ORANJESTAD, ARUBA - Former minister and current leader of the Partido Patriotico Arubano (PPA), Otmar Oduber, is under fire after he shared a photo in which he poses in front of the Aruba Trade & Industry Association (ATIA) building following a recent meeting. The image, published as part of his election campaign, gives the impression that ATIA supports the PPA and Oduber. However, Herrick Henriquez, ATIA's executive director, has repeatedly stressed that the organization is strictly neutral and does not endorse any political party.
In a statement, Henriquez said: "I have stated that ATIA does not support any party. Anyone can come and sit here who wants to, but ATIA does not support any party. We will do our job and remain critical of any party that is in government." In doing so, he indicated that ATIA remains independent and critically monitors all parties, without giving preference to any specific party or candidate.
Despite this warning, Oduber appears to have used the photo on social media and in his campaign to give his party a sense of business support. The photo was taken after a meeting between Oduber and ATIA officials in which he and his team reportedly discussed the island's economic interests. While such meetings are common for political leaders during election time, Henriquez was clear in emphasizing that it was a business meeting with no political implications.
This action by Oduber has prompted criticism from several quarters. Analysts warn that the use of such an image without explicit approval can be seen as an attempt to suggest an unwarranted affiliation with a respected, neutral organization. Many stress that this tactic not only threatens ATIA's neutral position, but can also contribute to misleading perceptions among voters.
This incident is just one of the controversies surrounding Oduber, who is currently embroiled in an extensive corruption scandal related to the "Flamingo" investigation. Oduber's attempt to use the image with ATIA is seen as part of a broader campaign to build his image and increase his political influence ahead of the Dec. 6 elections.
The issue raises questions about ethics and transparency in election campaigns. Henriquez stressed that the organization focuses exclusively on the interests of Aruba's business community, and warned that any attempt to politicize ATIA's neutral position is undesirable.
