ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Aruba parliament member Eduard Pieters strongly criticized Education Minister Gerlien Croes during a recent parliamentary meeting, arguing that the island’s education problems are caused by a lack of political action rather than a lack of vision.
The debate focused on exceptions made to public procurement rules for educational materials in Papiamento and Dutch as foreign languages.
Pieters stated that Aruba’s education sector already has clear long-term plans, policies, and reform strategies developed over several decades through national educational initiatives and expert collaboration.
According to Pieters, the real issue is that governments have failed to implement the existing educational reforms and modernization plans.
He also questioned explanations given by the minister regarding vacancies within the Department of Education, claiming the information presented during Parliament did not accurately reflect the legal hiring structure.
Pieters warned that education should not continue being treated as a political instrument and emphasized that delays in reform directly affect students, teachers, and Aruba’s future generations.
He urged the government to stop making excuses and take concrete action to modernize Aruba’s education system.
