During a meeting of the Central Committee, discussions focused on the concerning topic of traffic safety. Member of Parliament Eduard Pieters of the PPA faction emphasized that public safety cannot be treated with political delay.
Although the meeting in the Central Committee centered on the legislative initiative regarding Reckless Driving, where PPA and other factions requested an additional week to study the bill more thoroughly and to give Minister Dowers space to provide advice, there is another issue that cannot be ignored: the implementation of body cameras for police, an essential tool for transparency, protection, and trust.
A repeatedly postponed urgent issue
The discussion around body cameras is not new. Since the tragic incident involving the young man Lanoy, PPA has acted with urgency.
“At the beginning of March 2025, the PPA faction called for an emergency meeting and submitted a motion that was unanimously approved in Parliament to guarantee body cameras for police. The goal was simple and clear: prevent doubt, protect both police and citizens, and provide objective clarity in critical situations,” Eduard explained.
At the end of March, PPA formally submitted questions to Minister Dowers: what is the ministry’s position, what funding is needed, and which laws must be adapted?
In his response, the minister indicated that from the previous government there were already 28 body cameras available. “During that same period, together with former MP Otmar Oduber, PPA met with the Police Chief of Arnhem to receive a detailed explanation of how body cameras work and their value in police practice.”
Rejected proposal, lost opportunity
When it became clear that the number of body cameras was insufficient, PPA submitted an amendment during the 2025 budget discussions to increase funding for more body cameras. Both the AVP and FUTURO factions rejected the amendment, arguing that the funds were “already in the budget and therefore unnecessary.”
According to Pieters: “PPA did not let the matter drop. In August, during the review of the Supplementary Budget 2025 (Najaarsnota), PPA once again submitted two strategically focused amendments to free up more funding. Yet again, the same AVP and FUTURO factions rejected the proposal, despite it being in the interest and well-being of the entire community.”
The result? Almost a year after the unanimously approved motion, no concrete implementation has taken place.
Consequences for community and police
Frustration in the community is growing, and PPA continues to receive many unanswered questions.
“Many questions remain unanswered, and trust is being tested. Body cameras are not against the police on the contrary, they protect both police and citizens. With body cameras, incidents can be evaluated objectively, speculation is reduced, and the rule of law is strengthened,” Eduard stated strongly.
Minister Dowers indicated that a body-cam pilot project would begin in July 2025. However, according to PPA, this is far too late. While necessary, the pilot is seen as delayed. Promises without action do not restore trust.
Finally, Eduard Pieters reiterated that PPA is not merely criticizing, it has proposed concrete solutions twice, and both times they were rejected.
“Today, the community is paying the price for inaction. Public safety and transparency cannot depend on a political calendar. Body cameras must be implemented urgently, with budget and political will. Aruba deserves a police force with the necessary tools, protected and trusted by citizens and a government that acts, not one that only makes empty promises.”