Poverty in Aruba Is a Systemic Problem, not an isolated incident, according to AVP Parliamentarian John Hart.
Parliamentarian John Hart has reviewed the national study published in the Jeugdmonitor 2024 report — a social situation analysis left behind by the previous MEP government. Hart says the report contains valuable information showing that poverty in Aruba is deeply rooted, affecting not just individuals but entire neighborhoods.
The Jeugdmonitor 2024 findings indicate that poverty in Aruba is not isolated but systemic. Deteriorating neighborhoods contribute to social inequality, directly impacting safety, education, and the mental health of Aruba’s children. Physical and social decline in these areas further reinforces feelings of poverty and negatively affects families’ quality of life.
Hart said that over recent years — particularly in the past months — the previous government failed to address these structural problems. “Poverty cannot continue to be postponed as if it is something we can avoid confronting,” he stated. According to Hart, the pattern shown in the Jeugdmonitor 2024 confirms that responsibility was often delayed instead of being confronted directly.
Unlike the previous administration, Hart said that the current government is taking concrete action in Aruba’s neighborhoods. He emphasized that investment is not limited to cleanliness efforts but includes a systematic approach to restore neighborhoods and dignity. This, he said, demonstrates ownership of problems that were postponed for years.
Hart also criticized the prior government’s budget decisions, saying that despite public calls for improved purchasing power, the 2025 budget did not allocate funds to address this. Instead, the BBO (Base Business Tax) was increased from 3% to 6% and then to 7%, and a border BBO was introduced, placing additional pressure on citizens. “We saw more Arubans losing access to medicine, families struggling to support themselves, and young people without clear future prospects,” Hart said.
The AVP/Futuro government has introduced changes in the 2025 and 2026 budgets with a new focus on social welfare. This year, pensioners received an additional 250 florins, and last year they received the same — a total of 500 florins in less than a year for over 22,000 pensioners, including widows and orphans who depend on these funds.
“As a Parliamentarian, I consider this an important step in prioritizing our community. Remedies removed in prior years are being restored,” Hart said. He also noted that the 2026 budget clearly demonstrates a vision for San Nicolas — including the construction of an MFA to strengthen regional development and social infrastructure.
Finally, Hart reiterated that the people of Aruba deserve a government that assumes responsibility rather than postpones it.
“The difference is clear,” he concluded.
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