Eduard Pieters questions why the Government chose to strengthen a private company instead of investing in an institution of the Country of Aruba. A government is not only measured by the decisions it makes, but also by the ones it chooses not to make. This was the strong message that PPA faction leader Eduard Pieters delivered in Parliament during the Public Meeting regarding the management of Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) funds.
Beyond questioning a contract, Pieters posed a question that the people of Aruba must also ask: Why did the Government choose a private company, while our own national company, Serlimar, was left out?
A missed opportunity to strengthen Aruba According to Pieters, Serlimar is not just a trash collection company; it is an institution of the Country of Aruba that provides an essential service to the community daily. With over 161 employees, a leading role in residential waste collection, and a strategic plan to become financially sustainable, Serlimar was in a position to take on a much larger role in modern waste management. “We are not talking about just any company. We are talking about the heritage of the Country of Aruba.”
The Government says one thing but does another During his speech, Pieters pointed out a contradiction: the Government constantly talks about strengthening national institutions, but when there is a concrete opportunity to invest in a public company, the benefit seemingly goes to a private one. According to the parliamentarian, this decision sends a dangerous message about how the Government views its own state-owned enterprises.
An irony the people must remember Pieters recalled that in 2018, former minister and current PPA leader Otmar Oduber proposed investing in modern incinerators. At the time, the proposal received strong criticism and, according to Pieters, was even boycotted by the opposition. “Now, the same government is seeking three incinerators. This is the irony of life, and it proves that Aruba lost years of progress due to political decisions.”
Our own institutions must get the first opportunity One of the most concerning points is that Serlimar currently pays approximately 6 million florins annually to the same private company for the “tipping fee” at Ser’i Teishi. “If our own state-owned company is generating revenue for a private company, why does the Government continue to strengthen that same company with more public funds, instead of helping Serlimar grow?”
For the PPA, the debate touches on a fundamental principle of governance: Who benefits when the Government spends public money? “A government that truly believes in Aruba must start by investing in Aruba in accordance with current laws.” For Eduard Pieters, strengthening Serlimar is not just about strengthening a company; it is about strengthening national employment, knowledge, capacity, and the future of the Country of Aruba.