Rutte’s Visit To Curacao Starts This Afternoon
WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte arrived this afternoon at the Hato airport for an introductory visit to the Caribbean area of the Dutch Kingdom. He is accompanied by a delegation from the Dutch business community led by the Chairman of the Small and Medium Business Association, Hans Biesheuvel.
The delegation will orient themselves particularly on the potential of the islands to function as a springboard to the South American continent. Especially countries like Brazil, Colombia and Panama.
The group started their eight-day visit to the islands of the former West Indies last Saturday in Aruba. Mark Rutte spoke with his Aruban counterpart Mike Eman, the other Ministers in the Cabinet Eman and members of Parliament. Topics included the forthcoming visit of the King and Queen to the islands, the
Kingdom Conference and the financial situation of Aruba. The visit of the Prime Minister and his delegation will be till Wednesday.
Special thanks to Bea Moedt for the images.
WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte arrived this afternoon at the Hato airport for an introductory visit to the Caribbean area of the Dutch Kingdom. He is accompanied by a delegation from the Dutch business community led by the Chairman of the Small and Medium Business Association, Hans Biesheuvel.
The delegation will orient themselves particularly on the potential of the islands to function as a springboard to the South American continent. Especially countries like Brazil, Colombia and Panama.
The group started their eight-day visit to the islands of the former West Indies last Saturday in Aruba. Mark Rutte spoke with his Aruban counterpart Mike Eman, the other Ministers in the Cabinet Eman and members of Parliament. Topics included the forthcoming visit of the King and Queen to the islands, theKingdom Conference and the financial situation of Aruba. The visit of the Prime Minister and his delegation will be till Wednesday.
Kingdom Conference and the financial situation of Aruba. The visit of the Prime Minister and his delegation will be till Wednesday.
Special thanks to Bea Moedt for the images.
In 2012, Many Cases Of Embezzlement At Work
WILLEMSTAD – In 2012, a remarkable number of complaints were made for embezzlement or fraud at work. In some cases it involved relatively small amounts embezzled, but there were also complaints filed for embezzlement of amounts above 100,000 guilders. This is reported in the 2012 annual report of the Public Prosecutor (OM).
There were, according to the prosecution, a number of investigation that have received media attention. Those were cases which in jargon are known as ‘harvesting’. In 2012 there were several people, all foreigners detained after they were caught with false or forged credit cards – forgery of credit cards is known as ‘skimming’ – money pinned, or have tried to pin from ATM machines in Curacao. A number of persons were also arrested when they tried to buy expensive goods with skimmed bank cards
WILLEMSTAD – In 2012, a remarkable number of complaints were made for embezzlement or fraud at work. In some cases it involved relatively small amounts embezzled, but there were also complaints filed for embezzlement of amounts above 100,000 guilders. This is reported in the 2012 annual report of the Public Prosecutor (OM).
There were, according to the prosecution, a number of investigation that have received media attention. Those were cases which in jargon are known as ‘harvesting’. In 2012 there were several people, all foreigners detained after they were caught with false or forged credit cards – forgery of credit cards is known as ‘skimming’ – money pinned, or have tried to pin from ATM machines in Curacao. A number of persons were also arrested when they tried to buy expensive goods with skimmed bank cards
Raid At Trust Office For Millions In Fraud
WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD) seized millions of euro at a Dutch real estate agent during a raid. This came after an international investigation was conducted.
The investigation was also conducted here on Curacao. This is according to the Office of the Public Prosecution (OM) in Curacao. The FIOD searched at four business premises and one house in the Netherlands. In Curacao they searched at a trust office. The administration documents and 200.000 euro were confiscated. In addition, bank accounts were seized, also funds and an expensive art collection. This was probably done to deprive the criminals from their assets earned through illegal activities.
The presumption is that the suspect kept profits of tens of millions from a real estate deal out of sight of the tax authorities by using a Private Foundation (SPF) in Curaçao in the 2006. In late 2009, the suspect tried to hide a large part of the sum through a donation. Presumably this was done to avoid a stricter legislation which came into force on January 1, 2010.
