During the 36th Kingdom Congress in the Netherlands, where Aruba was represented by Minister Geoffrey Wever, a situation arose that caused concern and alarm among the other Caribbean countries within the Kingdom.
According to Eduard Pieters of the PPA, Aruba’s presentation appeared more like a sales pitch promoting the Council for Financial Supervision (Cft/CAft) and the proposed Kingdom Act on Financial Supervision (Rijkswet HOFA) rather than a neutral policy discussion.
Alarm Signals for Other Kingdom Partners
During one session, Minister Wever delivered a presentation alongside the President of the Cft, emphasizing that Aruba’s government was willing to “sell” the idea of an independent financial supervisory body to the other Caribbean islands.
The PPA faction considers this deeply troubling, stating that a minister should not act as a salesperson for the Cft or for a Kingdom Act that could restrict Aruba’s autonomy and right to self-determination.
A Positive Financial Picture with a Risky Conclusion
According to Pieters, over the two-day congress, Minister Wever painted a strong financial picture of Aruba:
- Public debt has decreased significantly over the past five years, from 127% during the pandemic to around 60% today
- Aruba is posting consistent budget surpluses
- The government is complying with LAft regulations and maintaining the 1% surplus norm
- The economy is growing and remains stable
Delegates reportedly agreed that Aruba is on the right financial path.
However, the presentation took what Pieters described as a dangerous turn at the end. Minister Wever stated that the government is prepared and convinced that Aruba should be placed under a Kingdom Act for financial supervision.
This statement reportedly shocked those in attendance. Delegates questioned why Aruba would voluntarily bind itself to a Kingdom Act if its financial management is already improving. Many asked why Aruba would not instead strengthen its local legislation, evaluate existing laws such as the LAft, and make adjustments internally.
Warnings from Curaçao and St. Maarten
The Minister of Curaçao openly warned Aruba during the session, stating:
“Do not raise the issue of a Kingdom Act. Once you place yourself under such a structure, you will never get out of it.”
Delegations from other islands echoed the same concern, questioning how Aruba — which is preparing to celebrate 40 years of Status Aparte — could consider giving up its autonomy just as financial stability has been restored.
St. Maarten also shared its own experience, noting that once under RAFT, it has been nearly impossible to regain full financial independence.
PPA’s Alternative Proposal
The PPA faction has proposed a clear alternative:
“Yes to a Budget Council, No to a Kingdom Act.”
The party has already submitted a Minority Report, based on consultations with professional groups and experts, proposing the creation of an independent budget council anchored in local legislation. This approach would involve serious dialogue with the Netherlands to reduce interest costs and strengthen fiscal discipline — without binding Aruba to the HOFA Kingdom Act.
According to PPA, this solution preserves Aruba’s autonomy, ensures accountability, and avoids repeating the mistakes experienced by Curaçao and St. Maarten.
Call to Protect Aruba’s Autonomy
Pieters concluded by expressing disappointment and frustration, stating that instead of strengthening Aruba’s independent position, the current government — through Ministers Wever and Eman — is pushing for a Kingdom Act that could burden Aruba’s financial management for generations.
The PPA reiterated its call to halt the HOFA Kingdom Act process, focus on establishing a local budget council, and safeguard Aruba’s Status Aparte and right to self-determination, which the Aruban people fought to achieve.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/politica/presentacion-di-aruba-na-hulanda-tabata-manera-un-sales-pitch-pa-caft-y-rijkswet-hofa
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