Parliamentarian Jennifer Arends-Reyes considers the National Ordinance on the General Investment and Development Fund (Landsverordening Algemeen Investerings- en Ontwikkelingsfonds – AIOF) an important instrument to allow Aruba to plan and finance strategic investments over a multi-year period. According to Arends-Reyes, the draft law provides the opportunity to create more continuity in projects that are essential for Aruba.
During the parliamentary debate, Arends-Reyes pointed out that there are currently approximately 43 million florins allocated for investment—money that can be used to move important projects forward for the direct benefit of the community. A country must be able to support its human capital while simultaneously investing in various projects that also benefit the public.
“Too many times we have seen necessary projects get delayed, halted during execution, or lose continuity. This not only causes frustration within the community, but also leads to the deterioration of infrastructure and the destruction of public capital. Aruba cannot afford to keep wasting time or development opportunities,” Arends-Reyes expressed.
According to the parliamentarian, the main difference with the AIOF is that the money destined for investment will be separated from regular government expenditures. The fund will function based on a multi-annual investment agenda, ensuring that projects do not automatically grind to a halt when a budgetary year ends.
Arends-Reyes explained that the fund can contribute to the continuity of investments in infrastructure, sustainability, innovation, digitalization, economic strengthening, and the modernization of public services.
“Aruba needs to break away from the cycle where projects are announced but later remain on paper or are stopped midway through execution. With the AIOF, we have the opportunity to work with technical preparation, serious planning, and continuity,” she declared.
At the same time, Arends-Reyes emphasized that Parliament will fully retain its budgetary right. The investment agenda and each specific project must be presented and approved through a separate AIOF budget that must pass through Parliament.
Furthermore, the Minister of Finance will be required to present a detailed report every six months regarding the fund’s income and expenses. The Government has also confirmed that a public digital platform will be established where citizens can track the projects, budgets, and expenses related to the AIOF.
As a result of an amendment (nota van wijziging) presented during the handling of the law, it will also be possible for funds coming from the Netherlands and from projects financed by the European Union to be incorporated into the AIOF, thereby expanding the possibilities for investment.
Arends-Reyes highlighted that before any funds are released, the government must present a concrete list of projects, including information regarding costs, start and end dates, the entity responsible for execution, and the results that the community can expect.
“We support investment, but every florin must produce results. The fund must be transparent, controlled, and focused on projects that are ready to start and that contribute to the quality of life, employment, and economic growth,” Arends-Reyes declared.
According to the parliamentarian, the true success of the AIOF is not measured simply by how much money is deposited into the fund, but by the ability to deliver concrete projects that finish on time, within budget, and with a direct benefit for the people of Aruba.
“The people want to see better roads, more economic opportunities, modern public services, and investments that make a real difference in their daily lives. This is the goal we must keep in front of us,” Arends-Reyes concluded.