Parliamentarian Rocco Tjon: On what basis does ATIA conclude that the Kingdom Act is beneficial for Aruba?

The recent statement by the Aruba Trade & Industry Association (ATIA), represented by Mr. Henriquez, in which the organization described the Consensus Kingdom Act HOFA as “positive for Aruba,” raises serious questions about the foundation and factual basis of this conclusion.

According to ATIA, the Consensus Kingdom Act would be a positive step for Aruba, in part because it would help the country better meet its financial obligations.
However, this is a purely subjective argument that contradicts objective information and analyses from several independent sources. Both the IMF report and the CAFT report clearly indicate that Aruba’s financial situation has improved significantly in recent years.
Moreover, projections presented by Minister Geoffrey Wever himself show that Aruba is expected to achieve budget surpluses up to 2030, and that national debt will fall below 50% by 2040, provided responsible financial management continues as it has in recent years.

What makes this situation even more puzzling is that Mr. Henriquez attended several presentations where independent professors and experts presented legal, economic, and financial analyses demonstrating the risks and disadvantages of the Kingdom Act HOFA for Aruba.
Additionally, thirteen (13) labor unions have issued a detailed and well-argued letter explaining why the Consensus Kingdom Act HOFA is not beneficial for the Aruban people. Nevertheless, ATIA takes a completely opposite stance.

The contrast between the unions’ approach and that of ATIA is striking.
While the unions supported their position with verifiable data, legal opinions, and academic input, ATIA’s position appears to be based more on speculation than on concrete evidence.
Differences of opinion are healthy, but making decisions based on nothing poses a risk to Aruba.

In light of this, several questions arise for ATIA:

1. Why does ATIA diverge from the position of the 13 unions, who—based on legal, economic, and financial reasoning—concluded that the Kingdom Act HOFA is not beneficial for Aruba?
2. On what advice, analysis, or independent report does ATIA base its position?
3. Can ATIA share the documents that support its claim that the Consensus Kingdom Act HOFA is positive for Aruba?

We call on Mr. Henriquez and ATIA to be transparent about the sources, analyses, and any advice they used to form their opinion.
In this crucial moment for Aruba’s autonomy, economy, and future, the Aruban people deserve clarity and honesty, not political or personal interpretations!
Press release: MEP