One of the moments that most touched the audience during the information night on HOFA and the LWHO was the intervention of businessman Alex Croes. During the meeting, organized by the PPA Faction to create more clarity and information regarding the potential impact of the law, Croes shared a reflection that resonated with many in attendance. While faction leader Eduard Pieters emphasized the constitutional and legal concerns surrounding Article 38 of HOFA, merchant Croes brought the discussion back to a more personal level: autonomy.
“Autonomy is not just any word”
According to Croes, the central question is simple: “If we lose financial autonomy, what is left of our autonomy?” He compared the situation to a citizen who works hard to maintain their house and takes responsibility for their family. According to Croes, autonomy is not solely a political concept. It is the right and capability to make your own decisions regarding your future.
Status Aparte was earned, not gifted
Croes recalled that we did not obtain our Status Aparte easily. “Previous generations fought with sweat, tears, and sacrifice for Aruba to achieve the position we have today.” Therefore, according to the businessman, any step that could limit Aruba’s freedom to manage its own financial affairs must be analyzed with extreme caution and responsibility.
Information and participation are essential
Croes’ message connected with the central theme of the evening: the people must be informed before making historic decisions. During the gathering, PPA leader Eduard Pieters emphasized that the primary objective was not to create division or partisan debate, but rather to provide information and create space for dialogue. For Croes, that is precisely the value of the initiative.
“I am not telling the people to stand up and create chaos. I am telling the people to stand up to defend our rights and preserve what previous generations fought to achieve.”
His final message was one of collective responsibility: to protect what Aruba has built and ensure that our future generations do not lose what cost our ancestors so much sacrifice to conquer.