Tensions in Parliament escalated when MP Xiomara Maduro of the MEP faction took the floor. Maduro strongly criticized that, although Minister Gerlien Croes appeared in Parliament, she failed to provide the concrete explanations expected regarding the legal deviations in the public tender for school materials.
Faced with a lack of transparency on the main topic, the MEP faction opted to demand clarity on another matter drawing community attention: the Minister’s controversial travel in a private plane, for which Minister Gerlien Croes has yet to answer to Parliament or take responsibility for her work-related travels.
An “Insult to the People’s Intelligence”
Xiomara Maduro, who herself has nearly 8 years of experience as a Minister, explained that during her time in government she traveled many times for work, but never in a private plane. “A Minister does not do that, unless it is a gift or they paid for it themselves and can prove it with a receipt.”
The MP labeled the Minister’s versions of the story as “contradictory.” Maduro pointed out that the comparison the Minister made—dressing the trip up as a “family dinner” where no receipts are necessary—is an insult to the intelligence of the Aruban people.
Possible Legal Implications in the U.S.
Maduro’s criticism went further, revealing that she conducted her own investigation. According to the MP, she consulted with lawyers in the United States—where the plane is licensed—to verify if that aircraft has a permit to charge for transporting private passengers. The answer was a resounding “no.”
This opens up serious legal questions:
- If the plane does not have a permit to charge, Minister Croes could not have legally paid for that service.
- If she was invited, it must be declared as a gift.
- However, the Minister insists she paid or shared expenses, which according to Maduro could be a punishable statement under American laws.
Demand for Total Transparency
For the MEP faction, Minister Croes’ attitude in Parliament gives the impression that she wants to hide behind social media instead of facing the legislative body with evidence in hand. Whether regarding the school material tender that bypassed the law, or the legality of her personal travels, the demand remains the same: total transparency and respect for our country’s democratic institutions—something MP Xiomara Maduro indicates Minister Gerlien lacks.