ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Parliamentarian Shailiny Tromp-Lee has issued an urgent call to the community, commercial sector, and government entities to unite in an effort to value, respect, and promote the proper use of the national language, Papiamento.
While the Government of Aruba recognized Papiamento as an official language alongside Dutch in 2003 under Law LB 2003 no. 83, Tromp-Lee emphasized that significant work remains to ensure the language receives its deserved place in daily life and official information. She expressed concern that several government departments still issue reports and information solely in Dutch or English.
“Papiamento is not only a medium of communication; it is one of the pillars of our culture and a fundamental element of every Arubian’s identity,” Tromp-Lee stated. “From the womb, we start hearing the language that we speak with pride. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each of us to care for our sweet Papiamento.”
The parliamentarian also urged the commercial sector to be more conscious about providing public information in the native language rather than limiting marketing efforts to other languages. She noted that providing information in Papiamento not only respects the language but ensures the message is better conveyed and understood.
Tromp-Lee pointed out a positive movement taking place in society and expressed hope that this continues. She stated that the community must become more conscious of how Papiamento is used, teach children to speak it well and with pride, and promote its use in all artistic expressions and communication, whether oral or written. She invited the entire community to promote and defend the language.
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