AGP Executive Report

Kingdom & Justice: Dutch State Secretary Eric van der Burg visited Aruba’s Court House and met the new President of the Joint Court of Justice, Sigmar Carmelia, as part of a wider Aruba-Bonaire-Curaçao working trip. Regional Economy: Aruba edged Curaçao in a new Caribbean economic resilience index, scoring 13.84 (5th) versus Curaçao’s 13.39 (6th), with Aruba stronger on finances and Curaçao benefiting from lower borrowing costs but facing structural labor and import pressures. Crime Cooperation: Curaçao approved a Kingdom protocol to strengthen an administrative approach against organized and undermining crime across Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands. Parliament & Governance: PPA MP Eduard Pieters criticized ministers for not properly accounting to Parliament, warning Aruba is heading toward a dangerous governance culture. Public Services & Environment: National Cleanup Day drew major turnout, with containers filling fast and Prime Minister Mike Eman thanking residents; separate coverage highlights mangrove conservation after UNESCO Biosphere Reserve recognition. Tourism & Business: Avolta secured an eight-year extension for Aruba airport duty-free operations through Gateway 2030, while Hyatt named Eduardo Schutte SVP commercial for its Inclusive Collection.

Parliament Accountability Clash: PPA MP Eduard Pieters warns Aruba’s government is “losing the habit of accounting” to Parliament, arguing education reforms can’t work without real dialogue and proper follow-through. National Cleanup Day Mobilization: Aruba’s island-wide cleanup is drawing heavy turnout, with containers filling fast and residents urged to use main collection points if local sites are full; the government also pushed safety guidance (sun, hydration, injuries) and paired cleanup prep with tree planting at Linear Park. Youth & Community Action: Aruba’s Youth Parliament joined a downtown Oranjestad cleanup, collecting dozens of bags of trash, while neighborhood groups prepare for local cleanup efforts like Mabon. Environment & Policy Debate: UNESCO mangrove conservation messaging highlights Aruba’s biosphere focus, while ReD challenges claims that “circular economy” is new, saying the policy was already delivered under the previous administration. Tourism & Airport Business: Avolta secured an eight-year duty-free extension at Queen Beatrix Airport through Gateway 2030, and Hyatt named Eduardo Schutte SVP Commercial for its Inclusive Collection. Rights & Dialogue: Fundacion Orguyo Aruba held a town hall to strengthen LGBTQIA dialogue and push for legal updates.

Education Reform Debate: PPA MP Eduard Pieters says Aruba’s push for more inclusive basic education is being rushed—changing promotion standards before teaching and the “Core Goals” are ready, leaving teachers to execute reforms without the full groundwork. National Cleanup Day Mobilization: Aruba’s island-wide cleanup drew strong early turnout, with Prime Minister Mike Eman urging residents to redirect to main collection points when local containers fill up, while the government also ran Sow Hope tree planting at Linear Park ahead of the event. Public Health Safety Reminder: DVG urged participants to protect themselves from sun, stay hydrated, prevent insect bites, and avoid injuries with gloves, boots, and safe handling of sharp waste. Environment & Policy Watch: ReD challenged claims that circular economy is new, arguing the policy was already delivered under former Minister Lampe; CONPA also warned about irregularities and missing documentation in the Pos Chiquito subdivision plan. Tourism & Governance Signals: Avolta extended Aruba airport duty-free operations for eight years through Gateway 2030, while Aruba Tourism Authority honored long-time visitors at Marriott’s Surf Club and La Cabana. Community & Culture: A mural in San Nicolas celebrated Guinness-record holder Egmond Molina, and the Seroe Colorado Community Church transfer to Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba marked a heritage milestone.

