Recently, a photo surfaced of former Finance Minister Javier Silvania enjoying time in a supermarket in Suriname — and while no one here at Curacao Chronicle objects to someone’s private life or travel, there is a very real public interest in asking a simple question: Where has Silvania been?
Silvania, a jurist, economist and fiscal expert, served as Finance Minister from 2021 until his resignation in October 2025 amid internal conflict and controversy within the government. He later took up a seat in Parliament, where he was sworn in to represent over 18,000 voters from the March 2025 elections, after vacating his Cabinet position as part of an intra-party move.
That past performance, passionate political voice and public reputation are all legitimate parts of his record — but what is unquestionably public business is this: as an elected Member of Parliament, Javier Silvania is being paid with taxpayer money to carry out legislative duties. That’s a responsibility that doesn’t come with a paid vacation clause.
And yet, reports from within the political body — including from opposition voices — indicate that since returning to Parliament, Silvania has not been seen in the parliamentary building at all. Questions have been raised about his absence during budget debates and critical legislative sessions. One local commentator even asked publicly: “What does this mean for the functioning of Parliament?”
None of this is an attempt to police anyone’s personal life or travel. Elected officials are free — as we all are — to move about the world, visit family or take a break. But public service comes with public accountability. Voters on Curaçao didn’t send Silvania to represent them in name only; they sent him to show up, debate, hold the government to account and participate in decision-making that affects every school, healthcare worker and pensioner on the island.
When members of Parliament are absent without clear explanation, the people are left asking: Is their representative performing the job they were elected and compensated to do? That is not a partisan attack — it is a fundamental question about responsibility, transparency and respect for the democratic mandate.
Transparency should not be optional for those who hold public office. It is right — and necessary — for the public to know when their representatives are fulfilling their duties, and when they are not. The people of Curaçao deserve answers, and not just an out-of-context snapshot in a foreign supermarket.
Accountability doesn’t end when someone leaves the executive branch. If anything, it becomes more important when a politician goes from managing a ministry to legislating for the nation. And if silence continues where attendance should, then the public has every right to question and demand better.
In a democracy, public duty must always come before personal leisure — especially when tax guilders are involved.