According to Eduard Pieters, member of Parliament for the PPA faction, the re-inauguration of the Monument to Lost Fishermen is a gesture that touches the soul of our people. There are moments in public life when politics takes a back seat and humanity comes to the forefront. The re-inauguration of the Monument to Lost Fishermen at the beach was one of these moments. Parliamentarian Eduard Pieters of the PPA faction sincerely applauds the Aruba Government’s gesture of also inviting Parliament to the ceremony, as it represents a profound act of respect for families who have paid the highest price: the loss of a loved one.
An initiative with deep history and meaning
“In 2013, this monument was created through funding from TPEF and ATA, during the leadership of former Minister Otmar Oduber. Its purpose was clear and noble: to honor the fishermen who would rise before dawn to go out to sea for their daily bread, but who sadly never returned home. This initiative continues to be a symbol of memory, dignity, and recognition for the men who gave their lives to the sea,” Eduard expressed.
The PPA faction also expressed appreciation to Minister Wendrick Cicilia, who during the re-inauguration formally recognized Mr. Otmar Oduber with a plaque, reaffirming that Aruba does not forget those who planted the seed of respect and memory.
An evening full of emotion
The re-inauguration was an evening of mixed emotions. The families present—some still holding hope, others in deep silence—represented a collective grief without an expiration date. Eduard noted that in conversations with some guests, it became very clear that for many families, the early morning is still the hardest time: the silence instead of news, the hope suspended between sea and sky.
According to Eduard: “Many shared their grief, the emptiness that cannot be filled, and the silent ritual of returning to the monument to find refuge, comfort, and a moment of peace. The monument becomes not only a physical point, but a spiritual space for mourning, memory, and strength.”
Finally, Parliamentarian Eduard Pieters emphasized that this monument is not only made of stone and bronze, but of history, respect, hope, and humanity