The total loss to the exchequer is estimated at over 25 million euro.
WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD) seized millions of euro at a Dutch real estate agent during a raid. This came after an international investigation was conducted.
The investigation was also conducted here on Curacao. This is according to the Office of the Public Prosecution (OM) in Curacao. The FIOD searched at four business premises and one house in the Netherlands. In Curacao they searched at a trust office. The administration documents and 200.000 euro were confiscated. In addition, bank accounts were seized, also funds and an expensive art collection. This was probably done to deprive the criminals from their assets earned through illegal activities.
The presumption is that the suspect kept profits of tens of millions from a real estate deal out of sight of the tax authorities by using a Private Foundation (SPF) in Curaçao in the 2006. In late 2009, the suspect tried to hide a large part of the sum through a donation. Presumably this was done to avoid a stricter legislation which came into force on January 1, 2010.
The total loss to the exchequer is estimated at over 25 million euro.
Coalition Destroys Economy And Now Wants The Private Sector To Fix It
WILLEMSTAD – “How is it possible that Alex Rosaria and his political party PAIS, who is responsible for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has the courage to come and say that the private sector has to show leadership and take more risk and be innovate?” according to the political party MFK.
According to the members of Parliament for MFK, it is exactly those who are in the current coalition, Pueblo Soberano (PS), PNP, PAIS and the one who stole a seat in Parliament, have done nothing for the country and they are those who caused the national debt to rise from one billion to six billion and now they want to come and show how it is suppose to be done while for years they have done nothing to help the economy. All did they was made sure they travel everywhere using the people’s money.
When they had to show leadership in the 90’s until now, they have borrowed money uncontrollably and caused an astronomic debt for others to come and fix. When they had to show leadership and take risk, after they made a deal with the Netherlands in 2005 to cover 80% of the debt, Alex Rosaria and his allies decided after 2006 until October 2010 to continue borrowing money and leave Curacao with more debts than before. When it was necessary to show creativity and innovation, Alex Rosaria decided to take more austerity measures against the pensioners, workers and the people of Curacao, causing now that between 1600 and 2000 people will lose their jobs and the economy to shrink with 2.2% if not more.
When they had to be innovative, they lied to the people about investing 270 million guilders to give an impulse to our economy and up to this day we haven’t seen a single cent pumped into the economy and no initiative was proposed to attract new investors to give the economy a push.
How can Alec Rosaria and PAIS have the courage to come and tell the private sector that they have to demonstrate leadership, take risk and be innovative? When they had to be innovative for Curacao to get its new hospital, Alex Rosaria and his coalition voted against the people and the people were left without a new hospital and without and economic impulse brought by the construction of the new hospital.
Now the same Alex Rosaria, who closed down the Amstel brewery, Di Oro cooking oil company, Continental Milling and other productive companies in our country, has the courage to come and complain to the business owners that they are not creative enough.
They can take the Cabinet Schotte as an example. This Government created a more simplified tax structure to put Curacao back on the market, to stimulate the economy and the investments by reducing the profit tax. This Government brought new projects like Sambil and C-TEX. That was Cabinet Schotte’s creativity. What did Alex Rosaria and his allies do? Increase sales tax from 6 to 9%. They’ve increased the cost for every single permit, they’ve massacred the pensioners and also the people. Now they still cry because there is no economic growth.
WILLEMSTAD – “How is it possible that Alex Rosaria and his political party PAIS, who is responsible for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has the courage to come and say that the private sector has to show leadership and take more risk and be innovate?” according to the political party MFK.
According to the members of Parliament for MFK, it is exactly those who are in the current coalition, Pueblo Soberano (PS), PNP, PAIS and the one who stole a seat in Parliament, have done nothing for the country and they are those who caused the national debt to rise from one billion to six billion and now they want to come and show how it is suppose to be done while for years they have done nothing to help the economy. All did they was made sure they travel everywhere using the people’s money.
