Governor’s speech: Government seeks shared prosperity and fair wages

ORANJESTAD — In the opening speech for the 2026-2027 parliamentary year, delivered by Governor of Aruba H.E. Alfonso Boekhoudt but prepared by the Government, shared prosperity was presented as the central theme of the Government’s policy for the coming period. The message is that economic progress should be felt more directly by citizens, while Aruba prepares for the future through investment, social reform and a stronger financial foundation.

According to the speech presented by the Governor, the Government intends to continue a prudent fiscal policy while seeking to diversify the economy through increased activity in agriculture, financial technology, the blue economy, the creative industries and clean energy. Tourism will remain essential, but the focus will no longer be on continuous growth. Instead, the emphasis will be on quality, sustainability, local participation and quality of life.

LINKING THE MINIMUM WAGE TO THE SUBSISTENCE MINIMUM

One of the most important announcements is the intention to introduce legislation linking the minimum wage to the subsistence minimum, based on the principle that no employee should work for a wage that does not cover basic living needs. The Government says the measure will be combined with support for small and medium-sized businesses.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

There will also be more focus on affordable housing, the revitalization of Oranjestad and San Nicolas, and investment through the Investment Fund. The Government mentions, among other projects, the MFA in San Nicolas, neighborhood improvements, renovation of schools and monuments, and reforestation as investments that citizens should be able to see and feel in their daily lives.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL PROTECTION

In health care and social protection, the Government is announcing reforms with greater attention to prevention, mental health and primary care. The Landsverordening Langdurige Zorg is intended to create a sustainable financial basis for long-term care, while another law will provide additional financial assistance to families with children who have special needs.

ENVIRONMENT

The environment, security and modernization of Government are also part of the agenda. The Government is maintaining its ambition to plant 100,000 trees, strengthen cybersecurity, continue investing in police, the fire service and border control, and establish an Office of Social, Economic and Cultural Planning to base policy more strongly on data and long-term vision.

The speech, delivered in the year Aruba marks 40 years of Status Aparte, presents the Government’s next phase as an effort to combine economic growth with stronger social security, investment and preparation for the future. For the full speech, click HERE.