Curaçao Gaming Authority Faces Leadership Vacuum
The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has been left without a supervisory board following the resignation of all three commissioners. Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas has now taken direct control of the regulatory body, bypassing the Ministry of Finance and raising questions about governance and transparency.
Board Resignations Leave Regulator Without Oversight
In September, commissioners Shelwyn Salesia, Robert Reijnaert, and Ildefons Simon stepped down at the same time, leaving the CGA without leadership. Their resignation followed political tension within the government and disputes involving Finance Minister Javier Silvania. The move created uncertainty over how the country’s gaming sector, a key source of state income, will be managed. No replacements have been named yet, leaving the regulator without its oversight body.
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Observers warn that the situation could delay ongoing licensing reforms and reduce investor confidence in Curaçao’s gaming market. The CGA falls under the Ministry of Finance, but the Prime Minister’s Office now directs its daily operations. The absence of a functioning board also raises questions about the authority’s ability to ensure fair regulation in one of Curaçao’s most profitable industries.
Prime Minister Takes Over Regulatory Control
After the resignations, Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas met with CGA management to discuss current industry issues. Finance Minister Silvania did not attend. Government advisor Caryl Monte joined the meeting, signaling that Pisas has taken charge of the regulator’s work. The gaming sector contributes about 40 million guilders a year to state revenue and remains vital to Curaçao’s economy. Critics worry that this concentration of power could weaken institutional independence.
The CGA also remains unregistered with the Chamber of Commerce, even though it presents itself as a foundation. Official communications now go through the Prime Minister’s Office, reinforcing the shift in control and raising questions about accountability. Political observers suggest the move could indicate a broader effort by the Prime Minister to centralize influence over the island’s lucrative gaming market.