THE HAGUE - State Secretary Alexandra Van Huffelen will engage in discussions with the Curaçao government regarding the slow progress of tax system reform. "A matter of concern. I will have discussions with Curaçao in preparation for the next implementation agenda, which will be determined at the end of June."
The minister wrote this in response to written questions from Member of Parliament Roelien Kamminga (VVD). The reason for the questions was the decision by Minister of Finance Silvania to annul over 5 billion in outstanding tax assessments. Van Huffelen feels compelled to defend Silvania, stating that these are highly likely uncollectible debts. Canceling them would actually improve tax compliance, Van Huffelen writes, while also acknowledging that collecting old tax debts would contribute to putting the Curaçao government finances in order.