Vroegop on death threat: “Another director will not make AWG 29 million disappear”

ORANJESTAD — Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) director Jacco Vroegop has confirmed to Noticiacla that he received a death threat following an interview about the financial conflict between the hospital and the Government. Vroegop said he contacted Police Chief Ramon Arnhem, shared the message as evidence and expressed his intention to file a formal police report on Monday or Tuesday. Under Aruba’s Criminal Code, a threat against someone’s life may constitute an offence punishable by up to three years in prison or a fourth-category fine. At the same time, Vroegop rejected the idea that automatically replacing him with a “local” person would resolve the hospital’s financial problems.

VROEGOP WILL FILE A POLICE REPORT

The fact that Vroegop shared the message with the Police Chief is not the same as filing a formal police report. Criminal proceedings may begin after the report has been officially registered and the authorities have assessed the message’s content, context and origin.

At this stage, it concerns an alleged threat. The Police and Public Prosecution Service must investigate whether the message meets the legal requirements of a threat against someone’s life, identify the possible perpetrator and determine whether sufficient grounds exist for criminal prosecution.

At the time of publication, there was no public confirmation that the Police had identified a suspect or that the Public Prosecution Service had initiated criminal proceedings. Consequently, no conclusion about guilt can yet be drawn.

THE THREAT

According to Vroegop, the threat followed his TeleAruba interview concerning more than AWG 29 million in outstanding bills for medical care provided to undocumented people. HOH is preparing summary proceedings against the Country of Aruba to seek a structural solution for financing this care.

Vroegop said the interview generated both supportive and critical reactions. He stated that criticism is permitted in public debate, but personal accusations and a death threat cross every boundary.

WHAT DOES ARUBAN LAW SAY?

Depending on the words used, the context and the circumstances, a death threat may fall under Article 2:255, paragraph 1, of Aruba’s Criminal Code.

The article criminalizes, among other things, threats involving an offence against someone’s life, serious physical assault, hostage-taking, rape or arson. The maximum penalty is three years’ imprisonment or a fourth-category fine.

THE IMPACT DOES NOT END WITH THE MESSAGE

A death threat can have psychological, physical and professional consequences, even if the perpetrator never attempts to carry it out. Health and workplace-safety organizations recognize threats as a form of workplace violence.

Possible consequences include persistent fear, anxiety, sleeping problems, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance and trauma-related symptoms. The impact may differ from person to person. CDC/NIOSH states that workplace violence can result in effects ranging from psychological problems to physical injury or death, while OSHA includes threats and verbal abuse in its definition of workplace violence.

For a hospital director, the consequences may extend beyond personal well-being. A threat may force the organization to increase security, adjust meetings and public appearances, protect staff and family members, and dedicate time and resources to risk management.

It may also have a “silencing effect.” A director or other professional may begin limiting public statements or avoiding sensitive subjects—not because their position has changed, but to protect their safety. In a matter of public interest, this may affect transparency and the ability of executives to fulfil their responsibilities.

CRITICISM IS NOT THE SAME AS INTIMIDATION

The debate surrounding the AWG 29 million, healthcare for undocumented people and the Government’s responsibility may be intense. However, disagreement with a director’s policies or statements does not give anyone the right to threaten that person’s life.

Freedom of expression protects strong criticism, opinions and disagreement. It does not provide permission to intimidate someone or create a reasonable fear that serious violence will follow.

Vroegop also rejected the suggestion that replacing HOH’s leadership—or specifically appointing an Aruban to his position—would solve the financial problem.

“Another director will not make the AWG 29 million disappear. The patients will not disappear either, and neither will the Government’s responsibility,” he stated.

There is no public confirmation that a suspect has been identified or that the Public Prosecution Service has opened an investigation. Consequently, no conclusion about guilt can yet be drawn.

The Government of Aruba has also not issued an official response to the reported threat or the proceedings being prepared by HOH. Noticiacla remains open to responses from the Government, Police, Public Prosecution Service and HOH.