A young Aruban. A law student. An unexpected voice. In a moment when most people might choose silence, Max NG chose to speak. The tragic case of Ayden CJ Lannoy opened a new wound in Aruba’s community. A 19 year old, unarmed, without drugs, without defense, lost his life at the hands of the authorities.
While many stood in shock, Max took action. His goal is simple: justice. In this article, we introduce you to 22 year old Max NG, the young man with an undeniable hunger for justice...
I was raised in different parts of Aruba: Village, Noord Cura Cabay, and Santa Cruz. I went to Colegio San Hose in Santa Cruz. One of my favorite childhood memories is when we won first place in the “Mente Inteligente” quiz for our school in 2015. My parents were always strict with me, but I no longer regret it. Now, as an adult, I understand the value of walking a straight path and getting up with discipline. Values like that don’t fade with time. Justice doesn't appear out of nowhere, it's a human sentiment. My view on justice was definitely influenced by my environment.
After finishing VWO in 2021, I decided to work. That year came with many financial and job-related challenges. My final job in a hotel was the last drop in the bucket. When they told me to “just shut up and do the job,” that same day, I applied to study law, so that one day I could take those who abused my rights to court. Ultimately, my ambition for justice was born from a deep love I discovered for the law.
My uncle, Mr. Augustin Vrolijk, who is the acting Governor, is a jurist and very well-versed in law. He always supported my decision to study law, as did my mother, who is a tax lawyer. I’ve always had support from my family. But my decision wasn’t influenced by them, it came purely from the challenges I faced in the labor market.
To me, justice is a human feeling. When injustice happens, you feel the urge to act. Some people ignore it, maybe out of fear. But eventually, there comes a point where you can’t look away. I was studying law, and I saw something clearly wrong unfolding. I could’ve chosen to stay silent or to stand on the side of injustice. But based on a moral and spiritual calling, I made the decision to act. It wasn’t planned, I just did it. It felt like destiny. Spiritually, I was moved and pushed to act. I didn’t overthink it. I just moved. Yes, during the process, I felt fear, but I chose to speak up anyway.
The morning I read the article about Ayden’s case, I was shocked. I felt angry and hungry for justice. It was February 9, 2025, the same day I decided to take action.
Ayden CJ Lannoy, a 19 year old, was shot 20 times on the morning of February 9, around 5:30 AM. According to public information, police were pursuing Ayden because one of his car lights was out, even though dispatch had already ordered them to stop the chase. The point is: Ayden was not a criminal. He had no drugs, no weapons. He was just a young man and a father, too. To me, it’s incredibly strange and carries a very dark tone.
I’m currently in my third year of a bachelor’s degree in Aruban Law (Arubaanse Recht).
Without my studies, I wouldn’t have the capacity I have now. Anyone can recognize injustice, but you need a legal mind to demonstrate based on the existing laws that something is truly unjust. Justice isn’t just an abstract word; it has a legal definition. The goal of the law is to deliver justice. Studying law is foundational it’s like a lens that allows you to analyze and understand a situation legally. With legal knowledge, you’re not just hungry for justice; you can turn that hunger into structural change.
My family and friends are proud of me, but they also understand that many people in the community are afraid. We’re going up against a massive system. Many are afraid to speak out, afraid of retaliation. Some told me I have talent, but that I’m risking too much. I get support, but also concern.
Overall, the response has been positive. Of course, there’s criticism and negativity, but that stems from hate and immaturity. This fight isn’t anti-police, it’s pro-justice. Even some police officers and members of the Public Prosecutor’s Office told me this benefits the community.
Yes, I’ve received threats. But if I talk about them openly, I give them more power. As long as I know I’m doing what’s right, I’ll continue this fight always with caution.
Interestingly, I don’t see myself as an activist. I’m just Max, a person who loves the law. If that helps others, I’m happy. But I’m not focused on titles. I’m happy if people find hope in what I do. But I remain Max.
Yes, I’ve had doubts. There have been moments when the fight felt too overwhelming. But I don’t let those feelings control me, I control them.
I feel their pain. But I can never carry it fully, because I didn’t lose a family member. All I can do is show compassion and give my voice. Their pain reminds me that many people will never get justice. I want to use my education and intellect for a noble cause.
Fear will always be there. But if one person stands up, others will follow. That’s how movements begin. If you want to change the system, you have to speak.
I remain Max. If I inspire someone, that’s great. My goal is simply to be a good example. I hope others break the limits this system places on us and achieve more than we think is possible.
I once envisioned myself becoming the Minister of Justice. But I know to bring change, you need a team. I’ll continue in activism, one way or another.
I want to make justice more accessible and bring structural reform to the institutions related to justice. That’s the positive impact I’m aiming for. I want to make that my work, where I can truly help people.
Fear will always be there, but it’s just a feeling. At the end of the day, you have to decide whether it controls you or you control it. Fear and doubt go hand in hand, but ultimately you need to look at the situation objectively while also holding onto determination and the hunger for justice. From there, you have to think about which approach will allow your fear and determination to work together.
“Justice is not a privilege, it is a human right.” It’s a universal right that everyone deserves access to. My role model is Jesus. His love and sacrifice inspire me to fight for justice for everyone, in every form.
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