Protect Your Creativity, Own Your Future
Last week, I had the privilege of serving as the keynote speaker at Rotaract Aruba’s YOU Inc. Seminar 2026 in San Nicolas. This year’s seminar focused on the Orange Economy,…
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Business Regulations Community Advocacy Economic Challenges Government Finance Law and Policy Trade and Commerce Transportation Issues
When External Shocks Hit Small Economies
This article examines the vulnerability of small, open economies—such as Aruba—to external shocks, including global economic crises, pandemics, and fluctuations in tourism demand. It argues that while openness drives growth, it simultaneously exposes these economies to disproportionate risks beyond their control.
Using Aruba as a case study, the article explores how external shocks transmit through key sectors, particularly tourism, public finances, and the labor market. It highlights the structural constraints small economies face, including limited diversification, high import dependency, and restricted fiscal space.
The analysis underscores the importance of resilience-building strategies, including economic diversification, institutional strength, prudent fiscal management, and regional and international cooperation. Ultimately, the article contends that sustainable autonomy for small economies requires not only self-governance, but also the capacity to anticipate, absorb, and adapt to external disruptions. -
Institutional Memory: The Asset Organisations Lose Without Realising
Why Supervisory Boards Must Protect Their Decision-Making Record Every organisation believes it remembers its own history. Until it doesn’t. Somewhere along the way, the email chain disappears. A WhatsApp discussion…
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No Discounts Allowed:How the 2026 Workweek Reform Quietly Raised Labor Costs
Back in late 2024, I warned that the shift from a 45-hour to a 40-hour workweek was not going to be the neutral, technical adjustment the government made it out…
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ABC Routes: The Bridge We’ve Lost – and How to Build It Back
For decades, the connection between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao was more than just a short hop. It was a lifeline, a steady flow of people, ideas, business, and culture that…
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Aruba’s Consumer Rights: Retailers and Banks Accountability
Consumer rights in Aruba have long been ignored. Despite clear legal protections, the public’s awareness remains low, giving retailers room to sidestep their obligations and take advantage of consumers. This…
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Advocating for Inclusivity: Aruba’s Labor Laws in English and Spanish
Recently, I’ve found myself immersed in a flurry of enriching activities that have left little room for idle moments. Despite the bustling schedule, my commitment to delivering insightful weekly LEGAL…
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Byron Lesire: A Beacon of Inclusion, Perseverance, and Advocacy
Often, I am approached by folks with legal questions, whether at the grocery store, in a parking lot, or at a restaurant. It usually starts with: “I know this is…
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The Deafening Silence: Chamber of Commerce’s Non-Response to Legal Concerns
Introduction Public trust in institutions is foundational to a functioning democracy. When these institutions, especially those like the Chamber of Commerce (Chamber), fail to uphold transparency and legal standards, it…
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Paying the Price: Are Chamber of Commerce Fees Crossing Legal Lines?
Public institutions play a vital role in society, ensuring law enforcement and citizen rights protection. However, when they deviate from legal frameworks, public trust is compromised. The case of Chamber of Commerce (KvK) charging unjust fees exemplifies this. The KvK must restore compliance, refund unjust fees, and take long-term measures to prevent future issues, ensuring legal integrity and public trust.
