Strong statements following revelations of historical notes from the Royal House regarding Betico Croes and Status Aparte.
A recent article in the Dutch press has caused significant commotion and emotional reaction within the Aruban community and the MEP faction, following the revelation of historical notes from the Dutch Royal House concerning the struggle for Status Aparte and the figure of Gilberto François “Betico” Croes—the Liberator of Aruba who enabled everyone living in Aruba today to live freely and make their own decisions.
Evelyn Wever-Croes indicated that these documents came to light as part of a broad investigation into the role and history of the Royal House during the era of slavery. But did this investigation truly understand Aruba’s story? Did those who conducted this research ever come to Aruba to ask who Betico Croes really was and what happened before and after 1986?
On the sidelines of this investigation, notes from that era were revealed showing that the Royal House considered Betico Croes’s political stance and struggle to be straining relations, believing that Status Aparte would be “fatal” for Aruba. In those notes, the political leader’s impact was even questioned, mentioning the possibility that he would have to “wegvallen” (disappear or be eliminated) as a political factor or otherwise. Why was “wegvallen” really suggested?
These revelations hit hard and sparked strong indignation and emotion. In an initial statement, it was emphasized that this news must be analyzed and digested with great caution and depth before making further official comments.
However, the main message was delivered with firmness and clarity from MEP leader Evelyn Wever-Croes: “Betico Croes ‘wegvallen’—never. In our minds and in our hearts, he will always remain the man who rescued Aruba, the architect of our freedom, and in our hearts and minds he will never disappear.”
This issue opens a new chapter in the historical re-evaluation of the relationship between Aruba and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while Betico Croes’s legacy is reaffirmed as the fundamental pillar of Aruba’s autonomy.