A Wake-Up Call for Aruba’s Telecom Market: Time for Fair Competition

A Wake-Up Call for Aruba’s Telecom Market: Time for Fair Competition

The Aruba Fair Trade Authority (AFTA) has issued a preliminary assessment that could reshape the island’s telecom landscape.  This came after the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications requested that…

The Deafening Silence: Chamber of Commerce’s Non-Response to Legal Concerns

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…

Paying the Price: Are Chamber of Commerce Fees Crossing Legal Lines?

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.

Questions to the Chamber of Commerce Regarding: Online Access Fees for the Trade Registry & Past Charges

Questions to the Chamber of Commerce Regarding: Online Access Fees for the Trade Registry & Past Charges

According to article 19 of the Handelsregisterbesluit AB 1989 no. GT 87 and its subsequent amendments) (“Decree”), the specific fees mentioned pertain to the issuance of certified copies, extracts, and…

Aruba’s Fiscal Challenges Continue: A Dutch Helping Hand Amidst Rising Concerns & Interest

Aruba’s Fiscal Challenges Continue: A Dutch Helping Hand Amidst Rising Concerns & Interest

As Aruba navigates the complexities of the global financial landscape, recent developments have brought to light both the strengths and vulnerabilities within our fiscal management. In October of last year…

Christian Groups: No Representation Without Taxation!

Christian Groups: No Representation Without Taxation!

The debate over codifying same-sex marriage in Aruba and Curaçao has reached a standstill in the parliament, with the fate of these marriages now in the hands of the Supreme Court. The Association of Christian Churches, opposing same-sex marriage, has been called out for trying to influence the court despite lacking legal standing. Furthermore, there are calls to reconsider the tax-exempt status of these churches to ensure fair representation and contribution to society.

A 100 Million giveaway: good politics, bad governance

A 100 Million giveaway: good politics, bad governance

The author reflects on government actions in Aruba, highlighting concerns about hotel industry growth, a new hotel policy, and a significant pay raise for civil servants. They question the legal basis, examine implications, and criticize the decisions as good politics but poor governance. The public unions’ actions are also scrutinized, with a warning about more such actions prior to elections.