MEP leader and Member of Parliament Evelyn Wever-Croes has emphasized that while Aruba currently benefits from financial stability built on a solid foundation laid by the former Wever-Croes Cabinet, integrity in governance is essential to preserve that stability.
“Financial stability alone is not enough,” Wever-Croes stated. “Without integrity in governance, that stability will eventually be lost.”
She stressed that laws and regulations exist to be respected and that transparency is a fundamental obligation of every public official. In this context, she insisted that Minister Gerlien Croes must clearly and definitively answer three key questions regarding a private jet trip: how much was paid, to whom it was paid, and on what date the payment was made.
According to Wever-Croes, if these questions cannot be answered, the trip may be considered a gift, which would constitute a serious violation of the Ministerial Code of Conduct. She added that misleading Parliament in such matters is considered grounds for resignation or dismissal in many countries.
“If these types of integrity breaches are not stopped now, Aruba risks sliding into a culture where luxury gifts, influence, and even criminal elements become entangled with governance,” she warned. “Aruba does not deserve that.”
The MEP leader criticized the current AVP-Futuro government for allegedly attempting to downplay or conceal such issues, contrasting this with what she described as a stronger culture of accountability seen in neighboring Curaçao. She reaffirmed that MEP, as the opposition, will continue to act as a watchdog to ensure transparency and responsibility in government.
Wever-Croes concluded by stating that MEP will continue to advocate for true integrity, transparency, and accountability, so that the benefits of economic recovery, budget surpluses, and long-term progress reach all citizens. She emphasized that safeguarding Aruba’s Status Aparte, now over 40 years old, requires principled leadership and honest governance.
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