During the public meeting on May 11, MP Tromp-Lee expressed her deep disappointment when Minister Gerlien Croes once again refused to provide clarity on the use of a private jet. Despite requests for an explanation from both the opposition and coalition colleague Mr. De Meza (AVP), the minister chose to remain silent, reinforcing what Tromp-Lee describes as an “Integrity Crisis.”
A Minister with “Three Truths” For Tromp-Lee, the situation surrounding the private jet is not an insignificant matter, but a lack of respect for the institution of Parliament and the people of Aruba. During her speech, she emphasized that integrity cannot just be a campaign slogan; it must be demonstrated through coherent actions. “We have a situation where a minister has given three different versions of the same event: first, she said she paid for it out of her own pocket; then, that it was a free ‘lift’; and now, that they split the cost. In the mathematics of integrity, three truths equal zero truth,” Tromp-Lee declared.
Silence and Obstacles The MP questioned the structural lack of transparency in this matter. To date, the MEP Faction has sent a total of 106 questions to the Government on this topic; however, despite several reminders, not a single answer has been received. Furthermore, requests for meetings with the concerned Minister are not being called by the President of Parliament. “A minister who has nothing to hide opens their books immediately. One who hides behind silence and lawyers creates the strong impression that there is something very serious that cannot see the light of day,” the MP emphasized.
Demand for Verifiable Proof MP Tromp-Lee concluded her position by demanding concrete documentation to end this “charade” and restore lost credibility. She demanded that the Minister present:
The official invoice from the aviation company involved.
The bank statement serving as conclusive proof that the money actually came from the Minister’s personal account.
“Transparency cannot be an ‘à la carte’ menu where you choose what and when to address matters of general interest. Transparency is not an option, but an obligation!”