Oranjestad, Aruba - Aruba has experienced a series of corruption scandals over the past seven years that have shaken confidence in government and raised questions about integrity within the public sector. From high-profile arrests to the fall of a government, this detailed report highlights the most significant corruption cases that have shaped Aruba's political landscape.
Michael Gario Bribery Case (2023)
A recent high-profile case involved Michael Gario, a former employee of the Internal Revenue Service, who was found guilty of taking bribes. In exchange for payments, he expedited tax refunds for certain individuals. Gario received a suspended prison sentence and was required to perform community service, highlighting the judiciary's commitment to upholding ethical standards within government operations.
Benny Sevinger Scandal and the "Avestruz" Case
Former Infrastructure Minister Benny Sevinger was at the center of the infamous "Avestruz" case that began in 2019. The investigation focused on irregularities in the granting of land rights and government licenses between 2009 and 2017. Sevinger was sentenced to four years in prison in 2024 for bribery, fraud and embezzlement. The case not only affected his reputation, but also damaged Aruba's international image.
Political Consequences: The Resignation of the Weaver-Croes Government (2024).
In September 2024, political instability peaked with the resignation of Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes. This decision followed numerous corruption allegations against members of her administration, leading to a loss of public trust and the announcement of early elections in December 2024. The resignation underscored the growing pressure for responsible governance and transparency within Aruba.
Endy Croes and the "SSA" Scandal (2024)
Shortly after the resignation of the Wever-Croes government, another major scandal involving Minister Endy Croes surfaced. The scandal revolved around mismanagement in the allocation of sports subsidies by the Stichting Sportsubsidie Aruba (SSA). Allegations of conflict of interest and poor financial control led to a vote of no confidence, which resulted in Croes' resignation. This was the second high political exit within a month, illustrating a heightened call for ethical behavior among public servants.
Portulaca Inquiry: Fraud and Abuse of Licenses (2024)
In mid-2024, the "Portulaca" investigation revealed corruption related to the granting of residence and work permits. This investigation led to several arrests, including that of Nedilia Dabian, who was accused of bribing officials to obtain permits for foreigners. The investigation highlighted weaknesses in bureaucratic processes and emphasized the need for tighter control within government departments.
Public Perception and Research Outcomes (2018-2020)
Public perception surveys conducted between 2018 and 2020 showed growing concerns about corruption. In 2020, 59% of respondents believed corruption had increased. The surveys indicated that the public had doubts about government efforts to fight corruption, with many questioning the sincerity of politicians. Reports of bribes in public services, including obtaining permits and administrative procedures, highlighted systemic challenges.
Influence on Governance and Transparency
These incidents have underscored the need for comprehensive reforms in Aruba's political and administrative system. The repeated scandals have led to public disappointment in political figures and prompted calls for stronger legislation and reforms to prevent future corruption. The swift legal and political actions demonstrate a strong popular demand for transparent governance.
Conclusion
As Aruba prepares for new elections, the country is at a critical juncture. Restoring public trust and ensuring the integrity of government operations are key challenges that a future government will need to address. The recent wave of investigations and resignations highlights the island's ongoing battle with corruption and places the need for accountability and reform back in the spotlight.
