Red Democratico (ReD) is questioning the recent discourse surrounding the circular economy and the way the topic is being presented as if it were a new initiative under the current government. According to ReD, the reality is that the official policy of Circular Economy has been a fact for several years and was formally handed over in the transfer document (overdrachtsdocument) from the former Minister of Sustainable Development, Lampe, to the current Minister of Economy, Geoffrey Wever.
ReD highlights that the Circular Economy policy was part of a broader vision to transform Aruba’s economic model, with an emphasis on waste reduction, reuse of raw materials, recycling, and a more sustainable use of resources. The policy was also connected to the decision of the government at that time to eliminate the use of plastic supermarket bags as a measure to reduce waste and protect the environment.
According to ReD, the important point is that the foundation of the policy was already laid and documented. Therefore, the party questions whether the current government is truly introducing something new, or if it is simply presenting as its own initiative something that was already developed, formalized, and delivered by a previous government.
There is no need to reinvent the wheel! ReD states that a policy of such importance is not something that needs to be reinvented every time there is a change of government. Rather, the party maintains that the current government should evaluate the work already done, continue with the good initiatives, and, where necessary, improve and expand upon the existing policy.
“Circular economy was not born today. The official policy already existed and was included in the transfer document of former Minister Lampe. The decision to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of plastic bags and the vision for a more sustainable economy were part of the same direction. Therefore, it is not correct to present the topic as if circular economy is a new concept being introduced only now,” according to ReD.
The party recalls that following the government period during which the policy was developed and delivered, the subsequent government did not continue with the plan in the same manner. According to ReD, the current government has also failed to give sufficient continuity to the original vision.
Policy continuity is essential for a sustainable Aruba ReD emphasizes that the circular economy is not merely a modern concept or a political term. It is a development model that demands long-term planning, investment, education, legislation, and cooperation between the government, the private sector, commerce, and the community.
A real transition to a circular economy implies, among other things, reducing the amount of waste Aruba produces, promoting reuse and recycling, reducing dependence on single-use imported products, and finding ways to keep raw materials in the economic cycle for a longer period.
According to ReD, this type of policy is too important to be treated as an initiative of a single government or political party. It must be treated as a national commitment and a long-term policy.
Therefore, the party asks the current government to be transparent about the policy that already existed, the contents of the transfer document, and the measures taken in the past. ReD considers it important for the people of Aruba to clearly distinguish between what is truly new and what was already developed during a previous period.
ReD calls for clarity and action ReD states that the party is in favor of continuing to promote a more sustainable economy and finding solutions to Aruba’s waste and pollution problems. However, the party believes that public debate must be based on facts and institutional continuity.
“If the current government is truly serious about the circular economy, the first step must be to recognize and build upon the policy that already existed. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. The wheel was already invented, the policy was already proclaimed, and the transfer document was already delivered. What Aruba needs now is continuity, implementation, and results,” ReD declares.
ReD concludes that the transition to a circular economy must be accelerated, but the process must be conducted with transparency and respect for the work already done. For ReD, the priority is not who claims credit for the policy, but that Aruba can finally see concrete results from a sustainability policy that benefits the current generation and generations to come.