Recently, a political debate titled “Politiek Café” took place at the Paleiskerk in the Netherlands. The Arubahuis organized the event, which brought together representatives from several Dutch political parties — CDA, GroenLinks/PvdA, D66, VVD, and ChristenUnie — to share their party ideologies and engage in discussion on issues that concern Aruban and Caribbean students living in the Netherlands.
Joselin Croes, Director of the Arubahuis, provided further insight into the event.
During the debate, the attending politicians answered questions from students about topics such as Kingdom relations, immigration, the housing situation in the Netherlands, Aruba’s financial debt to the Netherlands, and the challenges faced by Caribbean students who study abroad.
Ms. Croes explained that the students were very sharp and well-prepared, particularly when asking questions about Aruba’s debt and whether there could be alternative ways to manage or repay it.
Another issue raised by the students was that Aruban students currently have no opportunity to specialize in medicine in the Netherlands.
In the past, there were so-called “ministerial placements” that allowed students from Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten to receive a position at Dutch universities for medical specialization. The politicians present were unaware of this issue and requested more information so that they could follow up on it.
A positive outcome of the evening was that all political parties present expressed support for establishing a Kingdom Dispute Regulation, which would help address the democratic deficit that currently exists between the Caribbean islands and the Netherlands.
Ms. Croes added that she spoke with several students after the event, who said that the information they received during the Politiek Café would certainly help them make a more informed choice when voting on October 29.
Finally, Ms. Croes made a heartfelt call to the Caribbean Dutch community in the Netherlands to exercise their right to vote:
“Educate yourself well. Learn what each party stands for, know your values and priorities, and think about what matters most for your future — and for the future of our islands.”
She concluded by saying:
“The Caribbean community in the Netherlands is large. If we unite our voices and vote for a party that truly supports the islands, we can make a real difference.”
