In a recent parliamentary debate, MEP faction member Xiomara Maduro strongly questioned the stance of Minister Gerlien Croes regarding the private jet travel controversy. According to Maduro, the minister is trying to deflect attention by hiding behind international legislation, while the demand remains simple: total transparency via a receipt.
During her intervention, MP Maduro rejected the minister’s argument that local laws would not apply because the aircraft has a U.S. license. “The Minister forgets that the plane travels under a license, and that implies that what is done here is subject to local laws,” Maduro underlined, indicating that Minister Gerlien Croes is seeking increasingly complicated ways to avoid giving a concrete answer to the public.
Safeguarding the Democratic System Maduro emphasized that this questioning should not be seen as a personal attack, but as the fulfillment of the constitutional duties of Parliament. In our democratic system, a Minister has the obligation to answer questions from the people’s representatives to safeguard the integrity of the government. “The question at hand is: the receipt. Show us the receipt. That is what the Minister has to present, and then it’s all over,” the MP declared.
Lack of Respect and Integrity A point that drew significant attention in Maduro’s speech was Minister Gerlien Croes’ attitude in the Parliamentary hall. According to the MP, the Minister is “trivializing” the situation, acting in a way that could be considered a mockery of the gravity of the case.
Maduro reminded the minister that, as a Minister in charge of no fewer than five portfolios, she carries an enormous responsibility. “Great power comes with great responsibility. If you cannot show a receipt for something so small so that people can believe your word, what can we expect regarding the larger responsibilities?”
Integrity at Stake The central point of the criticism is the potential breach of integrity. Maduro reiterated that a Minister, under no circumstances, can accept a trip in a private jet as a “gift.” For that reason, the MEP faction continues to demand absolute clarity on who paid for that flight.
Lamenting the lack of transparency, Maduro concluded that the lack of information in accordance with the law obstructs the democratic process and harms the rights of the citizens of Aruba to be properly informed about the actions of their rulers.