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{{Short description|Curaçaoan politician (born 1974)}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = [[Excellency|His Excellency]]
|name = Gerrit Schotte
| name = Gerrit Schotte
|image =
| image = Gerrit_Schotte_-_2.png
|office1 = [[Prime Minister of Curacao]]
| caption = Schotte in 2014
|term_start1 = 10 October 2010
| office1 = 1st [[Prime Minister of Curacao]]
|term_end1 = 29 September 2012
| term_start1 = 10 October 2010
|monarch1 = [[Beatrix of the Netherlands|Beatrix]]
| term_end1 = 29 September 2012
|2blankname1 = Governor
| monarch1 = [[Beatrix of the Netherlands|Beatrix]]
|2namedata1 = [[Frits Goedgedrag]]
| 2blankname1 = Governor
|predecessor1 =
|successor1 = [[Stanley Betrian]]
| 2namedata1 = [[Frits Goedgedrag]]
| predecessor1 =
|office2 = Leader of Movementu Futuro Kòrsou
| successor1 = [[Stanley Betrian]]
|term_start2 = 9 July 2010
| office2 = Leader of Movementu Futuro Kòrsou
|term_end2 =
| term_start2 = 9 July 2010
|predecessor2 =
| term_end2 = 2018
|successor2 =
| predecessor2 =
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|9|9}}
| successor2 = [[Gilmar Pisas]]
|birth_place = [[Willemstad]], [[Netherlands Antilles]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|9|9|df=y}}
|death_date =
| birth_place = [[Willemstad]], [[Netherlands Antilles]]
|death_place =
| death_date =
|party = [[Movement for the Future of Curaçao|Movementu Futuro Kòrsou]]
| death_place =
| party = [[Movement for the Future of Curaçao|Movementu Futuro Kòrsou]]
}}
}}


'''Gerrit Fransisco Schotte''' (born 9 September 1974) is a [[politician]] from [[Curaçao]], and the current leader of the [[Movement for the Future of Curaçao|Movementu Futuro Kòrsou]] (MFK). In the [[Curaçao general election, 2010|Curaçao general election of August 27, 2010]], the MFK became the second largest party with 5 seats in the Island Council. MFK formed an island government together with [[Pueblo Soberano]] and [[Partido MAN]] on September 4.<ref>RNW.nl - [http://www.rnw.nl/caribiana/article/akkoord-over-bestuurscollege-curacao Akkoord over Bestuurscollege Curaçao]</ref> This coalition became the first [[Cabinet of Curaçao]] when the [[dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles|Netherlands Antilles was dismantled]] on October 10, 2010. Schotte at that point became the first [[Prime Minister of Curaçao]].<ref>RNW.nl - [http://www.rnw.nl/caribiana/article/eerste-kabinet-curacao-de-steigers Eerste kabinet Curaçao in de steigers]</ref>
'''Gerrit Fransisco Schotte''' ({{IPA-nl|ˈɣɛrət fɾɑnˈsiskoː ˈʃɔtə|lang}}) (born 9 September 1974) is a [[Curaçao]]an politician, and the current leader of the [[Movement for the Future of Curaçao|Movementu Futuro Kòrsou]] (MFK). In the [[2010 Curaçao general election|Curaçao general election of 27 August 2010]], the MFK became the second-largest party with 5 seats in the Island Council. MFK formed an island government together with [[Pueblo Soberano]] and [[Partido MAN]] on 4 September.<ref>[http://www.rnw.nl/caribiana/article/akkoord-over-bestuurscollege-curacao Akkoord over Bestuurscollege Curaçao]</ref> This coalition became the first [[Cabinet of Curaçao]] when the [[dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles|Netherlands Antilles was dismantled]] on 10 October 2010. Schotte at that point became the first [[Prime Minister of Curaçao]].<ref>[http://www.rnw.nl/caribiana/article/eerste-kabinet-curacao-de-steigers Eerste kabinet Curaçao in de steigers]</ref>


Schotte was the first Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs of the new country of Curaçao, which became autonomous in October 2010. He is one of the youngest persons in modern history to assume the office of Prime Minister. On September 29, 2012, Schotte was succeeded by [[Stanley Betrian]] as interim Prime Minister after his resignation.
Schotte was the first Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs of the new country of Curaçao, which became autonomous in October 2010. He is one of the youngest persons in modern history to assume the office of Prime Minister. On 29 September 2012 Schotte was succeeded by [[Stanley Betrian]] as interim Prime Minister after his resignation.


