What makes Wendrick the right person for politics?

We live in an era where values combined with skills are essential. I believe in "Politics based on Values." Competence is key. We need the capacity in politics to elevate discussions on how to raise our country. I am determined to dedicate myself exclusively to political discourse that benefits Aruba. As a person, to remain focused, one must be inspired by strong values. My sources of inspiration are humility, gratitude, and justice.  
Humility keeps me grounded in reality and connected to the community.
Gratitude fosters a sense of responsibility toward the community.
Justice enables me to distinguish between right and wrong and intentionally choose what is right and beneficial for our community.  
Aruba also needs an innovative and modern mindset to confront the challenges facing our country.

How do you stay ‘Updated’?

A key principle for the AVP Party and Aruba is from Dr. Mr. Mito Croes, who always said, "Don’t aspire to a position, but rather aspire to the knowledge to carry out the position." I identify with this philosophy, believing that one must continuously grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. I stay focused and prepared; I recently completed my Master of Laws (LL.M) at the University of Aruba, and I intend to keep growing academically. I believe in "lifelong learning" and that all areas of one’s life should be balanced to best serve one’s country. I seek spiritual growth in my faith, which provides peace and tranquility.

Most urgent challenges?

• Improving our community’s spending power

More than 50% of our community struggles financially. Our seniors' pensions are insufficient to guarantee a comfortable life. The middle class in Aruba is merely surviving, and those with marginal income live in dire poverty. Substantial pension increases are necessary, as well as activating the "Reparatietoeslag" for the middle class to create some financial relief. Introducing a system of allowances (housing and childcare) for those with low wages is a priority for us. No one should have to work multiple jobs just to survive! Politics must intervene to improve the quality of life for our citizens.

• Ensuring Investment for Aruba (Investment Fund for Aruba)

Aruba needs investments in energy transition (renewable energy), education, public works, waste management, water treatment facilities, economic diversification, infrastructure, and support for vulnerable groups (nature, animals, children with special needs, and the elderly). To secure these investments, we need to reach an agreement with the Netherlands to transform the 900 million debt from the pandemic into a 900 million investment fund for Aruba’s structural development.

• Dialogue as a starting point for economic management and diversification to reduce dependency on tourism 

Dialogue is essential to bring about significant change for Aruba. Based on a "tripartite plus" approach, we must prepare to manage the arrival of 1,000 new hotel rooms and halt further hotel construction. We need to continue developing a knowledge-based economy and open the way for a clean industrial economy in renewable energy, creative industries, and technology/innovation.

Crucial areas to address?

Our tourism sector accounts for 87% of our GDP, which creates an over-reliance on tourism. We must reinforce and invest in "high value, low impact" tourism to attract quality tourism without focusing on high volume, which puts pressure on our country. COVID taught us that we must diversify our economy with other economic activities. Our plan is to invest in our country to create new opportunities and continue building a knowledge-based economy, technology, entrepreneurship, and creativity. In addition to stimulating economic activity, we must invest in increasing our people’s purchasing power, as this drives our economy.

What makes an honest politician?

Politics based on values" is the antidote to corruption. Politics must be conducted based on principles. The community must choose both competence and values. Additionally, we must ensure a transparent government. Thorbeck, the codifier of the Dutch Constitution, said, "Transparency is light, secrecy is darkness." Government actions and decisions must be transparent and accessible for parliamentary and ombudsman oversight.

How do you maintain your integrity in politics?

I stay true to my principles. I believe in emotional growth, which strengthens maturity. I believe in spiritual growth for moral guidance and intellectual capacity to discern right from wrong and intentionally choose what is right.

Ideal duration for a political career?

Every politician should evaluate their intentions and motivation for participating in politics. A political career should last as long as the politician’s heart is in the right place, and they genuinely put the community first.

Vision for the next 4 years?

Inspire the people of Aruba through fundamental change. We can have big ambitions for our country. Invest in the 10 points the AVP has presented, covering the economy, quality of life, healthcare, innovation, and sustainable development.

How do you plan to achieve the change you seek?

A politics based on dialogue to create a new reality for our country. The country’s financial resources must be invested in improving the quality of life for all generations. The priority is ensuring that the country’s economic gains and prosperity create opportunities that reach every home and every neighborhood. The budget surplus, Aruba’s economic fruits, and the investment fund are guarantees for a better quality of life.

"Politics is a calling, a life purpose. I am committed in my heart to offer my community my talent and knowledge. I believe in 'competence and values'-based politics. I am convinced that Aruba needs leaders with capacity and principles who are willing to break tradition and open doors to innovation."