ORANJESTAD (AAN): In the face of rising economic pressure, Parliamentarian Eduard Pieters of the PPA faction has raised a strong alarm about the alarmingly rising cost of living in Aruba, while the government remains silent.
In a recent press conference, Pieters addressed the issue head-on: the people of Aruba are being “hit hard” with weekly and monthly price increases, with no clear government plan to protect them.
Global Crisis Impacting Aruba:
The global crisis, including the Middle Eastern war, has driven oil prices to alarming levels, surpassing $100 per barrel, with forecasts indicating a potential rise to $150. For a small island like Aruba, dependent on imports, this has immediate consequences. The first impact to be felt after April 12 will be a 25% increase in total freight costs, according to the commercial sector (King Ocean).
This means that every product will become more expensive. “The people are living in complete uncertainty,” Pieters stated.
Government Silence: Lack of Leadership:
While countries like Curaçao and St. Maarten have responded with concrete measures, Aruba remains in a state of silence. The government has failed to inform the people about:
- What is happening
- The impact
- What plan is in place to mitigate the damage.
“This is unacceptable,” Pieters declared. “The government must lead and not remain silent while the people suffer.”
Empty Promises:
According to Pieters, both AVP and Futuro parties are failing the people. During their election campaigns, both parties promised to reduce the cost of living. But after over a year in power, the reality is different: no plan, no vision, and no concrete action. “Every week, we see drastic increases,” Pieters said. “The people cannot bear this burden anymore.”
Tax System Burdens the People:
Pieters pointed out that one of the main causes of the continuous price increases is the BBO tax system, which works cumulatively. Every international price increase is compounded by local taxes.
The result? The people are paying more while the government is earning more. “Who benefits? The government,” Pieters emphasized. “While the people suffer, the government receives more income.”
A Solution Exists, But There’s a Lack of Will:
PPA isn’t just criticizing; they are proposing a solution: changing BBO to VAT and eliminating BBO on freight and import duties on basic products. Even a respected local merchant, Mr. Saladin, proposed a practical solution: no BBO on freight and import duties, to prevent the increased transport costs from directly passing to consumers.
“The government has the executive power to implement this this month,” Pieters declared. “But there is a lack of will.”
Pieters stated that the government is neglecting its people: “When a government sees its people suffering but does nothing, it’s negligence. If you know that the people are crying out and prices are increasing week after week, but you do nothing, you are abusing the people,” he said firmly.
PPA Demands Accountability:
The PPA faction is calling on both Minister of Finance Geoffrey Wever and Prime Minister Mike Eman to be accountable to the people: What is the concrete plan? How will the increase be mitigated? How will the government protect and relieve the people?
“Leadership is not just words, but action,” Pieters concluded.
