In the final section of the statement by the president of United Merchants Aruba (CUA), Frans Ponson, emphasis was placed on the deep frustration resulting from the lack of enforcement (handhaving) across all sectors of our community. From the informal market and Airbnb-style vacation rentals to basic traffic rules and animal welfare laws, authority inaction punishes citizens and business owners who do comply with the law. This situation risks giving Aruba a bad reputation, as it appears to support wrongdoing rather than upholding what is right.
Legal merchants are paying for those who do not comply
One of the clearest examples of this lack of oversight involves mandatory employee pension payments. While a legal merchant makes the effort to deduct and remit pension contributions for their workforce, many informal operators never pay it and face no sanctions whatsoever. How can this be?
The president of CUA strongly questioned how it is possible, on a small island where everyone knows who the illegal businesses are—whether on the street, online, or in the informal accommodation sector—for authorities to demand “official reports and proof” when the reality is out in the open for everyone to see. “It is not a secret, it is not hidden, we all know about it and nothing is done. Does this mean that the AVP-FUTURO Government or relevant agencies are okay with illegality in Aruba? Is it a corrupt system?”
New laws for political image rather than law enforcement
The mindset of politicians who prefer introducing new laws merely to “beat their chests” and gather votes—instead of enforcing and refining existing regulations—is deeply regrettable. In Aruba, it is clear that work is not being done to improve the island, but rather cosmetic fixes are used to make it appear as though something was accomplished, without bringing any tangible benefits.
Examples of lack of enforcement:
Dog Law (Ley di Cacho) and disabled parking:
Cases were cited where action is rarely taken in Aruba, yet the very same citizens immediately respect the rules when traveling abroad (such as at Walmart in the U.S.). “Have we created an Aruba of spoiled and disorderly people?”
Lack of simple tech solutions:
Inefficiency in infrastructure and security was highlighted, questioning why the Police Force (Korps Politie) cannot use simple technology like sensors to monitor routes or administrative processes, avoiding a reactive approach that only responds when there is a protest or a road closure. “Do our institutions and government lack vision?”
Direct message to political leaders
The call is for the media and the public to take action and demand direct answers from Ministers. If everyone paid their taxes properly, the tax burden on all merchants would decrease, creating a healthier economic environment.
“We want to draft new laws, but we need to enforce the laws we already have—laws dating back to the 1940s that still do not function properly because there is no enforcement. Pass no new laws; instead, go out and enforce what exists, and we will have a better Aruba,” stated CUA.