In March 2016, Schotte was sentenced to 3 years in prison for bribery and money laundering, committed when he was in office as Prime Minister.<ref name="verdict" /> Schotte has appealed the verdict.<ref name="appeal" />
In March 2016, Schotte was sentenced to 3 years in prison for [[bribery]] and [[money laundering]], committed when he was in office as Prime Minister.<ref name="verdict" /> Schotte appealed the verdict,<ref name="appeal" /> where the sentence was confirmed.<ref name=appealfinal>{{cite web |url=http://www.knipselkrant-curacao.com/om-uitspraak-in-hoger-beroep-in-strafzaak-babel/#more-200843 |title= OM {{!}} Uitspraak in hoger beroep in strafzaak Babel |date= 21 July 2017 |work= Knipselkrant Curacao}}</ref>


==Political activity==
==Political activity==


Schotte first gained political experience as an advisor to the political party ''[[Frente Obrero Liberashon 30 di Mei|Frente Obrero]]'' (FOL). He became more active in politics when he, with a former member of the Curaçao [[Island Council (Netherlands Antilles)|Island Council]], Rignald Lak, founded the political movement ''Movementu Patriotiko Kòrsou'' (MPK) in 2005. He was appointed as Commissioner of Tourism and Economic Affairs (February – December 2006) in the Curaçao Island Council for MPK.<ref name=Biography>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.nl/search?q=Biography+Gerrit+Schotte&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#hl=nl&client=firefox-a&hs=hTr&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&sclient=psy-ab&q=Biography++of+Gerrit+Schotte&oq=Biography++of+Gerrit+Schotte&gs_l=serp.3...3749.4134.0.4485.4.4.0.0.0.1.133.379.2j2.4.0...0.0...1c.1.kzGFrlXIS3Q&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=cb331e4772026d9e&bpcl=35466521&biw=1440&bih=681work=Vertegenwoordiging Curaçao|title=Biography of Gerrit Schotte|accessdate=28 October 2012}}</ref>
Schotte first gained political experience as an advisor to the political party ''[[Frente Obrero Liberashon 30 di Mei|Frente Obrero]]'' (FOL). He became more active in politics when he, with a former member of the Curaçao [[Island Council (Netherlands Antilles)|Island Council]], Rignald Lak, founded the political movement ''Movementu Patriotiko Kòrsou'' (MPK) in 2005. He was appointed as Commissioner of Tourism and Economic Affairs (February – December 2006) in the Curaçao Island Council for MPK.


Schotte stood for election in the Island Council elections of April 2007 as candidate number seven for the political party [[partido MAN|MAN]]. He received 2,370 preference votes. At the age of 32, he was one of the youngest Island Council members.<ref name=Biography/> In the parliamentary election of January 2010, Schotte received 9,313 votes as candidate number five on the ''Lista di Kambi''- an election slate with a combination of the political parties MAN, ''Niun Paso Atras'' (NPA) and ''Forsa Kòrsou'' (FK). Schotte received the highest number of votes for a candidate not a party leader in any election in the Netherlands Antilles. Overall, he had the third largest share of the votes in the entire election.
Schotte stood for election in the Island Council elections of April 2007 as candidate number seven for the political party [[partido MAN|MAN]]. He received 2,370 preference votes. At the age of 32, he was one of the youngest Island Council members. In the parliamentary election of January 2010, Schotte received 9,313 votes as candidate number five on the ''Lista di Kambi''- an election slate with a combination of the political parties MAN, ''Niun Paso Atras'' (NPA) and ''Forsa Kòrsou'' (FK). Schotte received the highest number of votes for a candidate not a party leader in any election in the Netherlands Antilles. Overall, he had the third largest share of the votes in the entire election.


