WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) has initiated legal action against the pension foundation of its former president, Emsley Tromp, in a determined effort to recover significant funds. This move follows a court ruling that found Tromp liable for substantial damages and ordered him to repay various allowances and expenses dating back to his tenure. The case underscores a broader push for financial accountability and stringent governance within the region's key institutions.
In a recent development, a court bailiff officially summoned the Stichting E.T. Pensioenen, Tromp's pension foundation, to a court session scheduled for January 26, 2026. This action is a direct consequence of a February 2025 judgment, where the court largely sided with the CBCS in its claims against its former leader. The Central Bank is seeking the repayment of several payments Tromp received, as well as funds he authorized for a former colleague.
The court's decision holds Tromp financially responsible for a series of transactions. He has been ordered to pay back more than 1.16 million guilders in excessive gratuity payments and over 30,000 guilders in a one-time bonus. Furthermore, the court found him liable for the damages the CBCS incurred due to "Girobank bonuses" paid to former director-secretary Jerry Hasselmeyer, amounting to 203,463 guilders.
The financial repercussions for Tromp extend further. The judgment mandates the repayment of expenses paid on his behalf, including:
- 177,437 guilders for legal and tax advisory fees.
- 310,103 guilders for personal utility bills paid by the bank.
- 300,870 guilders for the installation of solar panels at his private residence.
In addition to these principal amounts, the court has ordered Tromp to pay statutory interest on the outstanding sums, effective from August 27, 2020. He is also responsible for all associated legal costs, which include court fees and attorney salaries, with additional penalties specified if payment is not made promptly. The court declared its rulings to be provisionally enforceable, empowering the CBCS to begin recovery actions immediately, even while an appeal is pending.
This legal pursuit signifies the CBCS's intent to reclaim assets to satisfy the judgment. Emsley Tromp's long career saw him join the Bank of the Netherlands Antilles (BNA) in 1985, rising to become its president in 1991. He transitioned to president of the newly formed CBCS in 2010 before his dismissal in 2017.
While the CBCS proceeds with its recovery efforts, the legal battle is not yet concluded. Tromp's legal representatives have confirmed that an appeal of the civil case is actively moving forward. They expect to submit their formal arguments by the end of October, indicating that the final chapter in this high-stakes financial dispute has yet to be written. The case continues to be a focal point for discussions on corporate governance and the accountability of public officials in Curaçao.
