Former Attorney General of Aruba, Bote ter Steege, warned about the erosion of governance and public integrity in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom during the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) in The Hague. Speaking during a panel discussion, Ter Steege highlighted challenges such as corruption, inadequate detention conditions, and weak governance as factors gradually eroding the foundations of society.
Based on his six years of experience in Aruba and the region, Ter Steege argued that the rule of law relies not only on legislation and courts but also on the daily behavior of politicians and public officials. He emphasized that in small island communities, leaders set the tone for society. When those in authority display negative behavior, it damages public trust in institutions more than isolated incidents, contributing to a phenomenon he described as “moral corruption.”
Concluding his remarks, Ter Steege stated that politicians and ministers must remain conscious of the example they set, as their conduct significantly influences how the community perceives laws and public institutions.
