Minister Geoffrey Wever is showing his true face and his arrogance; he does not speak of HOFA, but continues with his agenda regarding the kingdom law HOFA. In a statement, the minister declared that he met with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) to strengthen the investment climate and accelerate economic reform. On Thursday morning, the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector, Geoffrey Wever, met with representatives of the Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KvK) to exchange thoughts on a series of strategic priorities that contribute to a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient economy.
During the meeting, the Government and the private sector reaffirmed the importance of continuous dialogue to drive reforms that strengthen economic confidence and create a better environment for investment and business development, according to the minister.
One of the main topics was the next steps in the implementation of the Landsverordening Waarborging Houdbare Overheidsfinanciën (HOFA). Minister Wever explained that financial discipline, alleged transparency, and responsible budgetary management are essential to guarantee long-term economic stability and to strengthen the confidence of investors, entrepreneurs, and financial institutions in Aruba.
The minister does not take into account the people who gave him the right to sit in the seat he occupies today and continues with his plan of surrender, doing as he pleases without considering the true desire of the people of Aruba.
In the context of the revitalization of urban centers, Minister Wever provided an update on the supposed progress the Government is making to stimulate investment in Oranjestad and San Nicolas in exchange for the surrender of Aruba’s foundations and the autonomy of the Country of Aruba through the HOFA law.
The meeting also addressed the positive effect that tax incentives can have on private investment and economic activity. The Government continues to create the conditions for local commerce, entrepreneurs, and investors to have more opportunities to invest, grow, and contribute to the sustainable development of Aruba in exchange for their own freedom. Beyond everything, when this law passes, merchants are aware that once HOFA passes and the larger Dutch companies from the Netherlands start coming to Aruba, will they continue to exist in Aruba?
On the topic of regulating vacation rentals, such as Airbnb and other similar platforms, Minister Wever shared the progress the Government is making to implement a modern regulatory framework that guarantees fair competition, consumer protection, a balanced tax system, and a sustainable tourism sector.
The integral management seeks to strike a balance between stimulating investment and supposedly protecting community interests. During the meeting, they also exchanged thoughts on the importance of reducing the informal economy and strengthening compliance with current rules. The KvK presented its initiative to develop an awareness campaign regarding the informal economy, while they also spoke about progress related to the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO), simplification of administrative processes, and the next steps to modernize the business permit system.
Minister Wever reaffirmed that the Government is committed to continuing to reduce bureaucracy, increase efficiency in public service, and create a commercial environment that gives entrepreneurs more certainty and fewer administrative obstacles.
“A strong economy is not built only with good financial figures, but with trust, collaboration, and a shared vision,” which practically does not exist in the AVP-FUTURO government for the general public. According to Minister Geoffrey Wever, the Government continues to work together with the private sector to implement reforms to strengthen our investment climate, create economic opportunities, and prepare Aruba for the challenges of tomorrow.
According to the minister, only together can we continue to build a modern, resilient, and lasting economy for everyone under the view of Minister Geoffrey Wever, who is practically pushing an economy that, if we stop and think for a moment, can Aruba carry this if nothing in the government apparatus is running properly? Or does commerce want to sit in the politician’s chair?