The former prime minister (left front row) with members of his then cabinet after being sworn in by Governor Lucille George-Wout (centre front row)
WILLEMSTAD–Former Curaçao Prime Minister for “Pueblo Soberano” (PS) Ben Whiteman was chosen as the new political leader of the now opposition party. This also prompted the immediate resignation as member by former PS-faction leader in Parliament Melvin “Mac” Cijntje.
Whiteman had been the only candidate and was voted into office by acclamation during a general assembly meeting. He promised to do his best in honouring the legacy of murdered PS-founder Helmin Magno Wiels and his ideals.
After Wiels was shot dead by hired gunmen in 2013, Jaime Cordoba became the next political leader at the end of 2015. However, he stepped down last year due to disappointing results at the polls.
Cijntje said Whiteman’s election was illegal because no specific invite for a meeting with that agenda point had been sent out and only 62 people showed up. He is also angry that the current PS-fraction did not support a recent motion with opposition colleagues of MFK, KdNT and MP calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the new hospital project.
Cijntje does not plan to establish his own political movement, but said he is open to all other “leftist” parties.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/81543-whiteman-to-lead-pueblo-soberano
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