In recent days, a serious concern has become increasingly evident in the Aruba community: government services, particularly the Census crisis public service, are not functioning as the people of Aruba deserve. Parliamentarian Eduard Pieters of the PPA faction expressed his concern over the situation, calling it unacceptable in a modern country that wants to position itself as efficient and digital.
“No Appointment Available”: A System That Has Collapsed
The PPA faction receives daily complaints from citizens who are trying to register with the Census crisis public service but are unable to. Those who have met all legal requirements, paid for their residency and work permits, and need to register to access AZV (medical insurance) are encountering a digital system that, since January 2026, simply states: “No appointments available.” According to Pieters, this is more than just a technical inconvenience.
“We have received screenshots showing clearly that no user can access the system. This is a total breakdown of Census crisis public service,” Pieters expressed.
In a digital era where the government talks about modernization and efficiency, the reality for many citizens is entirely different: a system that does not respond and a service that is inaccessible.
Citizens Without Insurance: A Real Risk
The impact of this failure is much more severe than it may seem at first glance. Those who cannot register with the Census crisis public service cannot activate their official record and, consequently, cannot access AZV medical insurance. “If something happens to these individuals, who will assume responsibility?” Pieters questioned. This is not just an administrative issue; it directly concerns health, safety, and human dignity.
Not Only Foreigners: Arubans Are Also Affected
This issue is not limited to foreign residents; it also affects Aruban citizens returning to Aruba or those wishing to continue their studies. They cannot register, regulate their status, and are excluded from a system that should serve them. “We cannot have a system that locks out our own people from accessing basic services,” Pieters stated.
Lack of Coordination Between Ministries
According to the PPA’s analysis, the current situation is the result of a deeper issue: a lack of coordination between ministries, particularly the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of General Affairs. The growth in applications for residency and work permits has not been matched by the operational capacity of the Census crisis public service. The result: an overloaded system unable to meet demand. “This is a clear example of a lack of planning, a lack of government vision, and a lack of effective leadership,” Pieters declared.
Citizens Should Not Pay for Mismanagement
The PPA faction emphasizes that no citizen should pay the price for governmental inefficiency. People have complied with the law, paid their fees, and followed the procedures, yet they are not receiving the service they deserve. “The people of Aruba deserve 5-star service,” Pieters stressed. “Not a system that fails them when they need it most.”
Respect for Our Professionals
Pieters also acknowledged that the technical leadership within the Census crisis public service has a reputation for professionalism and dedication. “I am convinced that the director is a very competent and professional person. But this shows that the problem comes from higher up, possibly at the level of government and political coordination,” Pieters pointed out.
The PPA faction is making an urgent call to the government to act quickly: restore the appointment system at the Census crisis public service, guarantee immediate access to registration, protect citizens’ rights to AZV, and strengthen coordination between the ministries. A concrete solution must come within a week. This situation is a real test for serious governance. Governance is not about nice speeches, world tours, or photo ops; it is about service and responsibility. When the system fails, the people should not have to pay the price.
