Details Department

Opening hours
Monday to Friday
07.45-11.30
13.15-15.30
Closed for the public on Wednesday afternoon

The objective of the Department of Telecommunications is:

• Prepare, implement  and supervise compliance with laws and the underlying rules relating to telecommunications;
• Prepare and implement and oversee effective frequency spectrum management and monitoring the use of ether;
• Prepare and implement general government policy in the field of telecommunications (general policy, permits, rates, number issue);
• Coordinate and advise on international telecommunication matters and with international telecommunications organizations;

Examples of communication infrastructures in which DTZ is involved in any way:

• Paging networks (radio transmission device); This is a network that enables voice and alphanumeric messages via one direction. Messages are sent via telephone network to a "paging terminal", which converts the messages into a format which is subsequently transmitted wirelessly via a transmitting device to a small customer terminal (receiving device).
• Internet Cafés via the SETAR infrastructure. Internet Cafés are locations where customers can access the Internet via available terminals. To make it attractive for customers, the environment is often set up as a café.
• Closed data networks for own business operations. Companies that want to set up an internal often wireless data connection between their buildings can do this.
• This only concerns connection for own business operations and may not take place through a third company. A connection to the public telephone network may only be made via SETAR.
• Internet Telephony with accompanying Calling Cards. The current voice connections are usually circuit switched. The rise of the Internet means that voice connections based on the Internet protocol have also become possible.

The Monument Care of Aruba has realized its right to exist in recent years.

Popularly, the term 'Monumentenzorg' refers to the three public judicial bodies that are active in the field of monuments, namely the Monuments Council, the Monuments Office and the Monuments Fund Foundation.

Lme1988!lme18lmSince 1996, ‘Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba’ (Monuments Fund Aruba) has primarily been involved in the funding of restoration and maintenance of protected monuments, and has been the financial institution in the field of heritage conservation. The board of  Monuments Fund of Aruba (SMFA)  consists of three members.

The staff currently consists of two employees.

Aruba has been an associated member of UNESCO since October 1988. This because Aruba is not an independent country but is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Associate membership status offers Aruba the same opportunities as any other Member State with the exception of voting rights at the General Conference held every year in Paris.

In order to better carry out its duties, UNESCO has National Commissions in its member states, which are composed of local experts in UNESCO competent areas and appointed by the government of the country.

The National UNESCO Commission receives support from a secretariat led by a secretary general. The latter is also a member of the Commission. However, he has the status of an associate member with an advisory vote. The National Commission Aruba consists of 7 members, each member representing a specific working area.

The duties of the National UNESCO Commission Aruba are laid down in the National Decree establishing a National UNESCO Commission.

The most important tasks of the National UNESCO Commission are:

• To co-operate with other Member States, governmental and non-governmental organizations and eligible persons and institutions in accordance with the Charter for National UNESCO Commissions, approved in 1978 by the General Conference in Paris and;
• providing information about the objectives, the program and the activities of UNESCO in order to increase public interest.

The slogan of UNESCO is "Since its beginning in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed".

The following departments / sections are also located at this address:

Department of Guidance;
Information and Information Department
Department of Legal Affairs and Legislation;
Department of Research and Statistics;
Personnel and Organization Department;
Planning and Policy Department;
Department of Educational Facilities
Department of Education Finance;
Educational staff department.

The Archaeological Museum Aruba investigates, documents and manages archaeological artifacts and sites of Aruba and informs both local and international public about this Amerindian cultural heritage of Aruba.

UNOCA's primary goal is to emphasize the Aruban collectivity and does this by working on cultural development as part of the general development of Aruba. The realization of the Status Aparte has increased the responsibility to form a people and a nation. Every citizen must be proud that he or she is part of our nation and can contribute to the common good.

Aware of its great responsibility, UNOCA's policy focuses on the needs arising from the Aruban community and gives priority to emphasizing Aruban identity, optimizing the cultural infrastructure and providing opportunities to more people in our community so that they can participate in cultural events.

The Aruban community has the right to participation and access to cultural life. The Aruban community also has a moral duty to influence decisions that may affect their ability and capacity to express themselves culturally. Cultural expression is of the people and for the people.

Vision

The Aruba Police Force will continue to develop itself into a professional, visible and accessible organization. The Aruba Police Force ensures safety and quality of life through greater cooperation with internal and external partners.

Mission

The Aruba Police Force is focused on an integrated safety management. Professionalism is achieved through recruitment and selection of staff, providing relevant training and highlighting a correct professional attitude.