National Cleanup Day: Aruba’s island-wide cleanup drew a strong turnout, with waste containers filling quickly at collection points in Noord, Playa, Dakota, Santa Cruz, Pos Chiquito, Savaneta and San Nicolas; residents are being directed to main sites (Watertoren San Nicolas, EcoTech Barcadera, Playa Wharf/Harbor Area) and reminded the disposal center stays open continuously. Youth & Environment: Aruba’s Youth Parliament ran a scavenger-hunt cleanup in Oranjestad, collecting 35+ bags and urging peers to join Saturday’s cleanup. Mangrove Conservation: July 26 marked International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, with DNM, UNESCO Aruba and the Aruba Conservation Foundation stressing mangroves’ role alongside seagrass and coral reefs for coastal protection and climate resilience. Tourism & Business: Avolta secured an eight-year extension for Aruba Queen Beatrix duty-free operations through Gateway 2030, while Hyatt named Eduardo Schutte SVP Commercial for the Hyatt Inclusive Collection. Community Pride: San Nicolas unveiled a mural honoring local athlete Egmond Molina, celebrating his Guinness World Records and the community’s achievements.

Tourism & Business: Avolta secured an eight-year extension of its Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport duty-free deal, keeping the retailer in the new terminals through the Gateway 2030 redevelopment. Government & Civic Life: Aruba’s National Cleanup Day on July 25 is getting a push from multiple fronts, including Youth Parliament teens who cleaned downtown Oranjestad and called on residents to join the island-wide effort. Public Health & Safety: The government also reminded volunteers to protect themselves from sun, dehydration, insects, injuries, and unsafe lifting during cleanups. Environment & Debate: Avolta’s airport expansion news sits alongside renewed public arguments over beach access and enforcement, with critics saying some businesses treat public shoreline like private property. Politics & Rights: Fundacion Orguyo Aruba held a town hall to strengthen LGBTQIA dialogue and press for legal updates after same-sex marriage recognition. Regional Governance: Curaçao and Aruba signed an MoU to cooperate on digital transformation in government services and education, including data sharing and interoperability. Commercial Appointments: Hyatt named Eduardo Schutte SVP, Commercial for the Hyatt Inclusive Collection, effective July 27, to lead sales, revenue, marketing, and distribution across its all-inclusive portfolio.

National Cleanup Day prep: The Government of Aruba is gearing up for July 25 with health and safety reminders from DVG (sun protection, hydration, insect bite prevention, gloves/boots) and community logistics for neighborhood cleanups like Mabon, where dumpsters will be placed and residents are urged to join. Public accountability on beaches: A local commentary renews the fight over beach access, arguing some beachfront businesses treat public shoreline as private space and calling out weak enforcement of the “first 10 meters” rule. LGBTQIA dialogue: Fundacion Orguyo Aruba held a town hall at MFA Paradera to strengthen communication inside the LGBTQIA community, discuss ongoing challenges, and push for legal updates to match same-sex marriage recognition. Circular economy politics: ReD says Aruba’s circular economy policy isn’t new, pointing to earlier handover documents from former Minister Lampe to current Economy Minister Geoffrey Wever. Kingdom governance debate (HOFA): MP Eduard Pieters criticizes comparisons between the Rijkswet HOFA and a mutual arrangement, warning it could undermine Aruba’s autonomy. Digital cooperation: Curaçao and Aruba signed an MoU to expand digital government services and education digitalization, including data sharing and interoperability. Tourism & business: Avolta extended its eight-year duty-free contract at Queen Beatrix Airport, while Hyatt named Eduardo Schutte as SVP Commercial for the Inclusive Collection.

National Cleanup Day prep: Aruba is gearing up for July 25 with government-led safety reminders (sun protection, hydration, gloves/boots) and neighborhood logistics, including Mabon’s cleanup planning with free dumpster drop-offs. Tree-planting push: The Sow Hope campaign continues at Linear Park in Camacuri, with Prime Minister Mike Eman joining partners to plant Texas sage, bougainvillea, jacarandas and more ahead of the cleanup. Government accountability debate: MP Rocco Tjon is pressing for transparency after he says LAR advice tied to a private jet matter has not been shared or published, despite a stated obligation. Consumer protection update: From Aug. 1, Aruba introduces a legal cap of 25% on consumer credit interest/costs under the Consumer Credit Regulation. Digital cooperation (Kingdom level): Curaçao and Aruba sign an MoU to strengthen digital transformation in government services and education, including shared systems and data exchange. Tourism/airport business: Avolta extends its Aruba Queen Beatrix duty-free contract for eight years as Gateway 2030 redevelopment continues. Sports governance: Aruba’s cycling federation names a new executive board after talks with the Aruba Olympic Committee.

