Oranjestad, Aruba:--- Social unrest in Aruba is growing. A group of concerned Dutch and Aruban citizens has drafted a letter to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander. The letter is a clear cry for help, addressing the increasing corruption, cronyism, and the structurally paralyzed Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) on the island.
Corruption and Political Decay
Since Aruba gained its Status Aparte in 1986, seven politicians have been convicted of corruption, including five former ministers and a vice-chair of Parliament. Even today, "three politicians are officially suspects, two of whom are active members of Parliament." Among them is Otmar Oduber, who was recently convicted of fraud, and Mike de Meza, who is formally under investigation. Another active Parliament member, Stephanie Zievinger, continues to serve despite her father, Benny Zievinger, having been convicted of corruption in the past.
The letter highlights the dire state of the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM), which is entirely dependent on Aruba’s Parliament for funding. "The OM is fully dependent on the Parliament of Aruba for its financing – and it is precisely there that politicians under investigation or already convicted are seated." This dependency has left the OM "structurally paralyzed," unable to operate independently or effectively.
A Political Den of Thieves
The letter describes the current political climate as a "political den of thieves" where cronyism and corruption thrive unchecked. It points out that Parliament members like Otmar Oduber and Mike de Meza have a vested interest in limiting the OM’s resources. "Otmar Oduber will never support the OM with sufficient resources because the OM has appealed his criminal case, and Mike de Meza because he is currently a suspect himself." Additionally, Stephanie Zievinger has publicly expressed distrust in the OM due to how her father was treated by the justice system.
A Call for Help
The draft letter appeals to King Willem-Alexander and the Dutch government for immediate intervention. Beyond financial aid, the citizens are calling for the deployment of additional judges and prosecutors from the Netherlands. "Without independent judiciary support, Aruba risks definitively collapsing under the weight of its political den of thieves," the letter states.
The situation has left the Aruban population feeling increasingly hopeless. "The people are becoming numb. They are losing faith in justice. Young people want to emigrate because they see no hope for their island. Others are afraid to speak out for fear of retaliation."
A Last Resort
The authors of the letter stress that Aruba’s only hope lies in direct support from the Netherlands. They urge the King to bring this crisis to the attention of the Dutch government and the Governor of Aruba. "Our only hope is a genuine lifeline from the Netherlands. Not just money, but above all more Dutch judges, prosecutors, and assistant prosecutors who, together with the Aruban judiciary and OM, can ensure independent justice and protection for citizens."
The draft letter has been made public for feedback and discussion. It represents a final attempt by concerned citizens to draw attention to the grave situation Aruba is facing.
