Several arrests were made at Curaçao’s Ministry of Traffic, Transport and Spatial Planning VVRP (see related story) as part of a corruption probe. No further details were provided, other than that it involves Public Works.
The story is relevant for St. Maarten especially after a report in the Friday/Saturday edition of this newspaper that Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Patrice Gumbs during the weekly Live Executive Briefing spoke of information about individuals soliciting bribes for permits. He said the practice of requesting illicit payments from developers “continues” and that this is grounds for dismissal.
However, no mention was made of possible related disciplinary measures or filing a complaint with the prosecution. While much obviously depends on the seriousness of each case and having enough clear indications, not taking prompt action usually makes it more difficult to do so later.
The intention here is not to start any witch hunt within the ministry, but if rules are broken for financial gain there must be consequences for both sides, parties offering bribes as well as those accepting them.
Although the burden of proof can play a role, when it comes to government corruption, which eats away at the very foundation of a democratic society, there is no sweeping under the rug.
