Behind-the-Scenes History: With Vision, Conviction, Strategy, Determination, and Resources of an Aruban Citizen Who Brought the MEP to an Overwhelming Victory
Before Nelson Orlando Oduber became a major political figure in Aruba as Prime Minister, there was Alvin H. F. Lasten Sr.—known as a businessman and administrator—who unconditionally provided the Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo (MEP) with the financial foundation, professional campaign knowledge, and a physical location that the party needed to compete in the historic 1989 elections in Aruba to elect the 21 members of Parliament.
A Nation on a Political Crossroads
The year was 1988. Aruba’s political landscape consisted of seven active political parties:
- PPN, led by Hedwiges (Eddie) Werleman
- AD’86, led by Arturo Oduber
- PDA, led by Leonard Berlinski
- ADN, led by Charro Kelly
- PPA, led by Benny Nisbet
- Arubaanse Volkspartij (AVP), led by Henny Eman
- MEP, led by Nelson Orlando Oduber
It was a major step for Oduber, who for the first time had to lead the party without the powerful presence of its founder, Gilberto ‘Betico’ Croes, who had passed away.
A Historic Moment
At this critical turning point, Alvin Lasten, an entrepreneur and owner of popular establishments such as Pizza Pub, Restaurant Mexicano Acapulco, Bell Air Restaurant, and L’Atmosphere Night Club along the Boulevard near Club Visage at the time, had the resources, network, and professional knowledge to help build a winning campaign—from nothing to the top.
Alvin Lasten created the campaign slogan for MEP:
“A Bright Future for One and All.”
He also traveled to the United States with a local announcer to produce two television advertisements that became highly popular at the time on Tele Aruba:
- “Natasha – Look into her eyes”
- “Blow until it bursts”
The Campaign Presentation That Changed Everything
Alvin Lasten attempted to present to Nelson Oduber the “know-how” he possessed for running a successful campaign, initially approaching trusted friend Milton Henriquez (deceased). When that path proved uncertain, Lasten approached Guillermo Trinidad (deceased)—through whom Oduber finally agreed to listen.
At that moment, the MEP party under Oduber’s leadership was desperate:
- Without Betico
- Without a headquarters
- Without financial resources
- Without a professional campaign manager
They were facing the powerful AVP party, which was well-prepared for campaigning.
The meeting proved decisive.
Oduber accepted Lasten’s offer immediately, without hesitation.
A Personal Financial Commitment
With MEP lacking the means to launch a professional campaign, Alvin Lasten took decisive action.
He personally deposited 125,000 Aruban florins in a local bank:
- 100,000 florins as a donation from a prominent local businessman (deceased)
- 25,000 florins contributed directly from his own earnings
This was not a symbolic gesture—it was the financial lifeline that made the winning campaign possible.
Bell Air and Pizza Pub: Headquarters of the Movement
Alvin Lasten made his Bell Air establishment available to MEP as the campaign headquarters.
Pizza Pub, closely associated with the campaign network—including key allies such as Allen Globridge (deceased), Bob Dilela, and Ernestine—served as the main center from which the MEP campaign was organized and coordinated.
With pride but in a convincing tone, Alvin Lasten reportedly told Nelson Oduber near the end of the campaign:
“I am making you, without conditions, the first Premier of Aruba.”
Media Support
The media outlets that contributed substantially included:
- Radio Top FM
- Diario
- Bon Dia Aruba
Alvin Lasten worked to resolve the conflict that existed between Jossy Mansur of Diario and Nelson Oduber, securing Diario’s positive support for the MEP campaign.
Building Bridges: The Coalition Mission
After the 1989 election, Nelson Oduber’s right-hand man, Guillermo Trinidad, approached Alvin Lasten with a mission:
To personally visit the leaders of the PPA and ADN parties to determine whether they were willing to form a governing coalition with MEP.
The Result Spoke for Itself
On election day in 1989, the MEP emerged as the winning and strongest party in Aruba, securing:
- 10 parliamentary seats — MEP
- 8 seats — AVP
- 1 seat — PPA
- 1 seat — ADN
The foundation laid by Alvin Lasten helped transform MEP—from a party struggling after Betico’s death—into a decisive governing force that led Aruba for the first time under Nelson Oduber.
Beyond Politics: Building Institutions
During the 1989 administration under Prime Minister Nelson Oduber, Alvin Lasten’s contributions extended beyond electoral success.
Together with allies, including lobbyists in the United States, he played an instrumental role in establishing the arrival of U.S. immigration and customs services in Aruba—specifically the U.S. Pre-Clearance system.
This achievement transformed direct connections between the United States and Aruba and helped secure Aruba’s status as a first-class international destination.