ORANJESTAD, Aruba – The SVb service kiosk MFA Noord Aruba was officially inaugurated as part of an initiative to bring social insurance services closer to local communities. The new kiosk, located inside the MFA Noord building, aims to improve accessibility while combining digital services with direct assistance from Social Insurance Bank (SVb) staff.
The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Mike Eman, Minister of Public Health Mervin Wyatt-Ras, SVb Director Edwin Jacobs, SVb employees, and members of the public.
Expanding Access to Social Insurance Services
According to SVb Director Edwin Jacobs, the SVb service kiosk MFA Noord Aruba is part of a broader strategy to make government services more accessible to residents living in different neighborhoods.
Jacobs explained that several kiosks have already been introduced across the island, including locations in San Nicolas, Vondellaan, and Eagle. These kiosks allow residents to access important social insurance information and services closer to their homes.
“The goal is to bring SVb services into the community so that citizens do not always have to travel far for assistance,” Jacobs said during the inauguration.
Digital Services Combined With Personal Assistance
One of the key features of the SVb service kiosk MFA Noord Aruba is the combination of digital technology with human support. While the kiosk allows citizens to access many services online every day, SVb staff will also be available to provide direct assistance.
At the MFA Noord location, SVb personnel will be present twice a week to help residents with questions, provide guidance, and assist with more complex issues related to social insurance and pension services.
This hybrid approach ensures that residents who prefer digital services can access them independently, while those needing personal assistance can still receive face-to-face support.
Government Supports Community-Based Services
Prime Minister Mike Eman praised the initiative, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accessible public services within local communities.
He noted that SVb plays a vital role in Aruba’s social support system, particularly for pensioners and citizens who rely on social insurance programs.
“SVb is an extremely important institution for Aruba because it manages pensions and provides information on social insurance,” Eman said. “Not every question can be answered digitally. Many people still want to speak directly with someone for clarity.”
Plans to Expand the Initiative Across Aruba
The government intends to expand the kiosk program to other districts across Aruba in the near future.
According to Prime Minister Eman, similar service kiosks may soon be opened at MFA Paradera, Santa Cruz, and Savaneta, depending on demand within those communities.
The SVb service kiosk MFA Noord Aruba represents a step forward in modernizing public services while maintaining personal contact with residents. By combining digital access with community-based support, SVb aims to ensure that citizens can receive assistance quickly and conveniently near their homes.