Consumer Credit Clampdown: Starting Aug. 1, Aruba will cap consumer credit costs at a maximum 25%, giving borrowers a first-ever legal limit on interest and credit charges. Parliament Watchdog Push: MP Rocco Tjon is pressing Minister Gerlien Croes over alleged non-publication of LAR advice tied to a private jet controversy, arguing transparency duties can’t wait. Basic Basket Enforcement: Minister Geoffrey Wever says supermarkets and minimarkets that ignore regulated basic basket prices will face fines, after inspections found violations in about 2% of cases. Digital Government Cooperation: Curaçao and Aruba signed an MoU to speed up digital transformation in government services and education, including shared systems and data interoperability. National Cleanup Day Prep: Government and partners are gearing up for July 25 cleanups, with health and safety guidance plus neighborhood efforts like Mabon and tree-planting at Linear Park. Airport Business Deal: Avolta secured an eight-year extension for duty-free operations at Queen Beatrix International Airport as Gateway 2030 redevelopment continues. Governance & Planning Scrutiny: Foundation CONPA warns of irregularities and missing transparency in the Pos Chiquito subdivision plan, citing failures to meet legal and administrative standards. Public Safety Upgrade: Justice Minister Arthur Dowers inspected renovations at the “Edgar Joaquin ‘Watty’ Vos” Police Academy, aiming to finish before the next training period.

Consumer Protection: Aruba’s new Consumer Credit Regulation kicks in Aug. 1, setting a maximum 25% cap on interest and costs for consumer credit, giving borrowers a long-awaited legal limit. Parliament & Governance: MP Rocco Tjon is pressing for transparency after the LAR objection advisory advice was delivered July 10 but not shared or published, while questions also swirl around a private jet controversy involving Minister Gerlien Croes. Local Economy Enforcement: Minister Geoffrey Wever says supermarkets and minimarkets that ignore Aruba’s regulated basic basket prices will face fines, after inspectors find mismatches. Kingdom Cooperation (Digital): Curaçao and Aruba signed an MoU to speed up digital transformation in government services and education, including student records and data interoperability. Public Safety & Training: Justice Minister Arthur Dowers inspected renovations at the Edgar Joaquin “Watty” Vos Police Academy, aiming to finish before the school vacation ends. Heritage Preservation: Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba officially took ownership of the historic Seroe Colorado Community Church, paving the way for long-term restoration planning. Community Action: Aruba will hold National Clean-Up Day on July 25, with island-wide volunteer clean-up locations under the “Aruba ta nos tur!” message.

Heritage & Culture: Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba has officially taken ownership of the historic Seroe Colorado Community Church, clearing the way for long-term restoration after years of talks with the Government. Kingdom Governance & Courts: Curaçao Parliament Speaker Fergino Brownbill received the President of the Joint Court of Justice, Sigmar Carmelia, underscoring continued legislative-judicial cooperation across Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Caribbean Netherlands. Digital Education: Aruba and Curaçao signed an MoU to speed up digital transformation in government services and education, including student records, diploma registries and data interoperability. Consumer Protection: From August 1, Aruba will cap consumer credit costs at a maximum 25% interest rate under the Consumer Credit Regulation. Parliament Watchdog: MP Rocco Tjon is pressing for transparency after LAR advice tied to a private jet controversy was reportedly not shared or published. Public Safety: Minister Arthur Dowers inspected renovations at the Edgar Joaquin “Watty” Vos Police Academy, with work expected to finish before the next training term. Sports Administration: The Aruba Olympic Committee met the new Aruba Cycling Federation board as it updates statutes and plans events. Environment & Governance Debate: A renewed push calls out stalled waste and nature-protection laws, while another opinion piece targets weak enforcement against the destruction of large trees.

