The result after 1 year of AVP Future’s governance has been a huge disappointment for the people. The biggest promises and the number one point of their governance program — to lower the cost of living and improve purchasing power — have NOT been fulfilled. This was simply political deception and manipulation. Today, after 1 year of governance, they have NOT improved quality of life. Aruba is more expensive than ever, the cost of living is higher than ever, purchasing power has not improved, and prices rise every day everywhere. There is even a new phenomenon in Aruba called “Geofflation,” inflation everywhere across all sectors.
The government has not sought to provide relief for the cost of living that is affecting families. The minimum subsistence for a household of two adults and two children has increased to Afl. 5,537, while for a single adult it remains at Afl. 2,636, with an income deficit of Afl. 650, reflecting continuous pressure on the cost of living.
The increase in the minimum subsistence and the Afl. 650 income deficit highlights the pressure families face with marginal income. Imagine that at this moment in Aruba, a family of four needs Afl. 5,537 to survive. A single adult needs Afl. 2,636, while the minimum wage is around Afl. 1,900. The Central Bank has already stated that the middle class in Aruba is disappearing.
After 1 year of governance, a plenipotentiary minister was appointed. After 1 year, the Minister of Tourism presented a tourism management concept even though our tourism sector is under enormous pressure. There are many challenges in our tourism sector, and there is a minister without management skills, vision, or perspective. There is still NO solution for vacation rentals; the Minister of Tourism focuses on quantity over quality. The Aruba Tourism Authority often functions as a bank for the government and adds new line items to their budget.
After 1 year of governance, there is still NO solution for the RWZI plants, despite charging each tourist entering Aruba $20. There is still bad odor near Bubali ponds. Not only that, but there is still no structural solution for waste problems. Former Prime Minister Mike Eman is cleaning daily in neighborhoods while Aruba is becoming more and more polluted. Planting trees is not a solution for our environment.
Do not even talk about our infrastructure. Despite taxes paid, our roads are not receiving the infrastructure they deserve. It seems cars are driving on the moon.
There is a huge social and mental health crisis with no solution. Minister Wyatt Ras is so absent that even AVP faction members say they expect more action from their party.
What stands out are the ministers’ trips. Trips without motive, purpose, or results. Ministers went to Switzerland, a 1-day visit to the Netherlands, trips to Washington, and even private jets were used for ministers celebrating elections in Curaçao.
The lack of respect for parliament is significant. The government does NOT answer parliament’s questions; ministers mock parliament when they answer. Parliament has to settle for one-word answers, as seen with Minister Gerlien Croes. There is no transparency, no information, and they refuse accountability to the people. We are still waiting for Gerlien Croes to answer about her travel expenses: how much, and who paid for her luxury private jet trip.
A surplus of 500 million florins has disappeared, and the country’s major problems have NOT been solved. We are on the verge of losing our freedom and autonomy for a handful of money. The government is giving up our freedom without reason or justification. While Curaçao and St. Maarten want to leave the Kingdom law, here in Aruba, they want to trap us in something from which we can never escape!
Change must come quickly to Aruba. This government is a disgrace for the people, a government that has not fulfilled its promises. The situation in Aruba has not improved, and thousands of people are experiencing difficult times.
The conclusion after 1 year of governance: CHAOTIC!