In a movement widely considered a “historic day,” mental health professionals in Aruba have officially raised their voices. With the presentation of the Aruban United Psychologists Association (PAU), a large group of local experts is demanding recognition and seeking to prevent the exclusion that the proposed new BIG-Aruba law could bring.
The birth of PAU is not simply the creation of another association on the list, but a movement with the goal of transforming and dignifying the mental health sector on our island. This initiative began to gain momentum on July 14, 2023, when a large group of psychologists gathered at the Department of Public Health (DVG).
The Threat of the New Law
The main concern that united these professionals is the proposal for the new BIG-Aruba law. According to PAU members, the concept behind this law is alarming because it could exclude the vast majority of Aruban psychologists. The central point of conflict is the requirement to hold a Dutch “BIG registration” in order to practice the profession officially.
“We protested against the imposition of the concept and training model of the Dutch GZ-psychologist,” the association stated.
This professional title, created in the Netherlands in the year 2000, is now being used as an argument that, in practice, categorizes local professionals as “inferior” in their own country.
Defense of the Region
PAU strongly advocates for the recognition of psychologists who completed their studies within the region, particularly in the Caribbean and Latin America. Many of these professionals have decades of experience and possess deep knowledge of Aruba’s culture and social realities.
To voice these concerns, PAU’s core group formally met with the Minister of Public Health at the time, Mr. Dangui Oduber, in February of last year. During that meeting, they presented the key points that form the heart of their movement: recognition, inclusion, and professional respect.
A Vision for the Future
With the official establishment of the association, PAU has pledged to remain vigilant to ensure that the rights of local psychologists are not constrained by foreign models that may not align with the needs of the Aruban community.
The struggle for dignified mental health care continues, now with a unified and organized voice representing professionals who for years have been caring for the emotional well-being of the people of Aruba.