The symbol at the Administrative Office has become the center of political and national criticism, according to Parliamentarian Edgar Vrolijk. The act is seen as a disrespect to Aruba’s history and symbols, recalling past betrayals by the AVP and Juan Irausquin departure to defend Aruba in its fight for status aparte.
First January 2026 marked a historic day and year for Aruba, celebrating its achievement of status aparte, a unique moment that must be recognized and valued. According to Vrolijk, without status aparte, Aruba would not have achieved the autonomy and decision-making powers it now holds for its own development.
Vrolijk noted that the Aruba government began celebrating this achievement, but unfortunately, according to him, the current political generation in the FUTURO party “does not know the history or the real meaning of Aruba’s coat of arms.” He described the act of placing a symbol at the Administrative Office as “a national and political disgrace,” a symbol that does not represent the true values and identity of Aruba like the flag and anthem.
Parliamentarian Vrolijk added that the current symbol is a 70-year-old version, recalling a difficult period for Aruba. He mentioned Juan Irausquin departure from the AVP in 1975, a step he took to defend Aruba and its people against decisions that, according to Vrolijk, compromised Aruba autonomy, including the 12-8 division that the AVP carried out in the past between Aruba and Curaçao.
Vrolijk emphasized that in 1949 Aruba achieved a significant change thanks to the efforts of its people and leaders defending its autonomy. “Juan Irausquin defended Aruba and its people, and his struggle contributed to Aruba achieving a unique status aparte in 1986 within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, an achievement no other Caribbean island has accomplished,” he recalled.
According to Vrolijk, the current symbol at the Administrative Office does not reflect the values of status aparte, but rather serves as a reminder of historical betrayal and manipulation by the AVP, which delivered Aruba during the 12-8 division.
He also criticized the AVP-FUTURO government for its lack of respect for national emblems, noting that they have changed the color of the symbol depending on the ruling party, departing from the original color approved in 1955.
“This act demonstrates a lack of respect and historical awareness in current political thinking,” Vrolijk concluded. He emphasized that Aruba must continue to value its history and national symbols, including the Flag, Anthem, and Coat of Arms in their original colors, as pillars of identity and pride for the Aruban people.