Aruba’s Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector, Mr. Geoffrey Wever, has announced that the government has paid a total of 90.1 million florins to the Netherlands this week toward its COVID-19 loan. The payment includes 45.8 million florins in principal and 44.4 million florins in interest, marking the second repayment of the loan’s principal amount.
In total, Aruba has now paid 91.6 million florins in principal, reducing its overall COVID-19 debt from 915.5 million florins to approximately 824 million florins.
“The payment made today represents another concrete step in strengthening trust in Aruba’s financial management and demonstrates that our nation honors its commitments and obligations,” said Minister Wever.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Aruba’s public and private sector revenues declined sharply. To support the island’s economy, the Netherlands provided liquidity assistance through a series of loans between 2020 and 2021, which were later consolidated into a single loan of 915.5 million florins, known as the COVID-19 loan (Covid-lening).
Once consolidated, the interest-free period ended, and an interest rate of 6.9% was introduced for a 20-year term, which may decrease to 3–4% pending the approval of a Rijkswet.
“The government’s goal is clear: to gradually reduce the debt level, lower interest expenses, and strengthen fiscal stability—building a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth and a fairer distribution of national wealth,” the minister added.
This repayment aligns with the Government Program AVP–Futuro 2025–2028, which focuses on stability, growth, and the well-being of all citizens.
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