ORANJESTAD (AAN): With tears in his eyes, deep emotion, and a profound sense of pride and gratitude, Aruba’s Prime Minister, Mr. Mike Eman, delivered a heartfelt speech during a ceremony held to honor his brother, the late Henny Eman, Aruba’s first Prime Minister.
Addressing those present, Prime Minister Eman expressed his gratitude to everyone who played a role in Aruba’s history, with special thanks to Mr. Tico Croes, President of the Henny Eman Foundation, for leading the initiative that made the ceremony possible.
In his speech, Prime Minister Eman explained that he stood before the audience in multiple roles: as the head of government honoring a leader who guided Aruba through its most difficult years, but also as a younger brother paying tribute to a remarkable man.
With a voice filled with emotion, he recalled one of the most difficult moments in their family’s life—the passing of their father, Shon A. Eman. At just 19 years old, Henny Eman interrupted his studies and returned to Aruba to support his mother and siblings, carrying the responsibility of the family during a time of deep personal loss.
“These are the moments that reveal what truly lives in a person’s heart,” Prime Minister Eman said. He explained that Henny only resumed his studies once he was certain that his family was emotionally and practically secure.
This experience, he noted, left a lasting mark on his own political journey and reflected the leadership values that defined Henny Eman. During that period, the Aruban community came together to support the family, demonstrating unity and solidarity at a critical moment.
Soon after, the Aruban People’s Party (AVP), founded by their father, faced near disappearance from the political landscape during the 1970s and urgently needed leadership. A young Mike Eman recalled sending newspaper clippings to his brother, reminding him that he still had a mission to fulfill in Aruba. Henny Eman answered that call.
“He returned to Aruba and revived the oldest political party in our country’s history,” Prime Minister Eman stated.
Henny Eman not only carried the responsibility of his family, but also that of his political party and, ultimately, the nation itself. Under his leadership, Aruba navigated one of the most critical periods in its history, culminating in the achievement of Status Aparte and the rebuilding of the country’s economy.
Prime Minister Eman emphasized that Aruba’s success in tourism today is rooted in the sacrifices and determination shown by Henny Eman and his team at a time when few believed recovery was possible.
He also highlighted what some may see as a contradiction: the same leader who promoted hotel development to create jobs for Arubans also declared nearly 30 percent of the island a protected natural area with the creation of Arikok National Park. This, he said, reflected a rare balance between economic vision and cultural and environmental identity.
Prime Minister Eman expressed his deep appreciation to the Government of Aruba for granting this significant recognition to his brother. He concluded by thanking all those who walked alongside Henny Eman throughout his political career.
The ceremony was attended by many prominent figures from Aruba’s political and social history, including Alice van Romondt, former Ministers Eddy Croes, Ike Posner, and Tico Croes, sports icon Rolly Bislik, former Parliament President Marco Christiaans, and longtime AVP figure Norman Roos, representing generations of dedication to the party and the nation.
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