On 9 July 2010, Schotte founded ''[[Movementu Futuro Kòrsou]]'' (MFK). MFK received five of the 21 seats in the island council of Curaçao in the [[Curaçao general election, 2010|2010 Curaçao general election]], which became the [[Estates of Curaçao]] on 10 October 2010 upon the [[dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles]].
On 9 July 2010, Schotte founded ''[[Movementu Futuro Kòrsou]]'' (MFK). MFK received five of the 21 seats in the island council of Curaçao in the [[2010 Curaçao general election]], which became the [[Estates of Curaçao]] on 10 October 2010 upon the [[dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles]].


===Country Curaçao===
===Country Curaçao===
On 3 September 2010, the parties MFK, ''[[Pueblo Soberano]]'' (PS) and MAN decided to form a coalition government. On 16 September 2010, the [[Governor of the Netherlands Antilles]] appointed Schotte - as ''formateur'' for the incoming government of Curaçao per 10 October 2010. Schotte became prime-minister of the government in a 9-minister cabinet.
On 3 September 2010, the parties MFK, ''[[Pueblo Soberano]]'' (PS) and MAN decided to form a coalition government. On 16 September 2010, the [[Governor of the Netherlands Antilles]] appointed Schotte - as ''formateur'' for the incoming government of Curaçao per 10 October 2010. Schotte became prime-minister of the government in a 9-minister cabinet.


The Cabinet-Schotte was installed on 10 October 2010:<ref>RNW.nl - [http://www.rnw.nl/caribiana/article/eerste-kabinet-curacao-rond Eerste kabinet Curaçao is rond]</ref>
The Cabinet-Schotte was installed on 10 October 2010:<ref>[http://www.rnw.nl/caribiana/article/eerste-kabinet-curacao-rond Eerste kabinet Curaçao is rond]</ref>
{{office-table}}
{{office-table}}
|[[Prime Minister of Curaçao|Prime Minister]]
|[[Prime Minister of Curaçao|Prime Minister]]
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|-
|-
|Minister of Infrastructure
|Minister of Infrastructure
|[[Charles Cooper (Curaçao politician)|Charles Cooper]]
|{{ill|Charles Cooper (Curaçao politician)|pap|Charles Cooper}}
|[[Partido MAN|MAN]]
|[[Partido MAN|MAN]]
|10 October 2010
|10 October 2010
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|}
|}