Police visibility is enhanced by working in the direct vicinity of civilians including through neighborhood police stations and intensive surveillance. Accessibility to police is improved by efficient service including through one-stop-function and a complaints procedure.

SERLIMAR is an Aruban company that guarantees a clean and healthy environment for the community in a responsible, service-oriented and efficient manner by implementing activities in the field of waste prevention, – collection, - processing and green management.

The policy of the Aruban Government lends itself to an inhabitable island directed toward a sustainable development where the welfare of the citizen is central. An inhabitable island consists of: a clean environment, undisturbed nature, clean beaches and coves, clean streets and public parks, where people can walk around without health risks, work, recreate and rest. The main points in the pursuit of sustainable development are closing cycles, stimulating integral chain management, using clean technologies and environmentally conscious consumption. This takes others into account so that no adverse effects are passed on to other people, other countries, or future generations.

• Some of Serlimar's tasks are:
• (Co) recommend the execution of the policy regarding environmental health and particularly in regards to solid waste, chemical waste, car wrecks, asbestos and other waste substances that threaten or can threaten the environment;
• Disposal (collection, handling, transport, treatment and processing) of the solid waste and chemical waste from the island and from its community such as:

1. maintaining gardens of public buildings and cemeteries, at the request of schools, departments and organizations;
2. management of public recreational attractions such as rock formations for instance the well known Ayo and Casibari rock formations, and public beaches;
3. monitoring and management of personnel and equipment as well as all facilities intended to achieve the objectives;
4. the periodical introduction of new services such as emptying cesspools-and sewer.

The Foundation Aruban Music School, founded in 1953, has the aim of promoting the music and related arts in general, and taking care of instruction in these arts in particular. The music school carries the name Scol di Musica Rufo Wever from 10 September 1998 and it's mission is to deliver its contribution to an optimal musical education in Aruba.

In the visions of the music school there is plenty of attention to the musical development of the students, both on classical and popular area, so that they can take part in social and cultural events in Aruba.
There are classes in the field of, among others, piano, classical and electric guitar, bass guitar, percussion, cuarta, violin, trumpet, recorder, vocals and AMV (General musical education). The lessons are given in Oranjestad, San Nicolas, and Santa Cruz.

The Aruban National Archives (ANA) is the Government agency responsible for the housing, care and preservation of our archives (documents, photos, videos, cassettes etc) that have a historical value for Aruba. These archives are considered to be the ' national memory and cultural heritage ' of our island.

ANA aims to expand its services fully, where our national-cultural-historical archives are kept in a responsible manner for the benefit of the litigant and information-seeking citizens, researchers and for the future generations who want to know more about the history of Aruba.

ANA’s main task is the housing, care and preservation of the archives from both ANA itself and other government agencies.

The tasks of ANA, among others, consist of:

• Administration of the archives (both Government and private);
• Inspection of the storage conditions for the archives in General;
• Advise the Government on how to handle the archives of Aruba;
• Organize, describe and make the archives accessible for research;
• Provide information on the archives that are in use;
• Conduct research and write reports on the findings of the research;
• Researching ' family tree ' for those who are interested in their family history;
• Reproduction of photos, video and other visual material.

Vision of the future, ANA wants to extend its service by, amongst others:
 

• Becoming the central storehouse for the Government records;
• Becoming the public documentation centre for information and research;
• Extending the opportunity to preserve archives for individuals and companies;
• Awakening the historical interest among the population through;
• Making the reading room available to adults and students for study and research;
• Becoming the activity centre, where courses are given in the field of archives and historical themes/exhibits.

Operating hours:
 

General: Monday – Friday from 7: 30 a.m.-12: 00 p.m. – 1.00 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Study room: Monday – Friday from 8: 00 a.m. 11.45 a.m. – 1.30 p.m.-4.00 p.m.

Bureau Sostenemi is a central advisory, reporting and coordination point on the subject of child abuse. In collaboration with existing institutions and organizations working in the field of combating child abuse, it administers the most effective approach possible to fight child abuse by improving the quality of provision of education and care. Sostenemi has therefore defined a number of key tasks:

• Assistance;
• Advice and education;
• Raising awareness of the population with respect to child abuse:
• Prevention;
• Policy advice.

