ORANJESTAD (AAN): AVP Parliamentarian Clifford Heyliger has called for accountability following findings from the Algemene Rekenkamer Aruba (ARA) regarding the financial support program FASE during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report on the 2020 national accounts highlights significant irregularities in the implementation of FASE, raising concerns about governance, financial control, and public accountability. According to Heyliger, the issue goes beyond political perception and reflects serious weaknesses in administrative procedures and financial oversight.
The FASE Program Aruba Accountability discussion centers on the lack of proper legal and financial safeguards during the program’s execution. The report indicates that key documentation did not receive formal approval and that sufficient structures were not in place to ensure proper control.
Heyliger criticized the response of the opposition party MEP, stating that instead of taking political responsibility, there have been attempts to downplay the seriousness of the findings. He emphasized that integrity in governance must be demonstrated through actions, including acknowledging mistakes.
The FASE Program Aruba Accountability issue also affects public trust, especially since many citizens relied on financial assistance during the pandemic. Concerns were raised about the discontinuation of the program without a clear replacement, creating uncertainty for beneficiaries.
Heyliger concluded that the report should serve as a starting point for constructive discussions on transparency, responsible financial management, and improved governance. He stressed that Aruba must learn from these experiences to prevent similar issues in the future.
The AVP faction reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, fiscal responsibility, and good governance through the FASE Program Aruba Accountability debate.