After Schotte was forced to resign his cabinet to governor [[Frits Goedgedrag]] on August 3, 2012 parliament was dissolved. Until the elections parliament remains in function however, and after a majority in parliament requested the governor to form an interim cabinet until the elections, the governor appointed [[Eduard Mendes de Gouveia]] as informer who investigated the possibilities to form such an interim cabinet with a majority in parliament.<ref>[http://kabinetvandegouverneur.org/docs/120924%20Persbericht%20Kabinet%20Gouverneur.pdf Press release on the information assignment to Mendes de Gouveia] by the Governors Cabinet]</ref> On his advice, acting governor [[Adèle van der Pluijm-Vrede|Van der Pluijm-Vrede]] (Goedgedrag was abroad for medical treatment)<ref>[http://kabinetvandegouverneur.org/index.php?p=3&lang=en&item=136 About the stay abroad of the governor], Governors Cabinet</ref> accepted Schotte's resignation which he offered in August, and appointed and swore in Betrian. Schotte however calls this a [[coup d'etat]] and initially refused to leave his post.<ref>[http://www.curacaochronicle.com/local/there-is-no-coup-on-the-curacao/ 'There is no coup on Curacao], Curaçao Chronicle</ref><ref>[http://nos.nl/artikel/424164-.html Crisis op Curaçao na "Staatsgreep"], nos.nl (Dutch)</ref> A few days later, however, he left the government building and said to plan to prepare for the upcoming elections.<ref>[http://nos.nl/artikel/424421-schotte-weg-uit-regeringsgebouw.html Schotte weg uit regeringsgebouw], nos.nl (Dutch)</ref>
After Schotte was forced to resign his cabinet to governor [[Frits Goedgedrag]] on August 3, 2012 parliament was dissolved. Until the elections parliament remained in function however, and after a majority in parliament requested the governor to form an interim cabinet until the elections, the governor appointed [[Eduard Mendes de Gouveia]] as informer who investigated the possibilities to form such an interim cabinet with a majority in parliament.<ref>[http://kabinetvandegouverneur.org/docs/120924%20Persbericht%20Kabinet%20Gouverneur.pdf Press release on the information assignment to Mendes de Gouveia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021091302/http://kabinetvandegouverneur.org/docs/120924%20Persbericht%20Kabinet%20Gouverneur.pdf |date=2012-10-21 }} by the Governors Cabinet]</ref> On his advice, acting governor [[Adèle van der Pluijm-Vrede|Van der Pluijm-Vrede]] (Goedgedrag was abroad for medical treatment)<ref>[http://kabinetvandegouverneur.org/index.php?p=3&lang=en&item=136 About the stay abroad of the governor], Governors Cabinet</ref> accepted Schotte's resignation which he offered in August, and appointed and swore in Betrian. Schotte however calls this a [[coup d'etat]] and initially refused to leave his post.<ref>[http://www.curacaochronicle.com/local/there-is-no-coup-on-the-curacao/ 'There is no coup on Curacao] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001051150/http://www.curacaochronicle.com/local/there-is-no-coup-on-the-curacao/ |date=2012-10-01 }}, Curaçao Chronicle</ref><ref>[http://nos.nl/artikel/424164-.html Crisis op Curaçao na "Staatsgreep"], nos.nl (Dutch)</ref> A few days later, however, he left the government building and said to plan to prepare for the upcoming elections.<ref>[http://nos.nl/artikel/424421-schotte-weg-uit-regeringsgebouw.html Schotte weg uit regeringsgebouw], nos.nl (Dutch)</ref>


==Criminal activities==
==Criminal activities==
On Tuesday May 20, 2014 Schotte and his wife Cicely van der Dijs were arrested by the Landsrecherche of Curacao in an investigation called "Babel". The two were arrested on the suspicion of more than one count of forgery and money laundering. On March 11, 2016 Schotte was convicted by the Court of Curaçao of the [[Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba]] for bribery, money laundering and forgery of documents and sentenced him to 3 years in prison.<ref name=verdict>{{cite news|url=http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2016/03/11/oud-premier-curacao-veroordeeld-tot-3-jaar-cel|work=[[NRC Handelsblad]]|title=Oud-premier Curaçao veroordeeld tot 3 jaar cel|language=Dutch|date=11 March 2016}}</ref> He also lost his right to stand in elections for five years.<ref name=verdict/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dutchcaribbeanlegalportal.com/legal-documents/finish/544-publications-about-laws-and-more/7792-vonnis-gerrit-schotte-in-zaak-babel-d-d-11-maart-2016|title=Verdict case 500.00086/14|date=11 March 2016|work=Dutch Caribbean Legal Portal}}</ref> Schotte appealed the verdict.<ref name="appeal">{{cite news|work=Curacao Chronicle|accessdate=5 April 2016|url=http://curacaochronicle.com/main/om-awaits-appeal-babel-schotte-not-in-prison-for-now/|title=OM Awaits Appeal ‘Babel’; Schotte Not In Prison For Now}}</ref>
On Tuesday 20 May 2014 Schotte was arrested by the Landsrecherche of Curacao in an investigation called "Babel". The two were arrested on the suspicion of more than one count of forgery and money laundering. On 11 March 2016 Schotte was convicted by the Court of Curaçao of the [[Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba]] for bribery, money laundering and forgery of documents and sentenced him to 3 years in prison.<ref name=verdict>{{cite news|url=http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2016/03/11/oud-premier-curacao-veroordeeld-tot-3-jaar-cel|work=[[NRC Handelsblad]]|title=Oud-premier Curaçao veroordeeld tot 3 jaar cel|language=Dutch|date=11 March 2016}}</ref> He also lost his right to stand in elections for five years.<ref name=verdict/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dutchcaribbeanlegalportal.com/legal-documents/finish/544-publications-about-laws-and-more/7792-vonnis-gerrit-schotte-in-zaak-babel-d-d-11-maart-2016|title=Verdict case 500.00086/14|date=11 March 2016|work=Dutch Caribbean Legal Portal}}</ref> Schotte appealed the verdict.<ref name="appeal">{{cite news|work=Curacao Chronicle|accessdate=5 April 2016|url=http://curacaochronicle.com/main/om-awaits-appeal-babel-schotte-not-in-prison-for-now/|title=OM Awaits Appeal 'Babel'; Schotte Not In Prison For Now}}</ref> On appeal, the conviction was confirmed on 21 July 2017.<ref name=appealfinal/> He was released from the [[Curaçao Centre for Correction and Detention]] on 27 November 2020, after having served two thirds of his sentence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2358338-oud-premier-schotte-van-curacao-weer-vrij-man.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127173828/https://nos.nl/artikel/2358338-oud-premier-schotte-van-curacao-weer-vrij-man.html |title=Oud-premier Schotte van Curaçao weer vrij man |language=nl |publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |date= 27 November 2020|archive-date=27 November 2020}}</ref>

