The leader of the MEP faction, Evelyn Wever-Croes, has expressed her concern regarding the lack of transparency from Minister Gerlien Croes in a case currently under procedure before the LAR (Administrative Appeals Court).
Given the lack of response, the case was brought before the LAR. After an eight-week work period, the LAR issued its official advice last Friday and sent it to the Government (to Minister Gerlien Croes).
According to Evelyn Wever-Croes, the minister is obligated to provide the faction with a copy of the advice/decision and has a six-week period to decide whether or not to follow the advice issued by the LAR. Wever-Croes argues that the minister cannot simply dismiss the case, as there are several legal opinions—including one from an American aviation expert and others from local lawyers, such as Daisiree Croes—stating that the minister could not have paid for the flight. This aircraft does not have the license to operate for commercial hire, and if the minister did pay, she would be committing an illegal act.
The faction leader pointed out that it is important for this information to be made public, yet nearly eight months later, the minister has still not provided it. Therefore, there was no other option but to follow the legal process and turn to the prosecutor’s office and the LAR to obtain the information.
“We hope that the minister takes the advice into consideration,” said Wever-Croes, adding that they are requesting a copy of the advice immediately. “We are asking for it right now.”
If the minister continues to refuse to provide the information after six weeks, they will head to the Court of Justice to have the court order the disclosure of the information. However, Wever-Croes emphasized: “It is a disgrace that a minister drags this out so long that it has to reach the court.”
Wever-Croes concluded that the minister must be transparent because this is not a favor, but a duty of an official. “The minister could end this discussion right now by simply answering the questions,” she concluded.