~Finance Minister grilled over liquidity crisis, consultant spending, and delays in appointing a new CEO~
PHILIPSBURG: --- TELEM Group, the government-owned telecommunications company, came under sharp scrutiny in Parliament on Thursday as Members of Parliament (MPs) pressed Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs for clarity on the company’s finances, leadership, and accountability.
The discussion unfolded during a Question Hour initiated by MP Daryl York, who sought direct answers about TELEM’s governance and financial health. Minister Gumbs, acting as the government’s designated contact person for TELEM, fielded 14 questions that exposed growing concerns about liquidity, management practices, and delays in executive appointments.
Serious Financial Concerns Identified
According to Minister Gumbs, a recent “quick scan” of TELEM’s operations revealed pressing liquidity challenges and the need for a full-scale turnaround plan. The review recommended:
- The sale of TELEM’s main building to generate cash flow;
- The implementation of a financial and operational turnaround strategy; and
- Stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms to stabilize the company.
To provide short-term relief, the government is finalizing a ƒ3.5 million guarantee to cover severance payments owed to former employees and to assist with operational liquidity.
However, when asked if the findings of the quick scan could be made public, Gumbs declined, citing commercial sensitivity and ongoing negotiations with creditors. She instead offered to present the report to Parliament in a closed-door session, maintaining that full disclosure could risk TELEM’s financial position.
Travel and Consultant Costs Raise Eyebrows
The minister also revealed details about TELEM’s recent spending, noting that management and staff spent approximately ƒ231,000 on travel over the past nine months, while consultant travel costs totaled ƒ170,000, primarily linked to a single network project.
Gumbs added that only three consultants—two of them local—currently serve in-line functions at TELEM, while others are hired for specific short-term projects.
These revelations sparked concern among MPs, who questioned whether such expenditures were responsible given TELEM’s precarious financial state.
Leadership Appointment Delayed
MP York also pressed Gumbs on the prolonged delay in appointing a new CEO, pointing out that the recruitment process had been completed months ago.
Gumbs explained that the delay was linked to the need to complete TELEM’s turnaround plan, which will determine the future structure of the company’s leadership. She confirmed that the quick scan was completed in July and presented to the Council of Ministers in August, adding that a decision on the new CEO is expected by the end of October.
York questioned the timing, suggesting that the action appeared to coincide conveniently with the parliamentary meeting. “The quick scan was finished in July,” he said. “So why are we only seeing decisions now—right after this meeting?”
MPs Widen the Scope of Questions
Other MPs used the opportunity to raise broader issues surrounding TELEM’s management and accountability:
- MP DE Weever asked whether Gumbs was acting officially as a shareholder representative or simply as the designated contact person. Gumbs clarified that a Council of Ministers decision in August 2025 had formally assigned her to the role due to TELEM’s financial challenges.
- MP Doran inquired about the Fibre-to-the-Home project and an additional switch purchased and installed in Curaçao, asking whether it was functional.
- MP Irion questioned whether TELEM’s consultants are paying taxes locally and called for a forensic audit of the company in early 2026.
- MP Lacroes asked about potential collaboration with Starlink, noting prior discussions about TELEM serving as a local distributor for the satellite internet provider.
- MP Lewis sought clarity on TELEM’s debts and cash flow, asking how long the company could continue operating under its current conditions.
- MP Ottley raised concerns about employee unrest and asked how the government ensures TELEM can meet its financial obligations and loan commitments.
Minister Promises Follow-Up
Minister Gumbs acknowledged that several questions would require input from TELEM’s management and the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT). She committed to providing written follow-up responses and to sharing TELEM’s 2023 audited financial statements once available, along with the upcoming 2024 report.
She also emphasized that TELEM will be required to submit monthly financial reports and participate in regular oversight meetings with the government to ensure fiscal compliance and operational transparency.
As the meeting concluded, it was clear that Parliament’s patience with TELEM’s leadership and the government’s oversight role is wearing thin. MPs across party lines emphasized the need for transparency, stronger fiscal discipline, and swift action to restore public trust in one of the country’s most important state-owned enterprises.
For Minister Gumbs and TELEM alike, the coming months will prove decisive—both in delivering on financial turnaround promises and in rebuilding confidence within Parliament and the public.
