Curacao secret service accused of plotting coup

Curacao PM Gerrit Schotte suspends secret service agency over 2012 coup plans. (File photo)

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao, Monday, May 7, 2012 — In a stunning development on the tiny Dutch-speaking island of Curacao, its prime minister, Gerrit Schotte has suspended the island's entire secret service agency, accusing agents of planning a coup in 2010.

Schotte announced late Friday (May 4) that an unidentified number of members would remain on paid leave pending a parliamentary investigation. He said the Dutch intelligence service will help restructure a new agency.

Schotte did not provide details about the allegations. He and the secret service agency have had several run-ins since the Dutch Caribbean island obtained greater autonomy in 2010 following the breakup of the Netherlands Antilles.

Curacao remains a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands with the Dutch monarch overseeing foreign affairs and defence. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)