Kingdom Education Digital Push: Curaçao and Aruba signed an MoU to deepen cooperation on digital education and government services, including student tracking, education dashboards, diploma registers, and linking government data systems. Curaçao Funding Decision Looms: Dutch State Secretary Eric van der Burg said the Netherlands will decide in August whether to keep funding the Country Package and TWO reform programs—key for reforms across Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Aruba Governance Under Fire: Parliamentarians Evelyna Wever-Croes and Rocco Tjon filed a formal transparency petition under Aruba’s public access law, demanding full documents on the Aruba Tourism Authority’s waste-management project and its contracting process. Public Services & Security: Minister Arthur Dowers inspected renovations at the “Edgar Joaquin ‘Watty’ Vos” Police School, aiming to finish before the new term. Waste Cleanup Mobilization: Prime Minister Mike Eman highlighted progress after the landfill closure and outlined plans for more waste collection centers and bins ahead of the July 25 “National Day to Care for Aruba,” with government and private partners coordinating. CBA Financial Update: Aruba’s Central Bank published its 2025 Operational Report, citing resilient growth, easing inflation pressures, and expectations for moderate expansion in 2026. Shoco Sanctuary Visit: Secretary of State Eric van der Burg toured the Shoco Sanctuary, spotlighting threats to Aruba’s national bird and the need for habitat protection.

Tariffs Watch: U.S. trade envoy Jamieson Greer says new Trump-era tariffs could be announced soon as the current 10% global levy expires Friday, with forced-labor duties expected to replace it—raising the risk of retaliation. Tourism & Community: Aruba Tourism Authority honored long-time visitors at La Cabana and Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club, spotlighting loyalty and “Masha Danki” messages from the Minister of Tourism. Kingdom Governance & Education: Aruba and Curaçao signed an MoU to advance digital education, including expansion of the student tracking system and the CLOA platform across the Kingdom. Public Safety & Training: Minister Arthur Dowers inspected renovation works at the “Edgar Joaquin ‘Watty’ Vos” Police School, aiming to finish before the next term. Waste Management Transparency: Parliamentarians Evelyna Wever-Croes and Rocco Tjon filed a formal LOB petition demanding full documents on the Aruba Tourism Authority’s waste management role, including letters, minutes, and RFPs. Good Governance Debate: A dispute is growing over the Prime Minister’s Bernhardstraat home-painting effort, with critics questioning the legal basis and use of public resources for private property. Clean Aruba Push: Government met dumpster rental companies ahead of National Day to Care for Aruba on July 25, aiming to boost responsible disposal during the cleanup drive. Humanitarian Solidarity: Aruba coordinated earthquake relief for Venezuela through the Aruba Red Cross, the CMO, and government employee donation drives.

Public Safety & Infrastructure: Minister Arthur Dowers inspected renovation progress at the “Edgar Joaquin ‘Watty’ Vos” Police School in San Nicolas, with works planned to finish before the school vacation ends so the next term starts in a safer, modern facility. Governance & Education: The University of Aruba marked the first cohort completion of its Premaster in Governance & Leadership (PMGL), training 17 professionals from public, private, and social sectors as a pathway to the Master in Governance & Leadership. Waste Management & Accountability: Prime Minister Mike Eman highlighted ongoing efforts to curb illegal dumping and push for more waste collection centers ahead of the July 25 “National Day to Care for Aruba,” while parliamentarians Evelyna Wever-Croes and Rocco Tjon demanded full transparency on the ATA waste management project under Aruba’s public access rules. Kingdom Cooperation: Aruba-linked regional entrepreneurship activity continues as USM students represent St. Maarten in Aruba’s Kingdom Startup Programme, building business ideas with peers across the Dutch Kingdom. Legal Finality: The Supreme Court rejected the cassation appeal in the Tulipan case, leaving a former Aruba minister’s prison sentence and repayment order in place.

