The Comerciantenan Uni Aruba (CUA) has voiced growing frustration over government comments suggesting that local businesses are responsible for rising prices. According to Frans Ponson, President of the CUA, such statements unfairly target the private sector while ignoring global market realities.
In an interview with Matutino DIARIO, Ponson emphasized that politics should stay separate from commerce. “If political parties want to criticize each other, that’s their issue. But when they accuse local businesses of price abuse, that’s where we draw the line,” he said.
Ponson highlighted that when egg prices recently rose to Afl. 30 per tray due to global supply issues, Aruba’s business community acted quickly to find solutions. “We sourced eggs from abroad and brought the price back down to Afl. 5 for consumers. Yet no one from the government acknowledged that effort,” he added.
He stressed that Aruba’s prices are influenced by international factors such as supply shortages, shipping costs, and currency fluctuations — not by local manipulation. “No product in any supermarket stays the same price all year. When global prices fall, we adjust as well. The market regulates itself.”
Ponson also reminded consumers that Aruba operates under a free market system, encouraging competition and fair pricing. “Anyone who believes products are overpriced can check the market or start their own business. Our merchants care deeply about the community — we have the people at heart.”
The CUA continues to call on the government to stop interfering in commerce and to recognize the challenges faced by local retailers who must navigate international pricing pressures while keeping goods affordable for Aruban consumers.
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