The president of Curaçao’s National People’s Party (Partido Nashonal di Pueblo – PNP), Dudley Lucia, has arrived in Aruba to participate in the AVP Party’s 2026 Congress, set to take place on Sunday, October 4, at the Aruba Marriott Resort Grand Ballroom.
Member of Parliament and AVP Board President Clifford Heyliger welcomed Lucia upon his arrival in Aruba. His visit follows the arrival of PNP political leader Ruthmilda “Mimi” Larmonie-Cecilia, who is also in Aruba to attend the Congress.
The PNP delegation is present during a key moment of leadership succession for AVP, as the National Party in Curaçao similarly prepares for a transition in its own leadership.
Clifford Heyliger: Support from a sister party
During the welcome reception, Clifford Heyliger expressed his satisfaction at having the president of the National Party in Aruba, describing the PNP as AVP’s sister party in Curaçao.
Heyliger emphasized that the 2026 Congress is a highly significant event for AVP, particularly due to the change in leadership. He noted that the party is transitioning to a younger generation and that the PNP’s presence represents vital support during this process.
The AVP Board President also expressed appreciation for the wealth of experience Dudley Lucia brings, as well as for the exchange of ideas that will take place during his stay in Aruba.
Dudley Lucia: Both parties undergoing a leadership transition
Dudley Lucia noted that AVP’s current phase shares clear similarities with the ongoing process within the National Party in Curaçao. As AVP prepares for its leadership transition during the 2026 Congress, Lucia indicated that the National Party is likewise preparing for a leadership change before November.
According to Lucia, beyond the close friendship between the two organizations, AVP and PNP share a Christian-Democratic ideological foundation. He highlighted that the bonds between both political parties span multiple generations.
Lucia referenced the historic relationship between the Eman family and Dr. Moises da Costa Gomez as part of the shared legacy between both parties. He noted that the ties linking the PNP to AVP, much like those with Bonaire’s UPB, have existed for a very long time.
A relationship sustained across generations
Lucia recalled that the relationship between these parties extends well beyond ideological alignment. In the past, they worked together in governing coalitions, and Aruba contributed ministers who held key positions in the former Netherlands Antilles.
For Lucia, these fraternal ties and shared ideological values mean that the PNP could not miss such an important milestone for AVP. For this reason, both Lucia, as President of the National Party, and Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia, as PNP political leader, are in Aruba to stand alongside AVP during this leadership transition.
Intergenerational exchange
Lucia also highlighted the importance of dialogue and collaboration between parties. While acknowledging that each party has its own unique style and political approach, he stressed that they can learn from each other and complement one another.
In this context, Lucia mentioned that the PNP followed with great enthusiasm the way AVP’s youth branch participated in the most recent political campaign. According to him, this serves as an ideal example of an area where parties can exchange experiences and learn together.
The leadership transition, according to Lucia, is a monumental moment because it formally marks the passing of the torch to a younger generation.
PNP present for the leadership transition
Lucia wished the people of Aruba great success under the new leadership, noting that AVP has a rich history of leaders who have played prominent roles in Aruba’s political history.
At the conclusion of the reception, Clifford Heyliger thanked the PNP for its enduring support and expressed his wish that the historic ties between both parties continue to strengthen during the Congress and in the years ahead.
The AVP Party’s 2026 Congress will take place on Sunday, October 4, at the Aruba Marriott Resort Grand Ballroom, starting at 9:00 AM. For more information, visit www.avp.aw.