 For the benefit of the minor in Aruba, the task of Bureau Sostenemi's is to stimulate and support the community where there are suspicions or reports of child abuse. This is based on the view that the identification and treatment of child abuse, neglect and abuse is a shared responsibility within our society. This means that anyone (professional worker, family member, neighbor, friend or bystander) who is confronted with signs of abuse of a minor can call for advice and therefore, within its capabilities and in the interest of the minor, can take action.

Cas di Cultura (CdC) is the national theater and cultural center of Aruba. It is managed by the Stichting Schouwburg Aruba (SSA), a non-profit organization. In 1956 the SSA was founded with the purpose of the founding and conservation of the building, in which the cultural life in the Aruban community can be developed and promoted. The “Cultureel Centrum” building was officially opened in 1958. Afterwards the name was changed to “Cas di Cultura”.

Since the year 2000, the government of Aruba supports the SSA in granting partial wage subsidies. The full exploitation is in the hands of CdC. By means of room rentals, the CdC also organizes and or schedules different activities and performances to take place in all art disciplines. There are also activities that are of social importance and the CdC can also be used by third parties for commercial purposes. The Aruban School of Music (Scol di Musica Rufo Wever), the cultural fund UNOCA and the dance school Diana Antonette (Skol di Baile Diana Antonette) are all located in this building.

Exiting from the airport driving in the direction of Oranjestad, Cas di Cultura is located near the ‘Las Americas’ traffic roundabout on Vondellaan 2. Should there be any questions feel free to contact us at (297) 582-1010.

Vision / Mission

We are competent and honest professionals who serve objectively and impartially in the public interest by providing assurance. We carry out this mission with care and expertise in serving the government and the community.

The core values that drive us are:

• Integrity - We are honest and sincere.
• As a team - We work together to achieve both common and individual goals.
• Passion - We strive to outdo ourselves.
• Pro-activity - We are proactive and solution-oriented

Motto

Profesionalnan integro y imparcial
Honest and impartial professionals

The Central Audit Department (CAD) is the internal audit department of the country Aruba. The CAD is part of the Ministry of Finance, Communications, Utilities and Energy.

The CAD controls the financial statement of the Country and provides them with an audit report. The financial statement of the Country is an important document because herewith the government renders accountability to the Parliament on its financial management. In addition to the control of the ministries, CAD is responsible for the audit of government-owned companies and of certain legal entities affiliated to the Country.

To make an auditor‘s report CAD examines the financial administration carried out by the government. CAD as internal audit has extensive knowledge of the organization and the business processes of the ministries, departments and directorates. Therefore, the CAD advises on the management of risks in the areas of:

• Reliability of financial and operational information.
• Effectiveness and efficiency of business processes.
• Safeguard of assets.
• Compliance with laws and regulations and contracts.

The investigations of CAD are normally executed on its own initiative. The research objects are selected based on risk assessment and financial interest. In addition, investigations are carried out at the request of Ministers and the management of departments.
Of each investigation CAD submits a report to the responsible ministers. The management of the departments involved and the General Auditor’s Chamber will also receive a copy of the report.

Centro di pa Desaroyo Hende Muher CEDEHM (Bureau of Women's Affairs) was established by t Ministerial Decree of August 27, 2010. It is a separate department that falls under the Ministry of Education and Family Affairs.

Goal

CEDEHM aims to establish itself from the disadvantaged position of women in the community and act on the relevant (policy) areas in an inquisitive, initiative, agenda-setting manner.

The bureau serves as a primary contact for national and international organizations and as the voice of especially the Aruban woman.

Starting point 

The emancipation of women, gender equality and gender mainstreaming as some of the main pillars for a sustainable development of society.

Task 

The bureau’s role is to give advice to the Aruban government on all major issues affecting the status of women in society

The bureau gives advice on such request to one or more ministers.

The bureau may also on its own initiative give advice the Government on the aforementioned issues, related fields or matters concerning them indirectly.

CEDEHM endorses the general emancipation thoughts that can be described as the promotion of equal rights, equal opportunities, freedoms and (social) responsibilities in the Aruban society for men and women including:

• To attain equal rights, equal opportunities and freedoms for all irrespective of gender;
• To create the right economic, cultural and social conditions in which everyone has the opportunity to be/ to become economically independent;
• To improve the position of women in the public and private domain.

Vision

The vision of CEDE Aruba is as follows:

CEDE Aruba is a permanent autonomous Fund, aimed at strengthening the civil community within a balanced society. It acts as a durable bridge between the Private Initiative, a strong, proactive, and coordinated NGO community, on the one hand, and the providers of local and international resources, on the other. It is the largest and most important Aruban Fund, which recognizes the needs of society in a professional manner and comes up with solutions in a creative way. CEDE Aruba is known as a reliable organization, to which everyone can freely apply for advice and assistance in the field of social and educational sustainable development.

