Regarding the regulation and management of ATV and UTV vehicles in Aruba, it is essential to provide a historical and political clarification of ministerial responsibilities during the previous coalition cabinet (MEP–RAIZ). Contrary to the perception some sectors are trying to create, the portfolio and direct management of public transportation, nature, and the environment fell squarely under the responsibility of the RAIZ party, led at the time by ministers Ursell Arends and Geoffrey Wever.
A country’s governance is divided by ministerial portfolios, and within the previous Government’s setup, decisions and planning regarding the impact of ATVs and UTVs on our nature and road network were entirely in the hands of RAIZ leaders.
The role and decisions of the RAIZ party
The decisions made at that time were part of the vision and course of action pursued by former Minister Ursell Arends, supported by his party colleague Geoffrey Wever, who was fully aware of the plans and strategies being developed.
The impacts and consequences of this policy on transportation organization, environmental protection, and the overall political landscape are direct results of the path chosen by the RAIZ party. These decisions left deep marks on the country’s political system, the effects of which continue to be felt today.
An inheritance the current administration must address
The current situation facing the ATV and UTV sector is not a product of MEP’s management, but rather an inheritance left by the administration of the RAIZ party. Today, the current Government led by AVP feels the weight and must bear the consequences of decisions made during the previous term.
It is of utmost importance for the public to be properly informed and aware of how portfolios were distributed, in order to clearly identify where political responsibility for ATV and UTV policy truly lies.
Ursell Mikhail Arends served as Minister of Transport, Integrity, Nature, and Senior Affairs from 2021 to 2025. He was personally responsible for the plans and decisions causing today’s impact in Aruba. Nor was it a secret that former Minister Ursell Arends acceded to whatever the president of Aruba Birdlife Conservation, Greg Peterson, put on the table—another prime example being the headache the Embassy Suites hotel chain experienced due to these same two individuals.