With deep respect and gratitude, it is announced today that Mrs. Jeanette R. (Jane) Semeleer will retire after many years of service as President of the Central Bank of Aruba (CBA). Minister Geoffrey Wever acknowledges the fundamental contributions Mrs. Semeleer has made to the financial stability and integrity of Aruba’s financial sector and banking system.
Jeanette R. (Jane) Semeleer, who graduated in Economics from the University of Toledo (USA), began her public service career as a management advisor at the Department of Economic Affairs, and later at External Relations.
In 1990, Mrs. Semeleer joined the CBA, initially serving as Adjunct Head of the Research Department. She later became Manager of the department, and in 2000 she was appointed Executive Director of the CBA.
In 2008, Mrs. Semeleer was appointed President of the CBA, becoming the 8th President and the first woman to hold this position at the Central Bank of Aruba.
Under her leadership, Mrs. Semeleer achieved several significant milestones for Aruba:
• Oversight and implementation of a complete redesign of the Aruban florin banknotes — a seven-year process that resulted in a new series of banknotes (introduced in 2019) illustrating Aruba’s native flora and fauna.
• The new series not only reflects Aruba’s natural and cultural identity but also received international recognition: the 100-florin note was awarded “Banknote of the Year 2019” by the International Bank Note Society (IBNS).
As President, Mrs. Semeleer emphasized — and guided — the importance of financial stability, banking system integrity, and responsible economic and monetary policy, including within a regional context marked by environmental and climate-related challenges.
During her presidency, Mrs. Semeleer guided the Central Bank of Aruba through successive international crises, including the 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, safeguarding Aruba’s financial stability.
Under her leadership, the institutional independence, credibility, and governance of the Central Bank of Aruba were actively strengthened and protected.
Her leadership also contributed to promoting inclusion and gender balance within the financial sector; the CBA stands among the institutions with prominent female representation in global leadership roles.
Press Release minister Geoffrey Wever