On 5 April 2017 the homes of Schotte, former Minister {{ill|Charles Cooper (politician)|pap|Charles Cooper}}, and a businessman were raided by justice authorities. The three are suspects of the attempted bribery of member of the Estates [[Yaël Plet]].<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://nos.nl/artikel/2166688-invallen-op-curacao-in-verband-met-corruptieonderzoek.html |title=Invallen op Curaçao in verband met corruptieonderzoek |language=Dutch |publisher=[[Nederlandse Omroep Stichting]] |date=5 April 2017 |accessdate=6 April 2017}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==


Schotte was born on the island of Curaçao on 9 September 1974, the son of Hendrik Schotte, a teacher, and Maria Ruiz. He did not complete his high school, but gained some entrepreneurial and management skills instead. He founded “The Shoppers”, a purchasing and import office, (1995-2000), “Bad BoyzToyz”, a paintball club, and “Food4U Delivery Service” (2000-2002), which did not make it due debt and fraud.<ref>[http://www.knipselkrant-curacao.com/kkc-blog-machtsstrijd-curacao-ontbrandt-de-politieke-vervolgingen-van-gerrit-schotte/]</ref> He later became the general manager of the Lido Hotel Resort & Casino N.V. (2001 to 2005).
Schotte was born on the island of Curaçao on 9 September 1974, the son of Hendrik Schotte, a teacher, and Maria Ruiz. He did not complete his high school, but gained some entrepreneurial and management skills instead.
He founded “The Shoppers”, a purchasing and import office, (1995-2000), “Bad BoyzToyz”, a paintball club, and “Food4U Delivery Service” (2000-2002), which did not make it due to debt and fraud.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://knipselkrant-curacao.com/kkc-blog-machtsstrijd-curacao-ontbrandt-de-politieke-vervolgingen-van-gerrit-schotte/|title=KKC-blog &#124; Machtsstrijd Curaçao ontbrandt: De 'politieke vervolgingen' van Gerrit Schotte|website=knipselkrant-curacao.com|date=21 January 2015 }}</ref> He later became the general manager of the Lido Hotel Resort & Casino N.V. (2001 to 2005).


==The Gerrit Schotte Foundation==
==The Gerrit Schotte Foundation==


The Gerrit Schotte Foundation (Fundashon Gerrit Schotte) is active in community projects providing assistance to children in lower income families.
The Gerrit Schotte Foundation (Fundashon Gerrit Schotte) is active in community projects providing assistance to children from lower income families.


