WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s Minister Plenipotentiary in The Hague, Carlson Manuel, has stepped down from his position to allow an independent investigation into the financial management of his office to proceed without obstruction.
In a letter dated January 12, 2026, addressed to Governor Maurits de Kort, Manuel confirms his decision to temporarily withdraw from office following a motion adopted by the Curaçao Parliament on December 18, 2025. That motion requests the Algemene Rekenkamer Curaçao to conduct an investigation into the integrity, legality and effectiveness of the financial management of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary over the period 2022 to 2025 .
In the letter, Manuel states that both before and after the adoption of the parliamentary motion, there has been extensive negative publicity surrounding his office and his personal role. He strongly rejects the allegations, describing them as factually unfounded and as defamatory. At the same time, he stresses that he believes full clarity must be achieved and therefore welcomes the audit investigation.
According to Manuel, the decision to step down was taken in consultation with Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas. The purpose of his resignation, he writes, is to give the Audit Chamber full space to carry out the investigation ordered by Parliament, without any appearance of interference .
Manuel also notes that he had previously discussed the possibility of stepping aside with the Governor and considered it appropriate to formally inform him of the final decision in writing. He emphasizes that he will provide full cooperation with the investigation when requested.
The resignation adds a new chapter to the ongoing political and administrative scrutiny surrounding the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary, as the Audit Chamber prepares to examine several years of financial management at Curaçao’s representation in the Netherlands.