PHILIPSBURG, WILLEMSTAD - Strengthening our own supervisory bodies, such as the Advisory Council, is better than imposing a supervisory institute such as COHO (Caribbean Organ for Reform and Development). This was stated by the President of Parliament Charetti America-Francisca during her opening speech at the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO).
Twice a year, delegations from the Parliaments of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten and the Dutch Senate and House of Representatives meet during the IPKO. The consultation in Sint Maarten started on Wednesday and will last until Friday 6 May. The agenda includes discussions about the COHO Kingdom Act, the state of affairs regarding the implementation of the land packages and better and sustainable relations within the Kingdom.
According to the President of President, COHO hurts. “We are sacrificing our autonomy in exchange for aid,” said America-Francisca. "I understand the mistrust and the need for control, but let's do it in a dignified way, let's do it differently."
America-Francisca advocates control and reform together with the strengthening of already existing control bodies in Curaçao, such as the Court of Audit, the Electoral Council and the Advisory Council. According to her, no additional external organs are needed.
“COHO is pushing the islands into a victim role. The kingdom will only get better if each country can support itself on its own,” said the President of Parliament. “COHO is already divisive, when we must be one to move forward.”