While several politicians in Curaçao under investigation have chosen to resign to preserve the integrity of the process, the contrast with Aruba is striking. Despite serious doubts circulating about her actions, Minister Gerlien Croes remains in office, raising concerns about the standard of political accountability within the Kingdom.
In Curaçao, plenipotentiary minister Carlson Manuel submitted his resignation after it was announced that he was under investigation. According to Curaçao’s Prime Minister, Gilmar “Pik” Pisas, the decision was taken to allow an independent investigation after serious allegations were raised publicly through social media and a parliamentary motion requesting the General Comptroller to evaluate the “Kas Kòrsou” case in the Netherlands.
Pisas emphasized that the resignation is not an admission of guilt but a measure of transparency and responsibility. Since 2020, his party MFK has implemented internal policies emphasizing transparency, discipline, and respect, and the Manuel case is seen as a test of these principles.
Similarly, minister Bestuur, Planning y Dienstverlening (BPD) , Kimberly Lew-Jen-Tai, submitted her resignation, although the Curaçao government stated it was for personal reasons. Nonetheless, the overall image is one of leadership that acts proactively when questions arise about integrity.
The approach in Curaçao sharply contrasts with what is happening in Aruba. On the island, Minister Gerlien Croes remains in her position despite public accusations and doubts regarding her actions in a private jet case, which strongly suggests she received gifts that may have violated the law. Critics say her absence from parliamentary questions and refusal to respond raises even more suspicion and could have serious political consequences, undermining citizens’ trust in the AVP–FUTURO government.
Political observers indicate that the situation is not limited to Minister Gerlien Croes. Another FUTURO party minister, Geoffrey Wever, has possibly been mentioned in connection with actions that raise many questions and suspicions, which analysts say points to a broader problem of a behind-the-scenes governance system that is turning into a headache for Aruba
Ultimately, the responsibility also lies with Prime Minister Mike Eman, who, as head of government, has the duty to intervene and ensure that good governance standards and integrity are not ignored.
The message from Curaçao is clear: when integrity is questioned, step aside to protect the institution. According to several analysts, Aruba could benefit from applying the same principle, even though the current AVP–FUTURO government has from the start not prioritized integrity as a guiding principle of good governance.