PHILIPSBURG--National Alliance (NA) Member of Parliament (MP) Ardwell Irion says he will be appealing the court ruling issued October 16, 2025, in a summary case brought by attorney Jairo Bloem, stating, “truth and transparency must not be silenced.”
In a press release issued shortly after the Court of First Instance delivered its verdict, Irion acknowledged the decision, which ordered a limited rectification related to a remark published in a People’s Tribune article about alleged excessive billing to utility company GEBE. However, Irion said that the court upheld the remainder of his statements as protected speech under his parliamentary role.
“The Court’s verdict essentially reaffirmed everything else I said,” Irion stated. “It only required a minor rectification concerning one phrase about excessive bills, but it did not challenge the facts, the legality, or the principle behind my statements. I will be appealing this partial ruling because I believe the truth must never be restricted. It is also my opinion that this judgment, if not challenged and overturned on appeal, will have a chilling effect on the freedom of speech of elected officials who must speak on behalf of the people.”
Irion maintains that his public remarks were rooted in concerns about the legality, transparency, and integrity of the nomination process for the Chairmanship of the Supervisory Board of the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. He said these comments were part of his parliamentary duty and not personal attacks.
“My statements were grounded in facts and accountability. As Members of Parliament, we have a duty to question irregularities and protect public trust in our institutions. That duty cannot be silenced or diminished.”
Citing contradictions in the public statements and actions of Bloem, Irion pointed to claims that Bloem had several months to consider the nomination and allegedly engaged with aspects of the process that later became points of contention. Irion suggested these elements raised legitimate concerns about impartiality.
“The previous government handled this process correctly and lawfully. What followed afterward did not. The attempt to use the courts to silence debate will not succeed because the facts remain unchanged.”
While expressing respect for the judiciary, Irion warned against any precedent that may undermine the democratic role of Parliament.
“The truth is not defamatory,” he said. “I will continue to defend my right and responsibility to speak on behalf of the people, to question what is wrong, and to ensure that public office remains rooted in honesty and the law. St Maarten deserves nothing less.”
