ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The Aruba Government Integrity network has expanded following the certification of a new group of confidential integrity advisers and internal investigators who will support public employees and government departments.
Bureau Integriteit Aruba, or BIA, marked the development during a ceremony at Kulture Cafe in San Nicolas attended by Justice Minister Arthur Dowers.
The newly trained professionals signed declarations confirming the responsibilities they are taking on alongside their regular duties as public employees.
BIA Director Marielle Meaux said expanding the network gives government employees more trained people they can approach when they encounter concerns, questions or situations involving integrity.
Aruba Government Integrity Support Becomes More Accessible
One of the newly strengthened roles is the Vertrouwenspersoon Integriteit, or VPI.
A VPI serves as a confidential point of contact for government employees who may have concerns about a possible integrity violation.
The adviser can listen, provide guidance and help employees understand which steps may be available to them.
Aruba’s formal framework describes the VPI as a confidential contact person who assists government workers who suspect an integrity violation and advises them on how to address the situation.
Meaux said an important advantage is that the advisers work across different government services.
This allows an employee to select someone they feel comfortable approaching rather than being limited to a confidential adviser within their own department.
Internal Investigators Join Professional Pool
BIA has also expanded its pool of Interne Onderzoekers, or internal investigators.
These trained public employees can be called upon when an integrity-related situation within a government department requires a factual investigation.
Depending on the nature of a case, BIA can select an investigator with relevant expertise, such as experience in financial matters, information technology or social issues.
Under Aruba’s integrity framework, an internal investigator from BIA’s pool is a specially trained government employee who can carry out factual investigations under BIA supervision.
The investigator’s role is focused on establishing facts rather than determining punishment or making judicial decisions.
Early Action Could Prevent Larger Problems
Meaux emphasized that not every integrity concern begins as a major case.
Having trained advisers and investigators available can make it easier to recognize warning signs and address situations before they become more serious.
If employees are able to seek confidential guidance quickly, concerns may be identified earlier.
Likewise, an internal investigation may reveal weaknesses in procedures or systems that can then be improved.
That preventive approach is an important part of the broader Aruba Government Integrity strategy.
Dowers Stresses Shared Responsibility
Justice Minister Arthur Dowers congratulated the newly certified professionals and emphasized that their new duties require confidentiality, objectivity and responsibility.
He said integrity should not be viewed as the responsibility of BIA alone.
Instead, every person working within Aruba’s government has a role in maintaining an ethical public administration.
Dowers also stressed that integrity extends beyond financial misconduct. It includes how public employees handle confidential information, protect citizens’ privacy, follow procedures and provide services professionally.
BIA Continues Strengthening Public Administration
Meaux thanked both the newly certified professionals and those already serving as confidential advisers and internal investigators.
By expanding the network, BIA aims to make integrity support more accessible across government departments while increasing the ability to act before problems escalate.
The latest certifications add another layer to Aruba Government Integrity efforts focused on prevention, accountability, confidentiality and professional public service.
BIA’s broader objective is to help create a government culture in which employees know where to seek guidance, concerns can be addressed responsibly and public services continue strengthening their internal procedures.