When they had to show leadership in the 90’s until now, they have borrowed money uncontrollably and caused an astronomic debt for others to come and fix. When they had to show leadership and take risk, after they made a deal with the Netherlands in 2005 to cover 80% of the debt, Alex Rosaria and his allies decided after 2006 until October 2010 to continue borrowing money and leave Curacao with more debts than before. When it was necessary to show creativity and innovation, Alex Rosaria decided to take more austerity measures against the pensioners, workers and the people of Curacao, causing now that between 1600 and 2000 people will lose their jobs and the economy to shrink with 2.2% if not more.
When they had to be innovative, they lied to the people about investing 270 million guilders to give an impulse to our economy and up to this day we haven’t seen a single cent pumped into the economy and no initiative was proposed to attract new investors to give the economy a push.
How can Alec Rosaria and PAIS have the courage to come and tell the private sector that they have to demonstrate leadership, take risk and be innovative? When they had to be innovative for Curacao to get its new hospital, Alex Rosaria and his coalition voted against the people and the people were left without a new hospital and without and economic impulse brought by the construction of the new hospital.
Now the same Alex Rosaria, who closed down the Amstel brewery, Di Oro cooking oil company, Continental Milling and other productive companies in our country, has the courage to come and complain to the business owners that they are not creative enough.
They can take the Cabinet Schotte as an example. This Government created a more simplified tax structure to put Curacao back on the market, to stimulate the economy and the investments by reducing the profit tax. This Government brought new projects like Sambil and C-TEX. That was Cabinet Schotte’s creativity. What did Alex Rosaria and his allies do? Increase sales tax from 6 to 9%. They’ve increased the cost for every single permit, they’ve massacred the pensioners and also the people. Now they still cry because there is no economic growth.
Schotte; ‘After The Recess We Will Find Out Who’s For Or Against The Refinery’
WILLEMSTAD – Parliament factions MFK, PAR and MAN have united in their petition to the President of Parliament, Mr. Mike Franco, to call a public meeting to deliberate on the position of Parliament on the future of the oil refinery after 2019. They also want to know what the Government’s concrete plans are for the refinery. This petition is according to art. 64 of the Parliamentary rules and regulations,
At the end of 2011, the Government headed by former Prime Minister, Gerrit Schotte, assigned the Dutch consultant, Ecorys, to do an in depth research on three scenarios for the future of the refinery. These three scenarios are:
- Modernization
- A new refinery at a new location (Bullenbaai)
- Close down the refinery and use the area for other activities
Ecorys concluded in their report that the most desirable scenario for the sustainable development of Curacao is the modernization of the refinery.
Today, 18 months after Ecorys report was published, MFK, PAR and MAN want to know what the Asjes’ Government exact position is on the future of the refinery after 2019 (which is when the contract with PDVSA will expire).
The MFK faction hopes that the President of Parliament will see the importance of this issue and calls the public meeting right after the recess.
WILLEMSTAD – Parliament factions MFK, PAR and MAN have united in their petition to the President of Parliament, Mr. Mike Franco, to call a public meeting to deliberate on the position of Parliament on the future of the oil refinery after 2019. They also want to know what the Government’s concrete plans are for the refinery. This petition is according to art. 64 of the Parliamentary rules and regulations,
At the end of 2011, the Government headed by former Prime Minister, Gerrit Schotte, assigned the Dutch consultant, Ecorys, to do an in depth research on three scenarios for the future of the refinery. These three scenarios are:
- Modernization
- A new refinery at a new location (Bullenbaai)
- Close down the refinery and use the area for other activities
Ecorys concluded in their report that the most desirable scenario for the sustainable development of Curacao is the modernization of the refinery.
Today, 18 months after Ecorys report was published, MFK, PAR and MAN want to know what the Asjes’ Government exact position is on the future of the refinery after 2019 (which is when the contract with PDVSA will expire).
