Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector, Mr. Geoffrey Wever, indicates that the positive results and continued progress of the Leergang Openbare Financiën Aruba (E-LOFA) program represent a solid outcome to strengthen financial capacity. The program is a key initiative within the framework of the Country Package (Landspakket), Theme A: Financial Management, which focuses on strengthening the government’s financial pillar to ensure that Aruba remains and continues to be “in control” of its public finances.
Former Minister of Finance Xiomara Maduro, in the End-of-Year Note 2024, informed Parliament about the changes necessary to allocate funds to execute Country Package projects that help improve Aruba’s financial management. These projects include E-LOFA, the 3 Lines of Defense, and the Financial Reporting System (Verslaggevingsstelsel).
Former Minister Maduro indicated that funds are being allocated to carry out projects within Theme A of the Country Package, which focuses on improving financial management in Aruba. Among these is E-LOFA, a digital course in Public Finance that will help train and enhance the knowledge of financial employees within the Government of Aruba. In addition, there is the “3 Lines of Defense” project, a major initiative in which financial processes and administration within the government are being optimized. There is also the “financial reporting system” project, another large initiative that aims to achieve certification by an external accountant of Aruba’s Annual Accounts by the year 2026.
The results of the first round confirm a direct impact: 99 government employees participated out of a maximum capacity of 100, while 68 participants successfully completed the program. Additionally, to stimulate high quality and performance, participants who achieved a result of 80% or higher received a financial bonus of Afl. 500.
The basic module of E-LOFA provides a comprehensive introduction to public financial management in Aruba, including financial legislation, the budget cycle, and the role of oversight institutions such as the Central Audit Department (CAD) and the General Audit Chamber (ARA). The program is an essential instrument for integrating new personnel and for the continuous education of management advisors and financial officers, contributing to uniformity, efficiency, and discipline in government financial management.
“The digitalization of LOFA is not only a technological step, but a strategic investment in knowledge continuity and the professionalization of the public sector.”
The AVP-FUTURO government continues to build on this foundation with preparations for a second round of the basic module, allowing more employees to participate, along with the introduction of the first specialized module titled “Legal Framework”. In the following phases, additional modules will be added on management processes, the budget cycle, business operations, the 3 Lines Model, and Policy-Based Budgeting, further strengthening institutional capacity.
Minister Wever emphasized:
“The results of the first round show that there is real commitment within our government apparatus to continue improving. We are not only talking about reform; we are implementing and achieving concrete results.”
The development of E-LOFA is directly aligned with the priorities of the AVP-FUTURO Government Program 2025-2028, which emphasizes strengthening public finances, modernizing government through digitalization and e-government, and improving efficiency, transparency, and good governance.
With E-LOFA, Aruba continues to take firm steps toward a modern, reliable, and transparent financial system, where investment in knowledge translates into more responsible decision-making and a stronger economic future for all citizens. The government confirms that professionalization is not an option, but an essential condition for sustainable progress in Aruba.