Mission

Bringing people and resources together for sustainable development.

As an organization, it combines and uses those energies and resources that are deemed necessary for the social and educational development of the Aruban community and the strengthening of the Private Initiative in the fight against socioeconomic and social problems.

Efforts are made to continue promoting the resilience and self-confidence of the Aruban citizen in general and of the weakest members of society in particular.

Sustainable development is a type of development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the possibility of future generations to meet their needs as well. The term has become a household name after the United Nations (UN) Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. On that occasion, the Member States agreed to strive for sustainable development.

Objectives

• The provisions of funds, both (1) directly by CEDE Aruba itself and (2) indirectly by acting as an intermediary for other funds, notably the Association of Funds Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
• The provision of support and guidance to local organizations concerning (1) the submission of projects; (2) the development, guidance, and evaluation of projects; (3) the exploration of financing possibilities for new initiatives; (4) the enhancement of the effectiveness of one’s own organization
• The promotion of cooperation at all levels; micro, meso, and macro level.
• The identification of gaps in the welfare sector of Aruba and acting as a catalyst in initiating and supporting new developments and programs in society, always in consultation with the relevant NGO sectors. The assessment of the level of support for new initiatives and the promotion of the implementation thereof by the NGO field itself are complementary to this.
• Acting as a consultation partner vis-à-vis the Aruban and Dutch authorities, as well as vis-à-vis donor agencies at home and abroad
• The promotion of research in the social, educational, and recreational field.

Objective and tasks of the Civil Registry office (Dienst Burgerlijke Stand en Bevolkingsregister -DBSB)
 

The purpose of the registers of civil status and of the personal records database is to have reliable data that serve as the source and base for the provision of information about individuals. All organizations with a government function are basically required to get the information they need about people when doing their work, from the civil registry. Using data from the civil register has as result that the same, reliable, personal information is used within all organization. The DBSB must ensure that the information in its database is accurate, complete and current.
 

Based on the foregoing, the objective of the DBSB is as follows:

The DBSB is responsible for:

• Ensuring a proper person registration and provision of personal information on behalf of the government, semi-government organizations and citizens;
• Record events in deeds (legal acts / legal facts) which relate to the civil status of persons and that took place in Aruba;
• The use of the registers to provide efficient high-quality personal data and the making and issuing of a variety of documents;
• To prepare, coordinate and carry out periodically occurring elections for the Parliament as well as referendums, which politically, are highly sensitive processes.

The DBSB is a government service organization and as such is mainly product-oriented. The products of the DBSB can be distinguished in;

• Complex products that come about after a fairly long procedure, whereby broader interpretation is possible and often necessary (such as acts of civil registry and a person list);
• Standard products that can be achieved rapidly by means of the execution of a standard procedure. Examples of standard products are passport and extract from the civil registry (certificate of residence).

Almost all the processes in the DBSB lead to the delivery of a product. In addition, there is always data processing.

The tasks of the DBSB include:

• Processing declarations of births, recognitions and death;
• Recording and handling of matrimonial matters and the registration of divorce cases;
• Performing civil marriages;
• Carrying out mutations in the civil registry;
• Creating and management of person lists;
• Applying IPR matters (International Private Law);
• Providing information from the civil registry;
• Issuing passports, identity documents and extracts;
• Preparing, coordinating and executing Parliamentary elections and possible referendums;
• Developing legislation and regulations in the area of specific civil affairs and issues.
• Developing policy principles and policies on specific civil affairs issues.

The following is an overview of the mission, the vision, purpose and tasks of the Crisis Management Office

• The Office’s mission is to develop an optimal policy in the field of crisis management and emergency response organization;
• Also to ensure the general safety of the life and health of the population, the environment and the economy of Aruba;
• The vision of the Office is that in the near future the crisis management and emergency response organization is so advanced, that there exists an optimal cooperation between the various departments and organizations, and that the exchange of relevant information runs smoothly between them;
• The Office's aim is to improve the quality of emergency response on Aruba by means of the appointed legislative tasks in order to achieve an able-bodied, self-conscious and safer society, in which everyone takes responsibility.

