In an effort to obtain clarity on the measures the Government of Aruba is taking to protect the population against the economic consequences of the conflict in the Middle East, Parliamentarian Drs. Shailiny Tromp-Lee has submitted a series of urgent formal questions to Prime Minister Mike Eman and Minister Geoffrey Wever. Tromp-Lee described the Government’s current silence as “incomprehensible and unacceptable.”
Unanswered Requests
The parliamentarian recalled that since March 3, the MEP faction requested a meeting with the Government (under registration number IS/658/25-26) to obtain information, but up to this moment no response has been received.
“Since February 28, the situation in the Middle East has worsened and the impact is being felt worldwide. While other countries within the Kingdom are providing reassurance and information to their populations, here in Aruba the only thing we have heard in the press is the increase in gasoline and diesel prices,” Tromp-Lee stated.
Questions Raised by Tromp-Lee
Tromp-Lee presented several questions aimed at obtaining the necessary information. These include questions about the commission tasked with inventorying the impacts of the current conflict on Aruba, what its specific responsibilities are, the deadline for delivering a final report to the Government, and a request that the Government share the results of such work with Parliament once completed.
At the same time, in her letter Tromp-Lee demanded to know whether WEB Aruba N.V. has active fuel hedging contracts and for how long these contracts protect water and electricity tariffs.
“The public must know whether there is a plan to limit these increases or whether the Government is considering temporarily subsidizing the fuel clause to prevent the cost of living from rising drastically.”
Other Economic Measures Under Consideration
Another issue addressed is whether the Government plans to partially absorb fuel price increases, for example by temporarily reducing excise taxes.
The letter directed to the Government also addresses several other topics in which Tromp-Lee requests attention, including:
- Food security and agriculture
- Price control and inflation
- A comparative global analysis
It is emphasized that Tromp-Lee wants to know what concrete plans the Government has under different scenarios and what measures are in place to protect the finances of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable groups.
More than anything, her letter clearly urges the Government to ensure that Parliament receives concrete plans as soon as possible.
Call for Accountability
In closing, Tromp-Lee emphasized that she finds the lack of transparency from the Government incomprehensible and unacceptable, and she posed the following question:
“Why is the Government of Aruba remaining in total silence while neighboring countries within the Kingdom have already communicated their mitigation strategies to their populations? In my opinion, if countries with their own energy sources and production, such as the United States and the European Union, are concerned, how is it possible that Aruba—practically 100% dependent on imports—can allow itself the luxury of total silence?”
For this reason, she is urging the Government to assume its responsibility.