ORANJESTAD, Aruba (AAN) — The traffic law change manifesto Aruba prepared and presented by Edwin “Scribel” Willems has received strong public backing, as calls grow for urgent reform of Aruba’s Traffic Law.
Willems, the son of a woman who lost her life in a hit-and-run accident in front of the Renaissance Mall, submitted the manifesto to Parliament with the goal of ensuring that the voices of victims’ families are heard and that concrete legislative changes are implemented as soon as possible.
The manifesto was officially delivered on Friday, January 24, accompanied by a group of supporters who gathered with placards and photographs of traffic victims. Willems also addressed members of the press, parliamentarians, and the public during the presentation. The document outlines 15 key points calling for reform.
“I submitted this petition because the hit-and-run phenomenon in Aruba has existed for years and nothing has changed,” Willems stated. “It is getting worse every day, costing lives, causing injuries, and leaving behind families and victims.”
He emphasized that the initiative reflects growing public frustration.
“Today we came forward because Aruba can no longer tolerate hit-and-run cases. We cannot accept more innocent people losing their lives before action is taken,” Willems said.
According to Willems, nearly 8,000 signatures were collected within five days, with many signatories expressing anger toward the judicial system and a perception that accountability and punishment are lacking. The final count reached 7,694 signatures.
In addition to placards, supporters displayed photographs of pedestrians who lost their lives after being struck by vehicles, bearing messages such as “No more hit-and-run in Aruba.” The demonstration underscored the emotional impact of traffic violence and the demand for meaningful legal reform.
The traffic law change manifesto Aruba has now been formally submitted to Parliament, where it is expected to contribute to ongoing discussions on improving road safety and strengthening legal consequences for serious traffic offenses.