Duties/responsibilities:

• Assist the Minister of General Affairs in the execution of the tasks assigned to him according to the Calamity ordinance;
• Advising the Government in general and the Minister of General Affairs in particular, whether or not in consultation with other agencies on crisis management and crisis response;
• Preparing, developing and implementing the policy on crisis management and emergency response. Provide a crisis plan, a contingency plan and prepare plans for containment and control;
• Preparing operational and logistics plans also preparing measures aimed at preventing crises and disaster and letting the competent authorities take said measures;
• Prepare and implement training and exercises and ensure evaluations of these exercises and trainings;
• Preparation and maintenance of infrastructural facilities for the purpose of crisis management and for the use of the emergency response staff, such as equipment, gear, safety accommodation, communication equipment/devices;
• In charge of communication during crises and disasters and also in charge of evaluations after the occurrence of disasters and crises;
• Testing of newly developed plans for containment and control in crisis and disaster situations and making the necessary adjustments in relation to the relevant decisions, regulations and ordinances.

The core task of the Department of Human Resources:
• Is the development and implementation of personnel and organizational policy for the Aruban government.

The mission of DRH is:

• To contribute to a fully functioning public administration organization through the development and implementation of an effective and efficient HR policy, that is able to provide services and products of high quality level to the Aruban community.

Besides the mission, the vision is also formulated:

• The vision of Department of Human Resources is to convert the department as soon as practicable in a fully functioning organization, which is characterized by a participative management, capable and motivated staff, as well as by a high degree of innovation orientation, results orientation and customer focus.

The main objectives of the DRH are as follows:

• Contribute to an effective and efficient functioning government organization.
• Contribute to the professionalization of the government organization through the implementation of a targeted policy on education and training (ED integral policy).
• Contribute to increasing the motivation and productivity within the public sector organization.
• Ensure optimal qualitative and quantitative staffing of the government organization.
• Ensure the uniform and consistent application of legal status regulations and policies.
• Modernize on a continuous basis the P & O policy.
• Improve the quality of service of the DRH.
• Contribute to improving the quality of internal and external services for the public sector organization.
• Contribute to better management and accountability information on P & O area.

The purpose of the Department for Technical Inspections is to promote the safety in the broadest sense of the word (of labor, tools, appliances, plants, and motor vehicles). Also the optimizing of the working conditions for the employees in companies and the investigations of unsafe situations and accidents, protecting the citizens against the use of incorrect sizes, weights and weighing and measuring tools, protecting workers, citizens and environment against the unsafe use of steam boilers and pressure vessels and protecting the citizens against unsafe construction of electrical equipment and gas installations. In addition the department is closely and actively involved in the environmental policy of the Aruba.

The Department for Technical Inspections has established among other things the following tasks as its objective:

• DTI is responsible for monitoring the Electron concession
• DTI is responsible for electrical inspections
• DTI provides calibration services for weighing/measuring apparatus and steam using/producing apparatus
• Safety inspections
• Vehicle inspections
• Technical measurements
• DTI is concerned with chemical and radioactive substances
• General Affairs
   

The Departamento di Integracion, Maneho y Admision di Stranhero (DIMAS) ”, has been as of July 01 2006 in charge of executing the Management Policy for Admission and Integration of Foreign Nationals for the Aruban Government.  
This means that the DIMAS assesses all requests of foreign nationals wanting to stay in Aruba. It may concern people who are not born in Aruba but want to work and live temporarily or permanently in Aruba. This is also the case for foreign students or interns who want to follow their studies or do their internship here in Aruba.

The DIMAS is the organization that implements and executes the foreign national policy on behalf of the Ministry of Regional Planning, Infrastructure and Environment.

Vision:

• acting as the director for the sustainability of improved alien administration;
• bringing together all parties that are involved with the decision making process and execution of the alien policy;
• ensuring a continuous quality improvement of the Organization and staff.
   

Mission:

• Realizing an integer and durable foreign national policy
   

The primary objective of the DIMAS is "performing tasks related to foreign nationals to ensure: better integration, a restrictive admissions policy, the observance of the State Ordinance for Admission and Expulsion (LTU), an effective return policy, an integral asylum, migration and immigration policy and the approach of illegality".
 

