There is still no transparency regarding Minister Gerlien Croes and the private jet.
After a period of recovery, MP Shailiny Tromp-Lee has returned to work. But regarding certain topics, it feels like time stood still, which is why she is bringing up the issue of Minister Gerlien Croes’s private jet trip once again.
The Minister told us: “I paid for it myself.” But to this day, we have no proof:
*We do not know how much she paid.
*We do not know what day she paid.
*We do not know who she paid.
And what is more serious: There is a LAR (Law on the Administration of the Country Aruba) ruling that has already been on the table for over a month regarding this matter. Despite Parliament requesting this document, it has not yet been received. The Minister had 6 weeks to act and report correctly. 6 weeks have passed, and nothing. This is not carelessness, but a deliberate denial of information to the people.
Why is this important? Because when you are a Minister, you do not just manage the people’s money, you manage the people’s trust. And you must comply with the rules of conduct and good governance. These are not an option, but an obligation.
The LAR (Ley di Administracion di Pais Aruba) is the government’s “house rule.” In the LAR and in the principles of good governance, it is clearly stated:
*Transparency – Inform on time. Do not wait for weeks on end.
*Integrity – Show proof when utilizing major benefits such as a private jet. Do not just say “I paid for it.”
*Accountability – When Parliament requests a document, the Minister must deliver it. Parliament controls the government, not the other way around.
When you have weeks to provide an explanation and choose to remain silent, you send the wrong message to the people: “I do what I want and I don’t have to account for it.”
Our demand is clear and urgent:
*The Minister must deliver the LAR ruling to Parliament today. No more excuses.
*Present complete proof: Invoice, amount, date, and who was paid for the use of the private jet.
*Explain to the people why it took months to provide clarity, and why the 6 weeks following the LAR ruling were not complied with.
*The Minister must comply with the law. Because good governance is not optional; it is an obligation.
Our families count every florin to pay for electricity, water, and food. The least we can ask of a leader is the same: comply with the law, deliver documents, and show respect to Parliament.
It is supposed to be that simple, but apparently it is very difficult for Minister Gerlien Croes to comply and close this chapter. The question the people must ask is simple: Why is it so difficult for the minister to answer with the truth?