During the PNP in Parliament session on March 23, 2026, the PNP (Partido Nashonal di Pueblo) strongly criticized the unacceptable attacks on the General Audit Chamber (ARC) by the government regarding the 2023 Annual Report. Both the PNP faction leader, Ms. Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia, and parliamentarian Mr. Sheldry Osepa delivered sharp speeches to defend the integrity of the country’s public institutions and protect taxpayers’ money.
Larmonie-Cecilia emphasized that the Annual Report should serve as a pillar of transparency, but what the ARC presented was “a tampered report that hides the truth from the people of Curaçao.” She raised alarms about the financial disaster, citing almost 4 billion florins in errors and uncertainties.
She harshly questioned the government’s attempt to attack ARC professionals who could not defend themselves in Parliament, saying, “Instead of explaining to the people where the funds went, the Minister sent a letter demanding that the Audit Chamber retract its report!” Larmonie-Cecilia warned that this opened the door to dictatorship, where differing opinions are silenced.
Mr. Osepa also emphasized that “the truth sets us free.” He explained that while the government formally defended its actions, “a true defense never hides the truth.” He compared the situation to the legal world, where multiple perspectives are possible, but in the end, the law determines what the truth is.
In the matter of public finances, ARC holds the final authority, as clearly stipulated in Article 68 of the Constitution. Osepa rejected the government’s attacks on ARC, stating that ARC was given the chance to respond and had listened to the parties involved, but without evidence, an accountant cannot simply turn a blind eye.
The PNP faction firmly rejected the government’s request for Parliament to force ARC to retract its report, declaring a resounding “NO!” They continue to defend the country’s institutions and the taxpayers’ money consistently.
On behalf of the PNP faction, Mr. Osepa formally proposed inviting the General Audit Chamber (ARC) to Parliament to present their side of the story and respond to the government’s claims. Directly listening to the voices of our public finances is crucial.
The PNP faction will continue to stand firm as a voice of reason and transparency for all taxpayers in Curaçao.
