During the celebration of several public holidays of great historical and cultural importance for Aruba, including Betico Croes Day, Henny Eman Day, and Watty Vos Day, the Prime Minister of Aruba and Minister of Culture, Mike Eman, was not present to deliver an official speech.
The absence of the Prime Minister during these commemorations has raised questions within the community, considering that he is a leader with deep knowledge of Aruba’s history and that his own family is directly connected to the country’s historical struggle.
At the same time, Minister Gerlien Croes—who normally would act as Vice Prime Minister of Aruba when the Prime Minister is not in Aruba—was in Aruba in this case, yet still chose to present herself as Vice Prime Minister of Aruba. She was the one who delivered the speech on Betico Croes Day, celebrated on January 25.
This caused reactions in various sectors of society, because Minister Croes is not the Minister of Culture, and her political stance of being against Status Aparte and in favor of the HOFA Kingdom Act was not appreciated regarding her presence at Betico Croes Plaza.
Critics indicate that this creates a contrast of values, considering that Betico Croes symbolizes the struggle for autonomy and national identity of Aruba, while Minister Gerlien Croes represents the opposite: wanting to end the Status Aparte struggle, supporting the HOFA Kingdom Act, and placing Aruba under the Netherlands. Is hypocrisy being played out at Liberator Betico Croes Plaza? The message shared on such a significant date should align with the historical legacy being celebrated.
Despite the controversy, many people are closely watching the speech that Minister Gerlien Croes delivered during the official celebration of Betico Croes Day on January 25, a day that holds a central place in the history and identity of the Aruban people