The AVP faction, led by parliamentarian Jennifer Arends-Reyes, believes that the operating accounts for 2018 and 2019 reflect the true state of Aruba’s public finances — information that is essential for transparency, oversight, and evaluating our fiscal management. The reality, however, is that these reports arrived more than five years late.
Arends-Reyes stresses that 2018 and 2019 were crucial years in Aruba’s recent history. They were pre-pandemic years, during which many significant decisions were made that directly affected the people, public employees, and the private sector. The long delay in submitting these financial reports places Parliament in a weakened position to evaluate and perform effective oversight, which does not benefit a country that depends on timely and clear public financial accountability.
In a responsible analysis of the figures, the AVP notes that 2018 showed another increase in government spending, without revenues keeping pace. The budget deficit continued to grow, indicating a lack of rigorous financial management. The same pattern repeated in 2019: high spending within the government apparatus, little evaluation of efficiency, and revenues that did not rise proportionally — although some improvement was recorded.
“These operating accounts underscore an important lesson: Aruba needs a sustainable fiscal structure,” Arends-Reyes stated. “There were many expenditures, but internal controls were not strong enough. If there are vacancies, they must be filled. And our government must adopt a culture in which spending is evaluated based on its real impact on the well-being of our people.”
The AVP faction insists on the implementation of a fiscal planning framework that is continuous, fair, and results-oriented. Aruba cannot continue borrowing to cover operational expenses while citizens face austerity and limitations in essential services. Planning cannot be based solely on optimism; it must consider various scenarios and prepare for potential risks.
“The 2018 and 2019 operating accounts are essentially a delayed check-up — but the lessons must guide us into the future,” Arends-Reyes concluded. “We call on the government to take note of the past and continue the catch-up process so future reports are submitted on time. The well-being of our community must remain central to every decision.”
Press release: AVP