The core tasks of the DIMAS are:

• Dealing with applications for admission and residence, whether or not to work;
• Issuing temporary and permanent residence permits;
• Issuing declarations for individuals not obligated to have an official permit and individuals admitted under the law;
• Extending Guarantee Statements relating to the issuing and delivery of visas by embassies and consulates abroad;
• Managing the legal (long-term) residence of foreign nationals;
• Investigating applications related to, among others, live-in domestic help;Monitoring the short stay of foreign nationals, including tourists;
• The implementation of preparatory work on the grounds of the naturalization policy, in so far as it is part of the list of duties of the country Aruba;
• Conducting an integral immigration policy, i.e. an effective integration, return and admission policies.

The Department of Nature and Environment is in charge with the task to:
prepare, design, implement and evaluate policies that lead to a sustainable healthy environment for people and nature in Aruba where the main goal is to preserve, protect and improve natural and environmental qualities.

The Department Nature and Environment (DNM) was formally established on January 1, 2012, according to the National Decree of November 30, 2012. The DNM is primarily a policy entity and has as core tasks:

• Policy making;
• Research and monitoring;
• Inspection.

The work areas of the DNM are as follows:

• Waste;
• Biodiversity and ecology;
• Hazardous substances;
• Climate change and air quality;
• Soil quality;
• Water quality;
• Businesses.

DNM consists of:

• General Support Division;
• Legal Support Division;
• Communication Support Division;
• Core policy Division;
• Research and Monitoring Division;
• Inspection Division.

The leadership of the DNM rests with the director.

The Policy Division is in charge of core policy and information generation for policy formulation and evaluation.
The Research and Monitoring Division focuses on preparing and doing research and analysis in the field of nature and environment. The research is used to prepare and develop environmental policies.
The Inspection Division detects criminal acts as stipulated in law and regulations, guidelines, licenses and agreements and also registers notifications and reports about nature and the environment. This department is autonomous in the drafting of official reports and in forwarding them for sanctions or prosecution.

Additionally, there are also various departments responsible for the execution of nature and environmental tasks.

• Department of Public Works (DOW) is responsible for sewage purification, maintenance of gutters (rooi), beaches, roadsides and other landscaping. In case of dangerous substances DOW manages a depot for explosives.
• The Inspection of Medicine is responsible for monitoring among others the import of insecticide and biochemical weapons.
• Serlimar is responsible for the collection of household waste and manages the landfills Parkietenbos and Gabilan.
• The Contingency Plan states that in case of an incident or disaster, the Fire Department is the first responder for cases involving the environment.  In the yet to be defined sub-plan environment of the contingency plan, the departments to be called upon to provide assistance, are mentioned.

Aruba together with the Netherlands, Curaçao and Sint Maarten constitutes the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and therefore shares in the collective ICAO membership of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 1986 Aruba attained an autonomous state within the Kingdom and the Department of Civil Aviation Aruba was founded.

Firstly, the aviation laws of the Netherlands Antilles were adopted, afterwards amended and synchronized with the Dutch aviation laws.

In 1995 major changes were made in the regulation in order to meet the level of the new European Joint Aviation Requirements (JAR-OPS, JAR-FCL, etc.). By meeting these requirements Aruba received high scores in the US DOT (FAA) audit, this resulted in an IASA-category 1 listing.

These extensive efforts ensured for a thorough safety culture with several aviation authorities in Aruba. The aviation authorities and the local aviation industry have focused on the achievement of and to operate with the highest standards.

A lot of time is spend and research done, taking into account the size of the island and the changing requirements, to meet these high requirements as well as the continuous promotion of the aviation industry in Aruba.
An example of this is entering into agreements with other civil aviation authorities to share expertise.
 

Department of Finance is responsible for advising on financial-economic field and with the monitoring of the public finances on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Communication, Utilities and Energy. The Department of Finance has the task of managing the policy cycle, the budgetary cycle, the power cycle, the information and the control.

The Department of Finance is responsible for among other things:

• Advising on the preparation and implementation of the financial-economic policy taking into account good governance;
• Drawing up, monitoring and advising on the establishment and implementation of the budgets of the country;
• To support and deliver a substantial contribution to the Ministers and departments concerning the annual recurring process of the policy and budgetary cycle;
• Managing the cash flow on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and monitoring the spending thereof;
• The central financial administration of the country Aruba;Managing the administrative/financial information, both on a national and international level;
• Monitoring the compliance with the Accounting rules.

The relevant (accountable) changes in laws and regulations that regulate the powers and responsibilities described in the Constitution include article v.12 (budget and annual accounts) and Constitution article V. 13 (sound financial management) and the account regulation 1989, all published on this website.

