Member of Parliament Eduard Pieters of the PPA faction has fulfilled his constitutional duty by submitting seven clear and structured questions regarding mental health in Aruba. Based on the official responses from the Ministry, signed by Minister M.G. Wyatt-Ras (January 30, 2026), the government acknowledges the shortage of professionals and the pressure on the entire system. However, concerns are escalating, as the answers can be interpreted as containing many intentions but little concrete action, and much description of processes without measurable commitments.
Comprehensive Plan Without Timeline
According to Pieters, “The Government speaks about an integrated care chain approach, protocols, improved information exchange, and integration between private providers, AZV, and the social sector. All of this is positive in theory. But where are the goals and timelines or phases for each action? Aruba cannot be satisfied with administrative discourse when we are dealing with mental health and addiction, two social crises that are growing daily.”
If we are facing a “severe shortage of qualified professionals,” as the Minister herself indicates, we must see action and results — not just coordination.
Waiting Lists: No Date, No Guarantee
The Government indicates that waiting lists will be managed and reduced “where possible,” with priority for the most urgent cases. However, when Pieters requested a concrete deadline, the response was that no exact date could be given. The waiting time for specialized GGZ care is currently 2 to 3 months, according to the Minister’s response.
For someone in crisis, three months is not a normal wait — it is an eternity. Without deadlines and measurable targets, the public cannot assess progress.
Infrastructure: Options Open, No Decision Taken
Regarding the construction or expansion for Respaldo, the Minister stated that “no option is excluded,” but that each decision must be supported by a solid business case. Responsible investment is indeed important. However, after years of warnings, growing urgent demand, and alarming projections, how far are we from a real decision?
Respaldo has requested land to construct a new building, but the response was that this “will take its due time.” Mental health is not a luxury that can wait. It is a social emergency.
Outpatient Care and Prevention: Good Intentions, Lack of Urgency
Eduard further stated that the Minister mentioned strengthening outpatient care, day programs, group therapy, and intensive care units. This is the correct direction, but the political question remains: what concrete investment is allocated for 2026? What is the additional budget? What is the target for reducing hospital admissions?
Pieters’ position is clear: every tax florin must translate into faster access, more humane care, and less pressure on the hospital system.
Mental Health Is Not Just a Document but Human Lives
The official letter confirms that the Government recognizes the problem. But recognition is not a solution. Aruba is on a path toward an aging population, increasing social pressure, and greater addiction challenges. Without a plan with deadlines, measurable goals, and accelerated investment, we risk a structural crisis.
Finally, Eduard Pieters emphasizes that the PPA faction is not seeking controversy but action and results. Mental health and addiction must be treated as national priorities, not as administrative chapters. The people deserve more than promises of coordination. They deserve leadership, decisions, and clear deadlines.
Eduard Pieters will continue to demand clarity and action. In the end, this is not about protocols or business cases it is about human dignity, our families, and our future as a country.