PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion has publicly raised concerns regarding the Minister of Finance's use of paid consultants, questioning the ethics and transparency of the practice. During a recent radio interview, MP Irion suggested that such arrangements could compromise the independence of information and advice provided to the government.
The discussion arose in the context of a public debate surrounding the nomination process for the chairman of the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS). While analyzing an article written about the process, Irion pointed to its author, Mr. Fabian Badejo, as a "paid actor."
"This is a paid actor. He's paid as PR for the Minister of Finance," Irion stated, expressing his inability to trust the information presented. He elaborated on his position, questioning the objectivity of an individual compensated by the very official they are writing about. "If you're paid to write for the minister of finance, what you're going to write? You're paid to write exactly what you write," he added.
MP Irion’s comments highlight a broader concern about accountability and potential conflicts of interest within government operations. He argued that relying on paid consultants for public commentary and advice, particularly from individuals with political affiliations or financial ties to the government, could create an echo chamber that favors the administration's narrative.
"I have a lot of respect for all the people involved, but at the end of the day, if you want to do things independently, if you want to do things ethically, why would you then choose the entity...that's directly associated with the government politically?" Irion questioned.
He contrasted this with the established procedure of using the government's internal Legal Affairs department for unbiased advice, a step he claims was bypassed in the CBCS chairmanship nomination. Irion emphasized that internal departments are meant "to get unbiased advice to protect the institution and to protect the minister."
These statements frame a larger debate on governance, integrity, and the checks and balances necessary to ensure that government decisions are made in the public's best interest, free from undue influence. MP Irion maintains that his scrutiny is not politically motivated but is part of his duty as an opposition member to uphold legal procedures and demand accountability.
