ORANJESTAD (AAN):
Continuing the discussion surrounding 40 years of Status Aparte, government mediator and former labor leader Anselmo Pontilius stated that Aruba now has approximately 110,000 residents, of whom around 20,000 are over the age of 60.
“This is one of the issues we must address as a country,” Pontilius said. “But have we truly addressed it over the past four decades? This moment gives us the opportunity to come together and honestly acknowledge what we have done well, what we have done less well, and where we have failed.”
Pontilius pointed to the role of the Aruban Parliament, stating that it has not always been strong enough in its responsibility to oversee governance. According to him, Parliament should have assumed—and must still assume—a much stronger supervisory role.
“This weakness has often led to failures in governance and non-compliance with laws,” he explained. “There has also been insufficient respect for advisory institutions such as the Council of Advice, the General Audit Chamber, the General Accounting Office, the Central Bank, and other government bodies that exist to provide guidance.”
He stressed that ignoring institutional advice for political convenience is unacceptable.
“You cannot simply discard advice because it does not suit you politically. A lack of respect for institutions has consequences for the country,” Pontilius warned.
Reflecting on broader national development, Pontilius questioned Aruba’s progress in education over the past 40 years. He emphasized that education is not limited to students in school, but also includes the wider working community, which must continue to be educated about rights, responsibilities, and civic engagement.
He also highlighted the importance of culture and language, stressing the need to continue promoting and strengthening Papiamento as a core and invaluable element of Aruba’s identity.
Public safety was another major concern. Pontilius noted that citizens should feel safe in their neighborhoods and able to sleep peacefully at night. He expressed concern about the growing number of vehicles on the roads and increasing irresponsibility in traffic, stating that these are issues that must be addressed proactively, not only after tragedies occur.
Pontilius added that Aruba rarely takes the time to stop and ask critical questions such as: Where are we heading? and What have we done right—and wrong—over these four decades?
He further raised concerns about environmental damage, unplanned construction, and compliance with spatial planning laws (ROPV). Looking ahead, he referenced the closure of the oil refinery and current discussions around its cleanup, as well as the broader question of whether Aruba should develop a second economic pillar.
Finally, Pontilius emphasized the importance of involving the community in shaping Aruba’s future.
“We must ask ourselves and our people: where do we want to be in the next 10, 15, or 20 years?” he concluded.
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