WILLEMSTAD – Member of Parliament Ruisandro Cijntje of the Partido Nashonal di Pueblo (PNP) is calling on the Curaçao government to urgently clarify the situation surrounding the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), citing growing national and international concern about governance, transparency, and potential reputational damage to the country.
In a press statement dated December 8, 2025, Cijntje refers to the recent adjustment by the College for Financial Supervision (CFT) to its advice on the third implementation report for 2025. According to Cijntje, this development reinforces the need for the government to clearly explain what is happening at the CGA.
Cijntje notes that the entire supervisory board of the CGA has reportedly stepped down simultaneously, without any public explanation of the reasons behind their resignation. At the same time, responsibility for the CGA was shifted from former Minister of Finance Javier Silvania to Minister of Justice Shalten Hato.
The PNP parliamentarian also points to reports in both local and international media stating that several countries have banned online gaming companies operating under Curaçao licenses. In addition, local media have reported that the RST is investigating possible money laundering through online gambling. While Ministers Shalten Hato and Charles Cooper have stated that no investigation is currently underway, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has neither confirmed nor denied whether an investigation is taking place.
Cijntje says these developments are deeply concerning, particularly in light of Curaçao’s international reputation and economic interests. He argues that it is the Prime Minister’s responsibility to step forward and provide clarity to the public.
According to Cijntje, he supports the CFT’s corrected position suggesting that there may indeed be an ongoing investigation by the Public Prosecutor involving the CGA. He states that if no wrongdoing is taking place, a strong and transparent government should be able to reassure the people of Curaçao and the international community with a clear and unequivocal statement.
Conversely, if an investigation is underway, Cijntje insists that the Prime Minister and the government have a duty to openly acknowledge this as well.
He criticizes what he describes as a recurring lack of transparency by the government, pointing to the unresolved resignation of former Minister Javier Silvania. Although the Prime Minister previously stated that an investigation was taking place, and Silvania himself confirmed this, no further clarity has been provided. Cijntje questions whether the investigation referenced by the CFT relates to that same case or whether a separate investigation is now underway.
Cijntje concludes that a well-informed Prime Minister who communicates decisively and transparently would help dispel speculation and restore confidence, both locally and internationally, in Curaçao’s governance and regulatory institutions.