Parliamentary member Evelyn Wever-Croes of the MEP faction highlighted three major areas of concern for Aruba’s youth during a recent public parliamentary meeting. She emphasized that young people need more opportunities to achieve their dreams and become productive citizens within their own country.
According to Wever-Croes, many youths feel hesitant about starting families, establishing themselves, or investing. She identified three key areas where the government could invest any additional surplus:
- Housing: Young Arubans want access to their own homes. Almost Afl. 20 million was allocated in the 2025 budget for the FCCA to start building 100 houses. However, the current AVP-FUTURO government removed this allocation, using it instead to pay debts from the surplus. Wever-Croes stressed that had the funds been used for housing, 100 families could have received their homes next year.
- Employment: Youth want jobs that are interesting and make them feel comfortable. The economy remains heavily focused on a single sector, and there are no clear signs of significant economic diversification or the creation of new, suitable jobs for young people.
- Financial Support: Young people face high living costs. During the last election campaign, parties discussed measures like the “creche toeslag” and other support systems. While Aruba has some budget surplus, it is often directed toward debt payments or investments rather than directly addressing the needs of young people seeking homes and family expansion.
Wever-Croes concluded: “Let’s give our youth hope again. Help them create their families and the homes they dream of, so they can contribute to Aruba’s future.”
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