Online Gambling Law Seen as Test of Curaçao's Governance Credibility

A public dispute between current Finance Minister Charles Cooper and former Finance Minister Javier Silvania — both of the ruling MFK party — is drawing sharp criticism in Curaçao. Commentator Larmonie-Cecilia invoked a Papiamento proverb, 'when two elephants fight, it is the ground that suffers,' to describe the fallout of the intra-party conflict. The feud between the two MFK figures has escalated to the point where ordinary citizens are being negatively impacted. The dispute centers on two heavyweights within the same political movement, raising questions about stability and governance within the ruling party. The situation highlights internal divisions within MFK at a time when financial leadership and public trust are critical. No resolution has been announced, and the conflict appears to be ongoing.

A controversy has emerged in Curaçao over undisclosed payments made by the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) to external consultants, which were apparently never brought before the Council of Ministers for proper oversight. The issue involves the period when the Partido Nashonal di Pueblo (PNP) was part of the Pisas II cabinet, which lasted until August 2024. Minister Larmonie-Cecilia has been drawn into the matter, with her recollections forming part of the public record on when and how these payments were handled. The online gambling law, known as the LOK, was submitted to Parliament in December 2024, raising questions about the timeline of consultant involvement and related expenditures. The failure to disclose these payments through the proper governmental channels has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the gaming regulatory framework. The situation highlights potential gaps in oversight of the CGA's financial dealings with private consultants during a critical period of online gambling legislation development.

The Union di Penshonado pa Adelanto i Hustisia (UPAH), a pensioners' advocacy organization in Curaçao, expressed cautious optimism following the participation of APC pension fund director Evelyne Kruythof-Bor at last Monday's Pensioners' Day celebration. Kruythof-Bor revealed that APC's coverage ratio in 2025 stood at more than 115 percent, a figure that signals the fund is in a relatively healthy financial position. The coverage ratio is a key indicator used to determine whether a pension fund can afford to index — or adjust — pension payments to keep pace with inflation. UPAH welcomed the director's transparency and engagement with pensioners but tempered its enthusiasm with a realistic outlook on whether indexation will actually be approved or implemented. For Curaçao's retirees, who have long pushed for adjustments to their pension benefits, the news represents a positive sign but falls short of a firm commitment. The organization appears to be managing expectations while continuing to advocate for meaningful pension increases on behalf of its members.