WILLEMSTAD – Turmoil behind the scenes at Fundashon Marshe, the organization responsible for managing Curaçao’s Ronde Markt, has resulted in the resignation of all three commissioners amid allegations of continued political interference by Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof.
Commissioners Geomaly Martes, Javier Magdalena and Roald Tromp have stepped down from their positions. According to information surrounding their departure, the commissioners cited repeated interference by the minister in decisions that they believed fell under the responsibility of the foundation and its management.
Among the points of contention were decisions concerning the allocation of kitchens inside the Ronde Markt, rental agreements with tenants and the recruitment of a new director for Fundashon Marshe.
The former commissioners also pointed to promised financial support from the government that, according to them, failed to materialize, adding to the financial difficulties facing the organization.
The government has meanwhile appointed Clifford Richardson and John Michael Römer as new commissioners by National Decree. Richardson was appointed based on his technical expertise, while Römer was appointed as an expert in general management.
The changes at the supervisory level come as Fundashon Marshe is also dealing with immediate financial problems.
Those difficulties became visible last Saturday when the Ronde Markt opened later than usual because of problems related to the payment of employees' salaries.
Fundashon Marshe previously confirmed that it normally pays salaries on the 24th of each month, but that September's payments had been delayed. The organization said it was addressing the financial issue with the parties involved and expected all employees to receive their salaries this week.
After the market eventually opened Saturday, vendors were able to set up their stalls and continue business as usual.
Interim director Remy Ricardo has reportedly since found a solution to the immediate financial problem, clearing the way for the delayed salaries to be paid this week.
As a result, the Ronde Markt in Punda was expected to return to its normal opening schedule Monday.
The simultaneous resignation of the three commissioners, however, raises broader questions about governance at Fundashon Marshe and the relationship between the foundation and the Ministry of Economic Development.
The immediate salary problem may have been addressed, but the departure of the entire previous supervisory board indicates that tensions over decision-making, finances and political involvement in the management of the Ronde Markt remain a more fundamental issue.