Member of Parliament Shailiny Tromp-Lee has reminded the public that, after several months, the Parliament of Aruba is still awaiting total clarity and transparency from Minister Gerlien Croes regarding the use of a private jet for an official trip to Curaçao. Tromp-Lee emphasized that in a constitutional state, integrity is not proven through words, but through documents and invoices that substantiate the truth.
Four Months of Silence and Contradictory Versions Since the incident occurred in November 2025, the Minister has provided conflicting accounts. Initially, it was stated that she paid for the trip herself; later, it was described as a “lift,” and finally, it was claimed that expenses were shared. “Aruba cannot have a government based on confusion. When a minister changes her story three times, the only way to regain trust is by presenting real proof of payment. To date, the Minister has chosen to remain silent or hide behind weak arguments to avoid providing the information formally requested by Parliament,” Tromp-Lee declared.
Cost of Living vs. Unnecessary Luxury The lack of transparency is further aggravated by the island’s current reality. As the cost of living in Aruba continues to rise, families must account for every cent to cover basic needs. In this context, the use of a private jet for a flight of merely 20 minutes is seen as an act lacking solidarity with the people. According to the MP, a leader must lead by example through austerity and the responsible use of all resources—whether public or personal—when dealing with state affairs.
Words Are Not Enough: The Public Demands Proof Tromp-Lee reiterated that a minister’s obligation is to be accountable. The refusal to answer parliamentary questions and the blocking of information requests create an atmosphere of doubt that is unhealthy for democracy. “We are not asking for the Minister’s opinion; we are demanding documents: the invoice from the aviation company and bank proof that the payment was effectively made from her personal account. Real transparency means stopping the talk and showing the paperwork. The people have a right to know the full truth about this trip and whether all integrity rules were followed,” the MP emphasized.
MP Shailiny Tromp-Lee concluded by stating: “Transparency is not a favor a Minister does for Parliament; it is a legal and moral obligation. If the Minister has nothing to hide, she must present the evidence today. Words are no longer enough; the people want to see the receipt.”