ORANJESTAD (AAN): A large group in Aruba had high hopes when the AVP-FUTURO party appointed the first-ever Minister of Kingdom Relations. Many believed that the new minister would focus on explaining Aruba’s relationship with the Netherlands and defending the island’s autonomy within the Kingdom.
However, the unexpected happened last week when the Council of Ministers in the Netherlands agreed to a law with the AVP-FUTURO government that was sent to them without any public consultation or involvement from Aruba’s Parliament or its people.
Without informing the public, the AVP-FUTURO ministers struck a deal with the Netherlands that undermines Aruba’s autonomy. It became evident that Minister of Kingdom Relations, Gerlien Croes, in her first act, surrendered the autonomy that the people of Aruba had fought for. This occurred just before the 40th anniversary of Aruba’s Status Aparte within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, marking a cold shock for the Aruban people.
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