ORANJESTAD — Minister Rene Herdé is advancing a broader Aruba government modernization strategy aimed at speeding up procedures, improving accessibility and making public services more efficient.
Herdé, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, Internal Services and Telecommunications, said modernization requires more than introducing digital forms. It also involves reviewing how government works, identifying bottlenecks and removing unnecessary steps where possible.
According to the minister, he initially assumed responsibility for the portfolio on what was expected to be a temporary basis. Circumstances later required him to remain in the position, and he decided to use his professional experience to continue the work and pursue longer-term improvements.
Since taking responsibility for the ministry, Herdé said he has focused on understanding how each department operates and identifying areas where procedures can be improved.
He said several obstacles remain, including processes that take too long and systems that do not always respond quickly enough to existing demand.
Focus on Faster and More Efficient Procedures
Herdé said these weaknesses should not only be seen as problems, but also as opportunities to redesign the way government works.
The approach includes reviewing procedures, eliminating unnecessary steps where legally possible, strengthening departments and making better use of technology.
The objective is to gradually reduce delays while continuing to meet legal and administrative requirements.
“Modernization is not only about digitizing a form,” Herdé said. “It is about reviewing how we work, where the process gets stuck and how we can provide citizens with faster, more transparent and efficient service.”
Modernization Across Four Areas
The strategy extends across the different portfolios under Herdé’s responsibility.
In Housing, the government aims to create more opportunities and make it easier for families to access solutions.
In Infrastructure, the focus is on accelerating the preparation and execution of necessary projects.
Within Internal Services, modernization is expected to contribute to a more efficient public administration.
In Telecommunications, innovation and connectivity are viewed as essential for preparing Aruba for future demands.
Herdé said some improvements are already becoming visible, although significant work remains.
For that reason, he emphasized the importance of structural and lasting changes rather than temporary solutions.
The long-term goal of Aruba government modernization is to create a public administration that responds more effectively to the needs of residents and businesses, with faster procedures, greater transparency and services better prepared for the future.