The MFK faction hopes that the President of Parliament will see the importance of this issue and calls the public meeting right after the recess.
GroenLinks Asks Questions About Refinery In Dutch Parliament
WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch political party GroenLinks demands openness on the Isla reports and has asked various parliamentary questions on this issue. “If Curaçao fails to take measures to prevent the toxic discharges, GroenLinks will then request to call for the activation of the security function,” said Bram van Ojik of GroenLinks.
“GroenLinks has been asking for years that the Isla refinery either neatly comply with the environmental standards either close down”, Ojik reiterates. “Isla regularly emits much poison and residents literally have no life. The damage caused to the environment and human health is enormous. Last weekend they did it again. The people have to be protected against that. If that does not happen, then the Kingdom Government must now finally intervene.”
Groenlinks also wants Minister Plasterk of the Interior and Kingdom Relations to fully commit himself to disclosure of all investigations into the refinery. Bram van Ojik: “From two reports, which are kept confidential, according to insiders shows that the ISLA refinery does not deliver such a large contribution to the Curaçao economy. Thought-provoking to what costs will they keep the refinery open.”
According to the Clean Environment Foundation in Curaçao (SMOC) it is not known which substances were emitted into the air on Sunday, when the refinery produced the black smoke. “As far as we know there is much to our surprise, there was no response by neither the Curaçao government nor the Parliament on this ‘black Sunday’,” said SMOC in a press release. “Because once again there were large quantities of incompletely burned gases which almost certainly contains carcinogens.”
WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch political party GroenLinks demands openness on the Isla reports and has asked various parliamentary questions on this issue. “If Curaçao fails to take measures to prevent the toxic discharges, GroenLinks will then request to call for the activation of the security function,” said Bram van Ojik of GroenLinks.
“GroenLinks has been asking for years that the Isla refinery either neatly comply with the environmental standards either close down”, Ojik reiterates. “Isla regularly emits much poison and residents literally have no life. The damage caused to the environment and human health is enormous. Last weekend they did it again. The people have to be protected against that. If that does not happen, then the Kingdom Government must now finally intervene.”
Groenlinks also wants Minister Plasterk of the Interior and Kingdom Relations to fully commit himself to disclosure of all investigations into the refinery. Bram van Ojik: “From two reports, which are kept confidential, according to insiders shows that the ISLA refinery does not deliver such a large contribution to the Curaçao economy. Thought-provoking to what costs will they keep the refinery open.”
According to the Clean Environment Foundation in Curaçao (SMOC) it is not known which substances were emitted into the air on Sunday, when the refinery produced the black smoke. “As far as we know there is much to our surprise, there was no response by neither the Curaçao government nor the Parliament on this ‘black Sunday’,” said SMOC in a press release. “Because once again there were large quantities of incompletely burned gases which almost certainly contains carcinogens.”
ABN Amro Departs From Curacao
WILLEMSTAD – ABN Amro leaves the Caribbean parts of the Netherlands. End of this year the last bank, which is a MeesPierson branch on Curaçao, will be closed down. This is according to the ABN Amro on Thursday. According to the bank, the branch no longer fits in the strategy of the company. ABN Amro wants to focus now on the financial services to individuals on the continents of Europe and Asia. In addition, the scale and growth opportunities on the island are limited.
The MeesPierson facility in Curaçao was founded in 1952 and currently has 43 employees. There is a social plan for them. The approximately 1,100 depositors of the bank in Curacao may continue with their banking activities through offices in Europe or Asia. Otherwise they will have to switch to a local bank. According to a spokeswoman, most ABN customers on the island of Curaçao are locals. The number of Dutch savers who have a second home in Curacao, are limited.
ABN Amro is, in their own words, the last major Dutch bank on Curaçao. Initially ABN left the West Indies in 2005, but got an office in Curaçao again in 2008 after the merger with Fortis.
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