Marking two years as a representative of the people, Member of Parliament John Hart (AVP) reflected on the start of the new parliamentary year, highlighting that the responsibility of this work is a great honor, but also a firm commitment to oversight and critical debate for the future of Aruba.
During his speech, Hart emphasized that beyond the opening ceremonial, the fundamental task of an MP is to hold the government accountable. As chairman of the Justice Committee, the MP followed up on crucial issues such as the capacity of the police force, the housing challenge, and the management of juvenile delinquency.
Two key laws on the agenda: Investment Fund and LAP Hart pointed out two highly important legislative initiatives that must be debated as soon as possible in Parliament:
• The Investment Law (Investeringsfonds): A law Hart described as historic, as it will determine where and how resources will be allocated to invest in the country’s development.
• The General Pension Law of Aruba (LAP): Introduced by AVP in 2011, this law aims to provide private sector employees with the security of a dignified pension. Hart expressed concern over cases where employees reach retirement age and discover that employers did not transfer the withheld premiums. He recalled that since 2017, the Social and Economic Council (SER) advised appointing a supervisor (toezichthouder) for this law.
Holistic challenges: Population aging and a National ‘Manpower Planning’ One of the most critical points raised by the MP is the aging population (vergrijzing) in Aruba and the lack of a clear vision for the future:
“We have a major situation of population aging in Aruba, and the time will come when we must hold a debate in Parliament about what kind of manpower planning we have. What kind of people are we importing to contribute to this economy, and in what direction are we heading with Aruba in the year 2040?”
Hart also questioned and urged an analysis of whether the current National Ordinance on Admission and Expulsion (LTU) is adapted to today’s economic model and labor market.
Hart reiterated that the country’s issues must be addressed comprehensively and holistically, given that justice issues and juvenile delinquency often begin in the social realm, the high divorce rate, and the lack of access to after-school care (naschoolse opvang).
Demand for accountability and the RAFT meeting Making a call for self-criticism, Hart declared that ministers must enter the parliamentary chamber more frequently to give answers and account for difficult topics.
Finally, regarding the meeting on the Kingdom Act for Financial Supervision (RAFT), Hart urged that it take place as soon as possible to debate public finances and the country’s autonomy. He asked to maintain respect in political debate and avoid rhetoric that harms the country’s progress.
“The Governor also said it: we must prepare ourselves so we can leave this country better for the coming generation,” Hart concluded.