ORANJESTAD (AAN): Former mediator and former union leader Anselmo Pontilius stated that the minister must apologize for Dia di Betico holiday mistake and that doing so would have ended the issue immediately. Pontilius made the remarks during the Noticiacla LIVE program on Thursday evening.
Pontilius was responding to questions from moderator Tito Laclé regarding the government’s recent decision to reverse its plan to move the Dia di Betico public holiday from January 25, 2026, to Monday, January 26, 2026, since the official date falls on a Sunday.
According to Pontilius, the minister must apologize for Dia di Betico holiday mistake, describing the action taken by Minister Wendrick Cicilia as a clear blunder. He stressed that everyone can make mistakes, but true leadership lies in admitting them publicly.
Pontilius further explained that any changes to public holidays must be done within the legal framework. He noted that Aruba has previously adjusted public holidays when they fall on Sundays, but such decisions require proper planning and legal procedures.
He criticized the timing of the announcement, stating that the government had known for years that January 25, 2026, would fall on a Sunday. “This was not a surprise,” Pontilius said, adding that announcing such a change only days before the date showed a lack of professionalism and planning.
The MEP party also spoke out, stating that the minister must apologize for Dia di Betico holiday mistake. Meanwhile, ATIA warned that the attempted change could have caused significant financial losses for the business sector if it had remained in effect.
The issue has drawn criticism from both political and commercial sectors, reinforcing calls for accountability and transparency from the government.
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