ORANJESTAD (AAN) – A new study by Dutch criminologist Henk Ferwerda warns that juvenile crime poses a structural threat to Aruba’s social cohesion and long-term future, despite the island not experiencing large-scale youth crime.
Ferwerda presented the findings of Under the Shadow of Aruba: Youth Crime, Vulnerability and Resilience in an Island Community during a symposium at the University of Aruba. The research was conducted by Bureau Beke at the request of Aruba’s Public Prosecutor’s Office.
According to the study, while juvenile crime remains relatively limited in scale, many of the reported cases involve violence and drug-related offences, making them a significant concern for the island’s future.
Ferwerda said Aruba stands at a crossroads between opportunity and vulnerability. He emphasized that the solution lies in investing in young people by strengthening education, employment opportunities, healthcare, and public safety to break the cycle of crime and build a more resilient generation.
The study also highlights vulnerable neighbourhoods and families living behind Aruba’s tourism success, where poverty, school dropouts, family instability, and limited opportunities contribute to higher risks of youth offending.
Ferwerda stressed that recognizing these social challenges is essential to protecting Aruba’s future. The full report is available for free download through the Aruba Public Prosecutor’s Office website.
