During a public meeting, Parliamentarian Xiomara Maduro posed a series of questions to the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Arthur Dowers, regarding the absence of a concrete plan for Aruba to take advantage of the economic opportunities emerging after the recent changes in Venezuela. This line of questioning follows up on the motion approved in Parliament on February 26, 2026, in which 20 parliamentarians voted for the Government to present, within a period of four weeks, a concrete plan detailing how Aruba could benefit from the new regional landscape.
Government sending contradictory signals
According to Maduro, the Government is sending mixed signals. Within the AVP party, there are parliamentarians who are positive about the future of the refinery, while within the FUTURO party there are parliamentarians who are opposed to the refinery. This lack of clarity is creating uncertainty about whether Aruba is truly “open for business” or not. The parliamentarian emphasized that Aruba must send one strong and consistent message to the international market.
Real opportunities for diversification
As early as 2019, Aruba identified six key sectors to diversify its economy, including logistics. Now, with the situation in Venezuela having changed and oil exports becoming more active again, experts indicate that the region is experiencing an increase in logistics activity and crude oil transportation. Additionally, Aruba has previously been used as a strategic point for transporting Venezuelan crude oil to the United States. Maduro explained that although Aruba is small, it has the potential to become a strategic hub, given its unique advantages such as:
- Geographic proximity to Venezuela
- Political stability
- Safety and security
- Strong air and financial connectivity
These factors could position Aruba as a “trusted hub” in the region.
Role of the refinery and tank farm
An important point of concern is the Government’s decision to dismantle the refinery while there is no clarity on whether a serious study has been conducted on alternative opportunities. Maduro raised the following questions:
- What opportunities exist for Aruba to use its tank farm to store and manage Venezuelan crude oil?
- Is there a plan to transform Aruba into a transshipment or storage center?
- What opportunities exist to develop a full maritime services sector, including crew changes, catering, technical services, security, and legal services?
Role of the Netherlands and lack of research
The parliamentarian also questioned the role of the Netherlands after it was suggested that the Netherlands could assist with dismantling the refinery. According to Maduro:
- How can there be support for dismantling without an investigation into economic opportunities?
- Why is Dutch expertise not being used to identify business opportunities for Aruba?
- Is Aruba being left out of the economic value chain?
Historical and cultural value of the refinery
In addition, Maduro emphasized that the refinery holds deep historical and cultural value for Aruba. For more than 60 years, the refinery has been an essential part of the life, work, and development of the Aruban people. For this reason, the parliamentarian asked whether, in the case of dismantling, the Government will consider:
- Preserving certain parts of the refinery
- Protecting elements with historical value
- Creating a space, monument, or permanent memorial to keep the history alive
“The refinery is not only an industrial facility, but a symbol of our history and progress,” Maduro stated.
Need for clear direction
Maduro concluded that Aruba has the potential to generate independent economic revenue without needing to depend on the Netherlands or rely on mechanisms such as the Rijkswet HOFA for financing. However, to achieve this, strong leadership and clear direction are required.
“We cannot continue without movement. The country needs a concrete plan, a clear vision, and one single message: Aruba is ‘open for business’ or not,” Parliamentarian Maduro declared.