WILLEMSTAD – Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas has provided clarification on the circumstances that led to the resignations of Minister Kimberly Lew-Jen-Tai and Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel. The explanation was given after Pisas formally submitted their resignation letters to the Governor and subsequently addressed the media.
According to the prime minister, Lew-Jen-Tai has been designated as a suspect in a criminal investigation related to an incident that occurred on December 23 at her residence. Pisas explained that the situation involved her former partner visiting her home in connection with a matter concerning a child, after which a dispute arose and escalated.
As a result of the investigation, Lew-Jen-Tai was formally identified as a suspect, regardless of which party initiated the encounter. Pisas stressed that the legal process must now take its course and that the outcome of the investigation will need to be awaited. Under Curaçao’s integrity legislation, a minister who is formally designated as a suspect cannot remain in office.
The prime minister emphasized that the current case is unrelated to an earlier matter involving Lew-Jen-Tai that was previously dismissed and for which she had successfully completed the standard screening process. He noted that the conflict later resurfaced and ultimately led to the present criminal investigation. Pisas also confirmed that Lew-Jen-Tai voluntarily submitted video footage to authorities to provide insight into the incident, but that this did not alter her status as a suspect.
Government operations will continue uninterrupted, Pisas said. The portfolio of Governance, Planning and Public Services will temporarily be overseen by Shalten Hato until a permanent arrangement is determined.
Regarding Carlson Manuel, Pisas stated that his decision to step down is linked to the ongoing investigation into Kas di Kòrsou. During parliamentary budget discussions, a motion was adopted requesting the General Audit Chamber to conduct an investigation into the institution’s management. The MFK party, Pisas said, believes it is essential that this inquiry proceeds in a clean and transparent manner.
In consultation with Manuel, it was agreed that he would temporarily step aside for the duration of the investigation. The current director of Kas di Kòrsou has assumed interim responsibility for its management.
Pisas also addressed the broader political climate, noting the considerable pressure under which the government is operating. He pointed to the narrow governing majority of thirteen seats and warned against allowing emotions and tensions to dictate political conduct. According to the prime minister, public officials must remain vigilant against provocation and maintain self-control, referencing past political incidents in which lapses in restraint led to widespread unrest.