experienced administrators who have contributed to the development of Curaçao's sporting institutions.
According to Cijntje, political influence should not determine who receives responsibility for managing sports facilities or organizations.
He also warned against allowing financial sponsors to exercise improper control over sports federations and clubs.
While acknowledging that sponsorship is important for financing sporting activities, Cijntje argued that financial contributions should never give individuals the right to disregard regulations, influence decisions improperly, or control sports organizations.
He further condemned intimidation, pressure, abuse of power, and conflicts of interest involving sports administrators and volunteers.
The parliamentarian believes these practices, if allowed to continue, could weaken the independence of sports organizations and discourage people from contributing to the sector.
Five Demands for Government Action
Cijntje is urging the government and competent authorities to investigate indications of possible corruption, irregularities, and misuse of public funds in sports.
He also wants transparent procedures for allocating sports grounds, awarding contracts, and approving investments.
Another priority is protecting sports federations and clubs from political interference.
The parliamentarian is calling for measures to address intimidation, abuse of power, and conflicts of interest within sports administration.
Finally, he wants the government to develop a national plan to restore and strengthen sporting competitions, from youth leagues to adult championships.
Cijntje maintains that these measures are necessary to protect the integrity of Curaçao's sports sector and ensure that athletes and volunteers can continue their work without improper outside influence.
Sports Must Serve the Public
The parliamentarian emphasized that Curaçao's sporting achievements are the result of decades of dedication and sacrifice.
Athletes, coaches, administrators, and volunteers have contributed to the island's international reputation, often investing considerable personal time and resources.
Cijntje believes those contributions should not be undermined by personal ambitions or political power struggles.
"Sports belong to the people, not to an interest group," he declared in his statement.
He warned that failing to address the concerns now could have lasting consequences for future generations of athletes.
For Cijntje, protecting the integrity of sports administration is essential not only for maintaining public confidence but also for ensuring that Curaçao's sporting institutions remain capable of developing talent and supporting international success.