The Board of Financial Supervision for Curaçao and Sint Maarten (Cft) has backtracked on claims that the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) was under investigation by the Public Prosecution Service.
The Cft’s Chair, Drs. L.M.C. Ongering thanked Finance Minister Charles Cooper for clarifying that no such investigation is taking place after Cooper and Minister of Justice Shalten Hato received reassurances from the CGA.
Ongering also accepted that the Cft should have only commented on investigations confirmed through official channels.
“In retrospect, we agree that it would have been better for the Cft to refer only to investigations confirmed by official channels. We will ensure this is the case going forward,” stated Ongering in a letter dated 3 December.
Reports began to circulate after the Cft sent a letter to Cooper on 27 November, which mentioned the CGA was under investigation.
However, according to the Curaçao Chronicle, Cooper criticised the letter as “incorrect, unfounded and extraordinarily careless” at the time. The CGA also denied the reports categorically, stating that it “has not been approached by the Public Prosecutor and is not aware of any investigation”.
‘Verifiable information rather than speculation’
The CGA has welcomed the Cft’s clarification, emphasising that the situation highlights the risk posed by “rumour-based claims”.
Cedric Pietersz, Managing Director of the CGA, said: “The removal of these assertions in their entirety confirms what has been clear from the outset: the claims had no foundation in fact and should never have been issued in an official context.
“We welcome the Cft’s decision to correct the record, ensuring that the public narrative is based on verified information rather than speculation. This step is essential for maintaining trust in both regulatory oversight and the institutions responsible for it.”
The CGA reiterated its commitment to implementing the LoK, Curaçao’s National Gambling Ordinance, alongside the Minister of Justice.
