Otmar Oduber: “I AM appealing”

ORANJESTAD — Former minister Otmar Oduber announced late Tuesday morning that he will appeal the two-year prison sentence handed down against him. In an extensive statement addressed to the people of Aruba, Oduber said that although he respects the Court’s decision, he does not believe the ruling is fair or correct.

“Today, I am sharing with you one of the most difficult moments of my life. I have been sentenced to two years in prison. I respect the Court’s decision, but I cannot accept it,” Oduber stated.

The former minister presented his case not only as a personal fight against his conviction, but also as a debate about equality, autonomy and Aruba’s position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

According to Oduber, there are differences between the procedures applicable to members of government in the Netherlands and those applied to politicians in Aruba. He questions why, within the same Kingdom, the same constitutional safeguards do not exist for all ministers—according to his interpretation.

“I am not asking for impunity, but I am demanding equality. I am not saying that a politician should be above the law. What I am saying is that no citizen should be beneath the law,” Oduber said.

He added that there cannot be first- and second-class citizens or countries within the Kingdom.

“Justice cannot have two categories of citizens within the same Kingdom,” the former minister emphasized.

In his statement, Oduber also referred to the investigations and convictions involving various Aruban politicians in recent years. He questioned how many ministers or prime ministers of the national government of the Netherlands have been convicted of corruption in recent decades.

Oduber clarified that by raising these questions, he is not accusing anyone without evidence. However, he considers it necessary to be able to speak openly about the differences between the justice systems.

ODUBER REJECTS THE IMAGE OF CORRUPTION

Regarding the actions for which the Court convicted him, Oduber maintained that the disputed decisions were related to his work as a minister and his efforts to create housing, employment and development opportunities for Aruba’s citizens.

“The courts interpreted certain actions taken during my administration as criminal offences. I respect the decision, but I do not agree with it,” he said.

Oduber emphatically rejected the suggestion that his actions were motivated by personal gain.

“Not because I was corrupt. Not because I stole. Not because I benefited myself. Not because I engaged in influence-peddling,” he declared.

According to Oduber, arguments and elements presented as part of his defence must be examined again. For that reason, he will continue to use every available legal remedy to challenge the sentence.

“A conviction may take away my freedom, but it cannot take away my right to defend myself,” he said. “I will appeal this sentence. I will continue my defence through every appropriate legal avenue.”

AUTONOMY AND THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NETHERLANDS

A significant part of the statement focuses on Oduber’s views regarding Aruba’s autonomy. The former minister clarified that his position is not directed against the Netherlands, the Dutch people or the shared history within the Kingdom.

“I recognize everything we have built together. I recognize what the Netherlands has contributed to Aruba. But I also demand that the Netherlands recognize what Aruba has contributed,” Oduber said.

According to him, autonomy is not limited to having a flag, an anthem, a Parliament or a government. It must also include Aruba’s genuine ability to participate in and decide on fundamental matters affecting its future.

“I do not want Aruba to be above the Netherlands. But neither will I accept Aruba being regarded as less than the Netherlands,” he stated.

Oduber concluded his statement by saying that he will face the appeals process “with my head held high, with dignity and with faith in God.” He added that regardless of the final outcome, he will continue to defend his rights and the principles in which he has always believed.

“They may convict me, but they cannot force me to abandon my convictions,” Oduber concluded.