Arthur Dowers, former Minister of Justice during the reign of Prime Minister Mike Eman, was at the center of multiple controversies and allegations of abuse of power. His tenure was marked by allegations of manipulation, nepotism, and squandering of public funds within the Aruba People's Party (AVP), leading to continued criticism of the party.
1. Involvement in 'Foxy Lady' Human Trafficking Case.
Dowers and several AVP members were accused of manipulation in the infamous Foxy Lady case, a human trafficking case allegedly set up to remove Aruba from the U.S. human trafficking blacklist. Witnesses stated that their testimonies were altered under pressure by police to justify a conviction. The case was presented as a victory against human trafficking, but critics suggest the real motives were political.
2. Lack of Transparency and Manipulation of Evidence.
The handling of the Foxy Lady case raised further concerns about transparency. There were reports that witness statements were taken behind closed doors without audio-visual recording, leaving them manipulable. Dowers' ministry was accused of abusing its position to construct a public case based on manipulated evidence.
3. Political Influence on Policing and Policy.
Under Dowers' leadership, the Aruban police force was reportedly demoralized and influenced by political interests. This led to criticism of his authoritarian governance and his impact on the police force, which undermined objective law enforcement.
4. Patronage and Cronyism Within the AVP
Along with other prominent AVP members, including Benny Sevinger, Dowers created a network of political allegiances that was criticized as nepotistic. He formed a close alliance with the party leadership under Eman, which often resulted in appointments based on relationships rather than competence.
5. Waste of Public Resources.
Dowers' policies also led to accusations of wasting money. The purchase of an expensive police helicopter, ostensibly to fight crime, led to public outrage, as there was no evidence that this investment actually reduced crime. This expense was seen as an example of inefficiency within the AVP government.
6. Networks of Nepotism and Patronage.
Dowers' close ties with other AVP leaders ensured that he maintained a protected position within the party despite public criticism. These loyalties within the party made it clear that nepotism and personal relationships greatly influenced the AVP's political system.
7. A Culture of Distrust and Lack of Transparency.
Under Dowers' leadership, a culture of distrust of the ASF developed, with multiple scandals involving the rule of law. The party was seen as falling back into old patterns of political control, failing to heed calls for transparency and reform.
8. The Enduring Influence of Dowers within the AVP.
Despite the criticism, Dowers remains an influential figure within the AVP, protected by his loyalty to the party and his close ties to other prominent members. His position illustrates how deeply entrenched patronage and loyalties are within the party, highlighting for many the need for reform.
The Dowers legacy and the AVP under Mike Eman
The combined influence of Dowers, Eman and other AVP leaders led to a lingering image of corruption and nepotism within the party. The public perception of the AVP was tarnished by appointments based on loyalty and family ties, involvement in dubious court cases, and the misuse of public funds. With elections approaching, the question arises whether the ASF will be able to distance itself from this past and reposition itself as a transparent and responsible party.
Many Arubans hope for a new direction, but the lingering influence of veterans like Dowers makes reform a challenge. His legacy, along with Eman's, underscores the need for a new political era in which the public interest takes precedence over personal and party interests.
