Businessman and columnist Miguel Mansur has criticized the Aruban government for prioritizing media events over structural solutions to long-standing issues. In a recent statement, Mansur argued that frequent announcements and symbolic acts, such as removing cobblestones, fail to address the systemic challenges facing the capital, Oranjestad.
Mansur identified three persistent problems affecting the city center: the presence of loitering individuals suffering from addiction, a shortage of parking facilities, and a dysfunctional tram system. He asserted that without concrete measures to resolve these issues, revitalization projects will face the same fate as previous failed attempts. He specifically called for changes to guardianship laws to enable mandatory treatment for severe addictions.
Regarding public infrastructure, Mansur questioned the lack of progress on parking garages after five years and criticized the tram system as too costly and rigid. He proposed modifying Arutram to a modern trolley system that uses regular roads, which would allow Caya Grandi to reopen for traffic. Additionally, Mansur expressed frustration with the government’s financial management and the limitations of the digital tax system despite millions in spending. He concluded that while Aruba possesses potential, it lacks the political will to urgently tackle structural problems.
