Kico ta haci abo e persona corecto pa politica?

Mi tin preparacion/formacion academico y experiencia di trabou. Mi ta un persona pragmatico cu ta buska solucion, hopi determina, y amplio experiencia cu negociacion. Semper mi ta keda mi mes y no ta wordo influencia dor di otro, pero si mi ta open pa scucha conseho.

How do you stay ‘updated’?

I maintain close contact with businesses and other stakeholders in our community. When making decisions or when I need input for solving certain issues, I invite the stakeholders to the table to reach a solution together or to provide me with the necessary information to make a responsible decision that has broad support.

What are the most urgent challenges?

The need for affordable housing for all citizens, improving the purchasing power of every citizen, and completing the refinancing of our national debt so the government has more room to invest in the people of Aruba.

What is a crucial area to act on?

Aruba needs a sustainable tourism model that benefits all citizens, in balance with nature, ensuring that the revenues from tourism benefit everyone through a fairer distribution of Aruba’s wealth.

What makes an honest politician?

First and foremost, they always act in accordance with the law, and provide full transparency to Parliament about everything they do. Parliament is the institution that oversees the government, and as a minister, I always made sure to share all information without them having to ask. Whenever I made decisions or went on a work trip, I provided full accountability, including the cost of travel and the added value of the trip.

How do you maintain your honesty in politics?

I will always make my decisions public, inform Parliament with the relevant documentation, and remain transparent with the Parliament of Aruba. This is how a minister can be held accountable. I will fulfill my duties in accordance with Aruba’s laws at all times.

What’s the ideal term for a political career?

In my view, there is no limit to this; it depends on the support of the voters. The voters will indicate whether a politician should continue working for the people.

Vision for the next 4 years?

My ambition is to continue stimulating the commercial agriculture sector, invest in the revitalization of Oranjestad, focus on the development of San Nicolas, and dismantle the refinery to develop the land for commercial purposes and housing. I also aim to secure refinancing with the Netherlands to create financial space for investing in citizens and our country, achieve a fair and comprehensive fiscal reform for all citizens and businesses, and increase purchasing power.

How do you plan to achieve the changes you seek?

The future will include all our goals within the governance agreement, and the agreement will be prepared in the form of a contract where all our goals are clearly described, specifying which minister will be responsible for each goal, how much money will be allocated from the budget, and the timeframe within which these goals must be achieved.

“My work as a lawyer, tax advisor for 15 years, and university lecturer has provided excellent preparation to make decisions at the government level. In the last 3 years, I gained a lot of experience and did significant preparatory work, so in a new government, I would be able to “hit the ground running.” I am very enthusiastic and passionate about working for Aruba.

I have no personal interest in holding a position like a minister or parliamentarian because, as a private-sector lawyer, I already had good opportunities and a stable career. But I want to work for Aruba and for all its people, not just for myself. I strive to remain grounded in my ministerial role, driving my own car, traveling economy class, and keeping a small team in my office to send a clear signal that I am not in politics for personal gain, but to work for Aruba.

I’ve always stayed respectful toward my political opponents and have never attacked them. I will give 200% over the next 4 years to help move every citizen and Aruba forward, and I am determined to continue working!”