ANALYSIS | ‘Let’s turn things around’: but are people feeling the change?

Written by Tito Laclé

The current government won the election with a clear message: “Let’s turn things around.” The promise was to change the direction of the country, restore order and make things work better. But a little more than a year later, the question is becoming increasingly relevant: are people actually feeling that things have changed?

REVITALIZATION OF ORANJESTAD

The problems emerging in the revitalization of Oranjestad are a good example. Investors say they have properties, financing and plans ready, yet processes and approvals are taking time. This is not an isolated case. Across different sectors, there are complaints about services and procedures at agencies such as Censo, DIMAS, DTI and other government departments, where delays and bottlenecks continue to affect citizens and businesses.

PLANTING TREES AND PAINTING HOUSES

At the same time, the government is highly visible through projects such as planting trees and shrubs, improving public spaces, painting houses and other initiatives that can enhance Aruba’s appearance. All of these may have value. The problem begins when highly visible projects appear to receive greater priority than the structural problems slowing the country’s day-to-day functioning.

Government cannot become the manager of every detail. If the political level micromanages too much while important departments lack sufficient capacity, authority or efficient processes to execute their responsibilities, the result is precisely more delay. Government’s main task should be to make the systems work, establish priorities and hold those responsible for execution accountable.

The preliminary results of NoticiaCla’s political survey also provide an important signal. Although the survey is still ongoing and cannot be regarded as a final verdict, the initial responses show a degree of dissatisfaction and uncertainty about the government’s direction and functioning. That sentiment is consistent with concerns being expressed in different sectors of the community.

The problem is not a lack of activity. It is a lack of tangible results in the areas citizens deal with every day.

A freshly painted house is easy to see. So is a newly planted tree or shrub. But a DIMAS that functions better, a Censo that works faster, a permit that does not remain stuck for months at DIP, or an investment that can move forward without unnecessary bureaucracy: THAT is the kind of change people genuinely feel.

“Let’s turn things around” was a powerful slogan. The challenge now is for the government to demonstrate that it was more than an election slogan.

Because ultimately, it is not only Oranjestad that needs revitalization. The functioning of government itself needs revitalization as well.