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|1}}
{{reflist|1}}

==External links==
* {{commons category-inline}}


{{s-start}}
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[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:Movement for the Future of Curaçao politicians]]
[[Category:Movement for the Future of Curaçao politicians]]
[[Category:Dutch politicians convicted of crimes]]
[[Category:Heads of government who were later imprisoned]]
[[Category:People from Willemstad]]

Revision as of 01:32, 16 December 2023

Gerrit Schotte
Schotte in 2014
1st Prime Minister of Curacao
In office
10 October 2010 – 29 September 2012
MonarchBeatrix
GovernorFrits Goedgedrag
Succeeded byStanley Betrian
Leader of Movementu Futuro Kòrsou
In office
9 July 2010 – 2018
Succeeded byGilmar Pisas
Personal details
Born (1974-09-09) 9 September 1974 (age 49)
Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles
Political partyMovementu Futuro Kòrsou

Gerrit Fransisco Schotte (Dutch: [ˈɣɛrət fɾɑnˈsiskoː ˈʃɔtə]) (born 9 September 1974) is a Curaçaoan politician, and the current leader of the Movementu Futuro Kòrsou (MFK). In the Curaçao general election of 27 August 2010, the MFK became the second-largest party with 5 seats in the Island Council. MFK formed an island government together with Pueblo Soberano and Partido MAN on 4 September.[1] This coalition became the first Cabinet of Curaçao when the Netherlands Antilles was dismantled on 10 October 2010. Schotte at that point became the first Prime Minister of Curaçao.[2]

Schotte was the first Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs of the new country of Curaçao, which became autonomous in October 2010. He is one of the youngest persons in modern history to assume the office of Prime Minister. On 29 September 2012 Schotte was succeeded by Stanley Betrian as interim Prime Minister after his resignation.

In March 2016, Schotte was sentenced to 3 years in prison for bribery and money laundering, committed when he was in office as Prime Minister.[3] Schotte appealed the verdict,[4] where the sentence was confirmed.[5]

Political activity

Schotte first gained political experience as an advisor to the political party Frente Obrero (FOL). He became more active in politics when he, with a former member of the Curaçao Island Council, Rignald Lak, founded the political movement Movementu Patriotiko Kòrsou (MPK) in 2005. He was appointed as Commissioner of Tourism and Economic Affairs (February – December 2006) in the Curaçao Island Council for MPK.

Schotte stood for election in the Island Council elections of April 2007 as candidate number seven for the political party MAN. He received 2,370 preference votes. At the age of 32, he was one of the youngest Island Council members. In the parliamentary election of January 2010, Schotte received 9,313 votes as candidate number five on the Lista di Kambi- an election slate with a combination of the political parties MAN, Niun Paso Atras (NPA) and Forsa Kòrsou (FK). Schotte received the highest number of votes for a candidate not a party leader in any election in the Netherlands Antilles. Overall, he had the third largest share of the votes in the entire election.

On 9 July 2010, Schotte founded Movementu Futuro Kòrsou (MFK). MFK received five of the 21 seats in the island council of Curaçao in the 2010 Curaçao general election, which became the Estates of Curaçao on 10 October 2010 upon the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.

Country Curaçao

On 3 September 2010, the parties MFK, Pueblo Soberano (PS) and MAN decided to form a coalition government. On 16 September 2010, the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles appointed Schotte - as formateur for the incoming government of Curaçao per 10 October 2010. Schotte became prime-minister of the government in a 9-minister cabinet.

The Cabinet-Schotte was installed on 10 October 2010:[6]

Main office-holders
Office Name Party Since
Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte MFK 10 October 2010
Minister of Finance George Jamaloodin MFK 10 October 2010
Minister of Justice Elmer Wilsoe PS 10 October 2010
Minister of Economic Affairs Abdul Nasser El Hakim MFK 10 October 2010
Minister of Health, Environment, and Nature Jacinta Constancia MFK 10 October 2010
Minister of Education Lionel Jansen PS 1 April 2011
Minister of Administration and Planning Carlos Monk PS 9 June 2011
Minister of Infrastructure Charles Cooper (Curaçao politician) [pap] MAN 10 October 2010
Minister of Social Development Hensley Koeiman MAN 10 October 2010
Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao Sheldry Osepa MFK 10 October 2010

