The President of the government’s Advisory Council, RVA, David Kock, and the board secretary, Albert Braamskamp, ​​formally visited our prime minister Mike Eman, just recently, to hand in the council’s Annual Report.

The council is just that, it comments and advises on different developments in the field of legislation and gives constitutional advice. It has been active for the past 40 years, since Status Aparte, and while it diligently evaluates the legislative process, it is not always listened to.

RVA’s main task is to provides independent advice on drafts of landsverordeningen, and landsbesluiten, national ordinances, national decrees, and other regulations. With its advisory role, the council contributes to ensuring legal quality, coherence, and enforceability of Aruba’s legislation.

The 2025 council report reveals that there was a sharp drop in legislative output which is not just a technical detail, but a significant political signal: Aruba is producing fewer laws.

We always suspected that parliament is not really functioning at its best. Here is the proof. In 2015, there were 53 draft laws in process: in 2025, only 24. For a country facing major structural economic, social, and institutional challenges, this suggests stagnation rather than maturity.

The issue is not only the number of laws, but also delays in important reforms — such as laws of privacy, education and labor reform, corporate governance, and administrative law. The drafts often stay in preparation for years without reaching parliament or being enacted after approval. As a result, Aruba runs with outdated legal frameworks, and many reforms stay only on paper.

The report stresses that legislation is the foundation of governance. Updated laws define responsibilities, limit power, and build trust. When the legislative process becomes slow and unpredictable, the country’s effectiveness suffers. Persistent delays threaten the credibility of the legal system — affecting how investors, citizens, and institutions view the country.

The report also warns about the politicization of the RVA, particularly during debates on the HOFA law and its own budget – Kingdom Act on Sustainable Public Finances for Aruba, pertaining the Dutch financial supervision. Using an independent constitutional advisory body as a political battleground undermines its independence and risks weakening the quality of legislation. This raises broader concerns about the balance between political power and institutional oversight.

The board is sending a strong message in its report that Aruba is no longer a young country. After 40 years of Status Aparte, the rule of law should be firmly embedded in political practice. Continued legislative delays and outdated laws raise questions about the true strength of Aruba’s institutions.

The report does not blame one specific government but finds a long-term structural problem: lack of technical capacity, expertise, and realistic legislative planning.

As Aruba approaches 2026, marking 40 years of Status Aparte, the report calls for real reflection. Without serious acceleration of the legislative process — through prioritization, technical ability, and political discipline — Aruba risks becoming a country with much political debate but little modern law. And without modern law, modern governance is not possible.

The warning is clear: the credibility of the state begins with the credibility of its laws. After 40 years, the excuse of “youth” no longer applies.

The Prime Minister tried to defend himself explaining that, despite the reduction in numbers, there are several legislative initiatives currently in preparation. Two bills are ready for evaluation at the board, while a few other legislative processes have been outsourced to strengthen and accelerate legislative production capacity.

The council emphasized that they would continue to watch developments and stressed the importance of quality legislation, which is legally sound and practical.

July 10 – 12, 2026 | Surfside Beach, Aruba

Let’s Set Sail Together; Sports, People and Nature on the same team

The Aruba Regatta Foundation announces the 16th Aruba International Regatta. The event takes place from Friday July 10 to Sunday July 12, 2026 at Surfside Beach, Aruba.

Sailors from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and the region come together for two days of racing and Caribbean celebration. The regatta is open to all levels, from young Optimist sailors to experienced yacht crews.

Sailing classes include: Optimist, SailQube, F11, Beachcats, Sunfish, Laser, Yacht Racing, Yacht Cruising, Yacht Live Aboard, Multihull, and new this year: Wingfoil.

A special part of the regatta is the Miniatuurboot race, organized by our partner Stichting Rancho. These small handmade sailboats are a proud Aruban tradition and a beloved part of the event for young and old.

The Regatta Village at Surfside Beach is the heart of the event with registration, entertainment, food and drinks under the tent. Friday evening opens with drinks and snacks, music and networking. Racing takes place on Saturday and Sunday on the waters in front of Surfside beach.

Registration opens soon at aruba-regatta.org. Register before April 30, 2026 and get a 10% early bird discount.

CONTACT

Aruba Regatta Foundation

Email: info@aruba-regatta.org

Phone: +297 735 2200

Website: aruba-regatta.org

Instagram: @arubainternationalregatta

TikTok: @arubaregatta

July 10 – 12, 2026 | Surfside Beach, Aruba

Let’s Set Sail Together; Sports, People and Nature on the same team

The Aruba Regatta Foundation announces the 16th Aruba International Regatta. The event takes place from Friday July 10 to Sunday July 12, 2026 at Surfside Beach, Aruba.

Sailors from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and the region come together for two days of racing and Caribbean celebration. The regatta is open to all levels, from young Optimist sailors to experienced yacht crews.

Sailing classes include: Optimist, SailQube, F11, Beachcats, Sunfish, Laser, Yacht Racing, Yacht Cruising, Yacht Live Aboard, Multihull, and new this year: Wingfoil.

A special part of the regatta is the Miniatuurboot race, organized by our partner Stichting Rancho. These small handmade sailboats are a proud Aruban tradition and a beloved part of the event for young and old.

The Regatta Village at Surfside Beach is the heart of the event with registration, entertainment, food and drinks under the tent. Friday evening opens with drinks and snacks, music and networking. Racing takes place on Saturday and Sunday on the waters in front of Surfside beach.

Registration opens soon at aruba-regatta.org. Register before April 30, 2026 and get a 10% early bird discount.

CONTACT

Aruba Regatta Foundation

Email: info@aruba-regatta.org

Phone: +297 735 2200

Website: aruba-regatta.org

Instagram: @arubainternationalregatta

TikTok: @arubaregatta