The MEP parliamentary faction formally demanded during a press conference that Minister Gerlien Croes provide a copy of the advice issued by the Landsverordening administratieve rechtspraak (LAR) commission regarding an official trip taken in a private jet.
Demand for Transparency On July 10, 2026, the LAR commission confirmed in writing that the advice in question had been sent to the minister. According to legal provisions, the Minister has a six-week period to reach a new decision based on this MEP request. The case concerns a petition to gain access to official documentation regarding a business trip that took place last year, on November 19, in a private jet. The MEP faction formally requested, among other things:
Proof of payment for the trip.
Detailed information regarding flight costs.
The aircraft’s commercial permit.
The official passenger list.
Any other relevant documentation related to this trip.
The MEP faction emphasizes that this information and these documents are crucial for Parliament to properly execute its constitutional duty of oversight.
To date, almost eight months after the trip, the requested documents have not been provided. Minister Gerlien Croes continues to insist that she does not need to provide an account because, according to her, she paid for the trip herself. The MEP faction disagrees with that position; when a minister travels in an official capacity, their actions must be transparent, controllable, and verifiable. This case, according to several legal opinions, provides substance for a serious evaluation regarding integrity and compliance with the law.
MEP considers that the LAR commission’s advice could contribute to bringing clarity and transparency, and therefore makes a public appeal to Minister Gerlien Croes to provide a copy of this document while she studies how to implement the advice. “There is no reason to keep the document hidden. Transparency should not begin only after a decision has been made. Transparency must begin now,” the MEP faction declared.
MEP emphasizes that this struggle is not to create a sensation, but to guarantee that the people of Aruba receive the information stipulated by law and that Parliament can effectively carry out its oversight task.
The MEP faction will continue to insist on only one thing: the truth, transparency, and accountability.