The Department of Information management and Automation (DIA) is responsible for the operation of the information and communication infrastructure such as those used within the Aruban Government. The Aruban ICT infrastructure is based on a number of state-of-the-art components such as a very reliable network that practically interconnects all departments, communication between all departments and different computer systems that support the various departments in the execution of their daily work.

In order to make this possible, the DIA has a number of talented and qualified employees ranging from computer technicians to business administrators. The DIA uses a strict recruitment and selection criteria to ensure a quality level. All employees from the DIA Office are in Oranjestad, where the Central Service desk is located. The computer room of the DIA is located elsewhere on the island.

Besides that the DIA deals with the day-to-day operation of the networks and computer systems it is also involved in a number of government projects, to a greater or lesser extent, that has to do with ICT. So has the DIA, among others, been involved in the creation of this website.

The DIA is always interested in getting in touch with potential future employees. If there is interest to gain better knowledge about the DIA they may be contacted via the above mentioned E-mail address.

The vision, mission and strategy of the Department of Labor and Research (DAO) are the basis to achieve an organization focused on effective policy development and implementation.

Vision

The vision is as follows:

• Promoting a balanced, qualitative and participatory labor market is necessary in order to view the future of Aruba with confidence.

Mission

• The mission of DAO can be described as follows:

DAO is the leading and key organization to promote a balanced, qualitative and participatory Aruban labor market. Therefore its policy must be substantiated, coherent and effective.
The main actors on the Aruban labor market are involved in the coordination of policy making and implementation, where it strives for support and cooperation...
DAO is working to continuously improve the quality  of the organization and staff.

Strategy

The Labor Market Research Office and the policy department work closely to develop effective policies.
The implementing organizations are responsible for the quality of policy implementation.
Relevant policy recommendations are discussed with the executives of DAO and implemented after adoption.
If necessary, policies of which DAO has a leading role are monitored at pre-agreed targets. In addition, regular policy evaluations take place.
The DAO reports to the Minister of Social Affairs, Youth and Labor. The DAO has the main objective to promote a balanced labor market in Aruba. In this context, the management advises on issues regarding the labor market. The management is responsible for policy development and implementation, including through research into the movements in the labor market, supervision and control of trends and developments, and fine-tuning them on the need for manpower. The management is thereby substantively responsible for developing and formulating strategy and vision for the policy area.

The DAO consists of the following divisions:

• Management and Staff
• Labor Market Research Office
• Labor Inspection Office
• Labor Disputes Office

The core tasks of the DAO are:

• Promoting a balanced labor market for the Country of Aruba;
• Advising the government on issues regarding the labor market;
• Supervising compliance with the Aruban labor legislation

The DAO is committed to the following objectives:

• Increasing employment rate and job placement;
• Protect the legal status of workers and promote their working conditions;
• Improving the quality of work and training.
   

Below is an overview of the vision, mission, objectives and tasks of the Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs.

Vision

The Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs provides transparency for the Country in the complex legal world.

Mission

The Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs promotes fair, practical and just governance through clear counseling, advocacy and legislation.

The Department works with other ministries to assess the rights and duties of the government and citizen in a proper manner. Our main aim is to provide services and products to our clients: individuals, organizations and businesses. Service to the client is of key importance, both in our approach and the way the organization is structured. We are results-oriented, cost-conscious and interact in a friendly, open and committed way with our clients.

The Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs has a supportive role in the production of various products by different government departments. In addition, the management has an evaluative and/or investigative function regarding government-wide matters. It monitors the legal position of the entire organization and is as such the "legal conscience". In some cases, the management can give solicited or unsolicited, advice regarding the legal process and the resulting consequences. On the one hand, it has an evaluative, framework-setting and monitoring role and on the other hand, it gives advice and support during implementation.

Objective

The Department of Legislation aims to promote fair, effective and just governance by the national bodies and in cooperation with other ministries, balance the rights and obligations of government and citizens.

