The Duke Croes retirement was marked with a special farewell ceremony at Colegio Nigel Matthew in San Nicolas, recognizing decades of dedication to education and service to Aruba.
Shortly before the final day of the 2025–2026 school year, school officials gathered to honor Croes and reflect on his long career as an educator.
Croes began teaching history at Colegio Arubano on Vondellaan during the 1980s.
Over the years, he became known for his passion for teaching, extensive knowledge of history and ability to explain complex subjects in a way that captured the attention of his students.
His career later expanded beyond education when he entered politics.
During the 1990s, Croes joined the AVP electoral list and was elected to Parliament, where he served as a parliamentarian.
His background as an educator remained evident during his political career. Whether speaking during meetings or giving interviews, Croes was known for explaining political developments in a detailed and accessible manner.
After stepping away from politics, Croes returned to one of his greatest passions: teaching.
He continued helping students in Aruba, including at the institution formerly known as Colegio Pariba and later renamed Colegio Nigel Matthew.
There, Croes taught history as well as Individu & Samenleving, a subject focused on the relationship between individuals and society.
The course explores how norms, values and social groups influence people’s behaviour while encouraging students to develop as informed and critical citizens.
At the end of the 2025–2026 school year, Croes was honored during a special ceremony attended by Rector Ralph Croes.
The event recognized his many years of contribution to Colegio Nigel Matthew and the students he guided throughout his career.
Rector Croes presented him with a farewell gift as part of the ceremony.
The occasion also carried a humorous element, as colleagues noted that Duke Croes had previously spoken of retiring years earlier but continued returning to the classroom to teach and assist students.
Some observers joked that his latest retirement may not necessarily mean the last time students see him at school.
Given his long-standing commitment to education, there remains a possibility that Croes could occasionally return to assist when the school needs his experience.
For now, however, the Duke Croes retirement represents an opportunity to recognize his decades of teaching, public service, collegiality and dedication to generations of Aruban students.
Colegio Nigel Matthew and members of the wider community thanked Croes for his contribution and wished him a well-deserved and enjoyable retirement.
