WILLEMSTAD – The law governing the screening of candidate ministers is currently under review, former formateur Chester Peterson has confirmed in a statement issued on behalf of Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas (MFK). The review follows questions and criticism surrounding the application of the law, including concerns raised in the case involving former minister Kimberly Lew-Jen-Tai.
Peterson stated that several provisions of the screening law require amendment because they do not align with sound democratic practice. He also sought to clarify ongoing public confusion by stressing that responsibility for the final screening decision lies with the formateur, not with the public prosecutor.
The legislation mandates extensive judicial, financial, and security background checks for prospective ministers. According to Peterson, the law has been controversial for years, and earlier recommendations to revise it were never implemented.
Any changes to the screening law would require a two-thirds majority in the Staten van Curaçao. At present, the governing coalition does not hold such a majority on its own, meaning that support from opposition parties would be necessary to pass amendments.