Public Accountability Clash: Parliamentarians Evelyna Wever-Croes and Rocco Tjon are demanding full transparency under Aruba’s public access law over the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) waste-management project, including letters, meeting records, and RFPs tied to Serlimar and Ecotech. Governance Under Fire: A separate commentary argues public resources were used for private painting of homes without clear legal basis or public directives, calling it favoritism and urging the Public Prosecution Service (OM) to act. National Cleanup Mobilization: Prime Minister Mike Eman, the Aruba Ports Authority, and multiple agencies are gearing up for “Day to Care for Aruba” on July 25, with 26 dumpster sites planned and enforcement-focused coordination involving DNM, BCI, police, and the OM. Housing Policy Update: Minister Rene Herdé presented a new land-allocation policy aimed at more transparent, flexible housing development to address land scarcity and homeownership pressure. Judicial Finality: The Supreme Court upheld the inadmissibility of a late appeal in the Tulipan case, leaving a former Aruba Netherlands minister to serve his sentence and repay funds. Regional Kingdom Context: The Netherlands says it will decide in August on continued funding for Curaçao/Aruba/Sint Maarten reform programs under the Country Package and TWO.

COHO/Kingdom Law Tension: Dutch State Secretary Eric van der Burg is in Aruba to discuss changes to the COHO (HOFA) kingdom law, but MPs say the government won’t share what’s changing despite major community resistance and warnings that autonomy is at stake. Waste Management Transparency Fight: Parliamentarians Evelyna Wever-Croes and Rocco Tjon filed a formal LOB request demanding full documents on the ATA-linked waste project, including communications, meeting records, and RFPs tied to Serlimar and Ecotech. National Cleanup Mobilization: Prime Minister Mike Eman launched “National Day to Care for Aruba” for July 25, with government, APA, Serlimar, CEDE Aruba, and private partners coordinating dumpsters and enforcement talks to keep areas clean after the cleanup. Curaçao Reform Funding Watch: The Netherlands says it will decide in August whether reform funding continues after 2026, shaping next steps for reform programs across Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Tulipan Case Final: Aruba’s former Minister Plenipotentiary Guillfred Besaril’s appeal was rejected by the Dutch Supreme Court, leaving his prison term and repayment order final. Housing Policy Update: Minister Rene Herdé presented a new land-use policy aimed at more transparent, flexible housing allocation to expand opportunities for residents.

Supreme Court Finality in Tulipan Case: Aruba’s Supreme Court upheld the inadmissibility of the late appeal in the Tulipan embezzlement matter, making the former Minister Plenipotentiary’s conviction final and requiring prison service plus repayment of Afl. 138,688. Waste Management Transparency Clash: Parliamentarians Evelyna Wever-Croes and Rocco Tjon filed a formal LOB request for full documents tied to the ATA-linked waste project, while MP Endy Croes pressed for answers after a public meeting over a 2.1 million florin Ecotech contract. National Day to Care for Aruba: Government launched the July 25 island-wide cleanup drive, with Prime Minister Mike Eman coordinating partners, dumpsters, and neighborhood action; Aruba Ports Authority and enforcement agencies also moved to keep the island clean beyond cleanup day. Housing Policy Update: Minister Rene Herdé presented a new land-use policy aimed at expanding housing opportunities with clearer, more flexible rules. Kingdom Politics & Autonomy Scrutiny: MPs criticized secrecy and rushed handling around COHO/HOFA kingdom-law changes, arguing Aruba’s autonomy and transparency are at stake. Kingdom Relations Knowledge Center: Preparations begin for a 2027 launch, with funding and Caribbean-European research planning underway. Tourism & Connectivity: Southwest announced new Caribbean routes including Saturday service to Aruba, and Aruba Tourism Authority honored long-time visitors with “Distinguished” and “Goodwill” ambassador certificates.