Call for greater focus on 40 years of Aruba’s Status Aparte
During her speech in Parliament, Parliamentarian Xiomara Maduro issued a strong appeal to honor, reflect on, and preserve Aruba’s Status Aparte as the country marks 40 years of nationhood. According to Maduro, this is not merely a symbolic anniversary, but a crucial moment to review the development of our country and to reaffirm the struggle for autonomy that laid the foundation for the Aruba we all know today.
Council of Advice: “An institution that has grown alongside our democracy”
Parliamentarian Xiomara Maduro expressed her gratitude to the Council of Advice, which will highlight the 40th anniversary of Aruba’s Status Aparte during its Masterclass. The Council of Advice is also celebrating its 40-year existence, and just as Aruba’s democracy has matured, this advisory body has also developed and professionalized.
“It is important that this growth is presented to the people so that everyone can understand how this institution has evolved alongside our democracy,” Maduro stated.
A call to all High Councils of State
In her speech, Maduro asked that the celebration of 40 years of Status Aparte not be limited to only a few institutions, but that all High Councils of State—such as the Court of Audit and Parliament—take an active role in informing the public.
“Status Aparte was a historic struggle for self-determination. It is essential that our people, especially our youth, understand the value of this struggle and how it shaped our nation, our economy, and our identity,” Maduro added.
Strong reaction to Prime Minister Eman’s remarks
Parliamentarian Maduro also voiced concern over Prime Minister Eman’s comment about the ‘Law of the Strongest’, which she says sends a dangerous signal regarding the defense of Aruba’s autonomy.
“Does Eman mean that he has no intention of defending Aruba’s autonomy? That he will allow others to walk over us? Without the struggle for Status Aparte, Aruba would not have a Prime Minister today, nor High Councils of State. Freedom is not something you negotiate—freedom is something you demand,” Maduro declared, insisting that Prime Minister Eman must stand firmly for Aruba’s autonomy, even if it means opposing his own coalition partners.
We became a country in 1986. Today we must tell the story that brought us here
Maduro ended her speech with a call for collective reflection:
“We must reflect on what we have built in 40 years of Status Aparte. What keeps us united, and what gives us that sense of belonging to Aruba?”
Press release: MEP