While heated political debates unfold in Parliament, a painful reality continues to go unnoticed: the human crisis our elderly face in the final stage of their lives.
Otmar Oduber, leader of the Patriotico Arubano Party (PPA), delivered strong criticism:
“We speak about our own elders — those who worked, paid taxes, and built this nation — yet today they suffer in silence, abandoned by both their families and their government.”
In Parliament, the Committee on Elderly Affairs was chaired by the PPA, but without any clear justification, that role was taken away. According to Oduber, this was no coincidence but a political act of retaliation, precisely because the PPA was the only party consistently and seriously addressing the plight of Aruba’s seniors.
“They didn’t like our strong words, because we were speaking a truth many prefer to hide,” said Oduber.
A Deficit of Humanity
According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) and the Central Bank of Aruba, the country currently faces a deficit of more than 104 million florins in the national budget for supporting pensioners — a figure projected to triple to 300 million within 20 years.
Behind these numbers lies a harsh human reality:
* One in four pensioners does not eat three meals a day.
* Very few receive proper medical care.
* The majority live in extreme poverty, without infrastructure or long-term support.
Oduber insists this is not merely a budgetary issue, but a moral and human one.
“We have laws, a legal foundation, and funding — what we lack is political will.”
The Solution Is Possible — With Heart and Courage
Oduber presented a concrete proposal: the AZV currently holds a surplus of over 100 million florins, which could be used to support elderly welfare.
“A national decree could be signed this very evening, allowing AZV to begin covering part of the welfare needs of our elderly. The law exists. The means exist. What’s missing is the will and direction.”
According to Oduber, this was precisely the course the PPA was advocating in Parliament. Unfortunately, other factions chose to boycott the initiative and instead removed the PPA from the commission chairmanship.
“Taking away the chairmanship doesn’t change the truth. The PPA will continue fighting for the generation that gave our country its foundation.”
Promises Don’t Buy Food or Care
Oduber recalled that during the election campaign, the current government promised that within 100 days, pensions would increase by 700 florins.
“Now, almost a year later, we’ve only seen an increase of 250 florins, while the cost of living has risen outrageously. That’s not a gift — it’s an insult to human dignity.”
The PPA is calling for a comprehensive welfare plan for the elderly — one that goes beyond pensions and also addresses healthcare, housing, care, and family support.
“Our elders are our living history.”
In an emotional yet resolute tone, Oduber closed his statement with a national appeal:
“A nation that does not care for its elders loses its soul. Our elders are our living history, our roots, our identity. If Aruba wants to be a nation of dignity, it must begin by treating its seniors as human beings — not as statistics.”
Oduber reaffirmed that the PPA will continue to raise its voice for every pensioner who cannot afford to eat, feels abandoned, and deserves a life of dignity.
Press release: Partido Patriotico Arubano (PPA)