After Schotte was forced to resign his cabinet to governor Frits Goedgedrag on August 3, 2012 parliament was dissolved. Until the elections parliament remained in function however, and after a majority in parliament requested the governor to form an interim cabinet until the elections, the governor appointed Eduard Mendes de Gouveia as informer who investigated the possibilities to form such an interim cabinet with a majority in parliament.[7] On his advice, acting governor Van der Pluijm-Vrede (Goedgedrag was abroad for medical treatment)[8] accepted Schotte's resignation which he offered in August, and appointed and swore in Betrian. Schotte however calls this a coup d'etat and initially refused to leave his post.[9][10] A few days later, however, he left the government building and said to plan to prepare for the upcoming elections.[11]

Criminal activities

On Tuesday 20 May 2014 Schotte was arrested by the Landsrecherche of Curacao in an investigation called "Babel". The two were arrested on the suspicion of more than one count of forgery and money laundering. On 11 March 2016 Schotte was convicted by the Court of Curaçao of the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba for bribery, money laundering and forgery of documents and sentenced him to 3 years in prison.[3] He also lost his right to stand in elections for five years.[3][12] Schotte appealed the verdict.[4] On appeal, the conviction was confirmed on 21 July 2017.[5] He was released from the Curaçao Centre for Correction and Detention on 27 November 2020, after having served two thirds of his sentence.[13]

On 5 April 2017 the homes of Schotte, former Minister Charles Cooper (politician) [pap], and a businessman were raided by justice authorities. The three are suspects of the attempted bribery of member of the Estates Yaël Plet.[14]

Personal life

Schotte was born on the island of Curaçao on 9 September 1974, the son of Hendrik Schotte, a teacher, and Maria Ruiz. He did not complete his high school, but gained some entrepreneurial and management skills instead.

He founded “The Shoppers”, a purchasing and import office, (1995-2000), “Bad BoyzToyz”, a paintball club, and “Food4U Delivery Service” (2000-2002), which did not make it due to debt and fraud.[15] He later became the general manager of the Lido Hotel Resort & Casino N.V. (2001 to 2005).

The Gerrit Schotte Foundation

The Gerrit Schotte Foundation (Fundashon Gerrit Schotte) is active in community projects providing assistance to children from lower income families.

References

  1. ^ Akkoord over Bestuurscollege Curaçao
  2. ^ Eerste kabinet Curaçao in de steigers
  3. ^ a b c "Oud-premier Curaçao veroordeeld tot 3 jaar cel". NRC Handelsblad (in Dutch). 11 March 2016.
  4. ^ a b "OM Awaits Appeal 'Babel'; Schotte Not In Prison For Now". Curacao Chronicle. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  5. ^ a b "OM | Uitspraak in hoger beroep in strafzaak Babel". Knipselkrant Curacao. 21 July 2017.
  6. ^ Eerste kabinet Curaçao is rond
  7. ^ Press release on the information assignment to Mendes de Gouveia Archived 2012-10-21 at the Wayback Machine by the Governors Cabinet]
  8. ^ About the stay abroad of the governor, Governors Cabinet
  9. ^ 'There is no coup on Curacao Archived 2012-10-01 at the Wayback Machine, Curaçao Chronicle
  10. ^ Crisis op Curaçao na "Staatsgreep", nos.nl (Dutch)
  11. ^ Schotte weg uit regeringsgebouw, nos.nl (Dutch)
  12. ^ "Verdict case 500.00086/14". Dutch Caribbean Legal Portal. 11 March 2016.
  13. ^ "Oud-premier Schotte van Curaçao weer vrij man" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Omroep Stichting. 27 November 2020. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020.
  14. ^ "Invallen op Curaçao in verband met corruptieonderzoek" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Omroep Stichting. 5 April 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  15. ^ "KKC-blog | Machtsstrijd Curaçao ontbrandt: De 'politieke vervolgingen' van Gerrit Schotte". knipselkrant-curacao.com. 21 January 2015.

External links

Political offices
Preceded by
Position established
Prime Minister of Curaçao
2010–2012
Succeeded by