WILLEMSTAD – Former Minister of Justice Suzy Camelia-Römer has rejected criticism from former Minister Javier Silvania regarding Curaçao’s offshore gaming legislation, arguing that the current debate should focus on transparency and accountability surrounding recent decisions in the sector.
Römer stated that Silvania’s criticism creates an inaccurate picture of the origins of Curaçao’s offshore gaming framework. According to her, the 1993 offshore gambling law was created during her time as Minister of Justice, but she did not grant permits to any company or individual.
“Suzy did not give a single permit to any company or person,” Römer stated.
She explained that her successor, former Minister of Justice Pedro Atacho, issued permits to specific companies based on the legislation, and that subsequent ministers continued applying the same legal framework.
According to Römer, the fact that the law has existed for more than three decades makes a review understandable.
“A law that is more than 30 years old naturally requires evaluation,” she said.
However, Römer argued that the current discussion should not focus only on the historic legislation but also on decisions made in recent years, particularly regarding digital gaming operations and financial arrangements.
She said the investigation announced by Minister of Finance Charles Cooper is therefore appropriate and should examine all relevant facts.
The former minister questioned why a digital gaming platform was placed in Malta and why a specific individual or company was selected without a transparent public process.
She also questioned the reported payment of more than ANG 8.3 million annually to a Malta-based company and the alleged use of Bitcoin payments through the Czech Republic.
Römer said these issues require answers from those responsible.
“The investigation by Minister Cooper is completely justified,” she stated.
She added that she also supports the investigation by the Landsrecherche that Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas announced after the MFK party removed Silvania from his ministerial position.
According to Römer, accountability and transparency are essential when public funds and government decisions are involved.
“Every investigation must be based on facts and must clarify what happened,” she said.