Tasks

The Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs aims to achieve its objective by performing at least the following tasks:

• To make all necessary regulations belonging to its task;
• To publish all regulations in the Official Gazettes and the Official Journals and related activities;
• To study and analyze the legal and political developments of Kingdom Affairs and Constitutional Affairs;
• To initiate advices, policy documents and research in this field;
• To handle administrative matters for all ministries;
• To handle matters relating to constitutional law, civil law, commercial law and criminal law, civil procedure and criminal procedure;
• To prepare solicited or unsolicited legal and policy advice for the ministries that relate to constitutional law, civil law, commercial law and criminal law, civil procedure and criminal procedure;
• To draw up solicited or unsolicited legal and policy advice to the Minister of Justice regarding topics in the field of public order and safety; organization of justice, legal person’s rights, citizenship, admission and expulsion, application of criminal law and special law established under the responsibility of the Minister of Justice;
• To draft solicited or unsolicited legal and policy advice for ministries on the granting, renewal, revocation of licenses, permissions and waivers;
• To act as State Attorney at the Court of First Instance, the Joint Court of Justice, to give solicited and unsolicited advice on all administrative cases and litigation, to represent the country and its governing bodies in all proceedings under the LAR (Administrative Justice Ordinance);
• To publish official by law required public service announcements of licenses and the like.

ORGANIZATION

The Department of Rental and Consumer Affairs is better known as the Regional Rental Tribunal. However, this is not correct, because the Regional Rental Tribunal is a separate body. What is correct is that the Department of Rental and Consumer Affairs lends administrative support to the Rental Tribunal. Soon, we will lend the same administrative support to the Complaints Board for Consumers. A complaints board is a committee that decides on business related issues where the parties involved can’t reach to an agreement.

The objective of the Department of Rental and Consumer Affairs is to promote a balanced policy in the field of rent-and consumer concerns.

The Department of Rental and Consumer Protection seeks to achieve its objectives through the execution of at least the following tasks, as described in the National Decree:

• The drafting of policy advice for the Minister of Economic Affairs, Communications, Energy and Environment concerning all matters related to rental and consumer protection, including making proposals to amend existing legislation or to create new rules governing the matter;
• Advising and lending administrative support to the Regional Rental Tribunal when executing the tasks entrusted to it according to the Rental Tribunal Regulation;
• Monitoring the adherence to the stipulations established by the Rental Tribunal National Decree and other regulations that are geared towards protecting the consumer. Through said decree appoint and give authorization to the competent authorities;
• Advising and lending administrative support to the concerning Minister or organizations designated by the government that are geared towards promoting rent-and consumer protection.

Below is an overview of the vision, mission, objectives and tasks of the Departamento di Progreso Laboral.

Vision

A professional partner in the promotion of a sustainable labor force participation in close cooperation with public and private parties throughout the entire employment chain to realize a future-proof Aruba.

Mission

To activate and guide job seekers on the Aruban labor market through job placement

Tasks:

Job center
The Job center department (JC) is responsible for the actual implementation of job placement. An employer can notify the JC of a vacancy within his company. JC will try to find suitable candidates to fill this vacancy. Job seekers can also request the JC to act as mediator for them in order to get thus a (different) job.
The mediation of JC consists of acting as mediator for employers, job seekers and difficult or unemployable "job seekers".

Manpower planning
Manpower Planning Department is responsible for maintaining and registering labor data from local businesses. Through their man power planning companies provides what their anticipated staffing needs will be for the coming year.

Admission
Under the Ordinance Admission and Expulsion is the Minister of Integration is in charge of the policy on the granting and denial of residence permit with or without permission to work.

The Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce & Industry of Aruba (DEACI) was established in 1986 with the introduction of the separate status of Aruba within the Dutch Kingdom. DEACI resides under the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Culture and is responsible for advising the Minister on economic policies, and implements these in turn on behalf of the Minister.

The DEACI contributes to the sustainable economic development, economic prosperity and the social welfare of those who are part of the Aruban society. This contribution is realized, among other things, by developing policies based on scientific foundations and orientation, long term planning, stimulating entrepreneurship and fostering international economic relations. Our objective is to promote a healthy and sustainable development of the Aruban economy.

The DEACI consists of the following Sections:

1. Economic Policy and Research
2. Sustainable Development Planning & Development Cooperation
3. Foreign Economic Relations and Business Development
4. Economic Policy Implementation
5. Business Licenses
6. General Services and Human Resources 

DEACI vision

Developing DEACI into a top government organization that provides the government, the Aruban citizens, local and international companies and institutions a customer focused, effective, professional, high-quality services through proper policy development, structural monitoring and management in the socio-economic area.

DEACI mission

Contributing to a healthy and sustainable socio-economic development of Aruba by supporting the government in achieving sound economic policies and management. DEACI provides independent advice to the government, which facilitates decision making on economic issues as well as for the accountability of Aruba.

Strategic goals:

• Promoting a sustainable socio-economic development through the diversification of the economy and consolidation of the tourism industry.
• Increasing the quality of life of the inhabitants of Aruba by stimulating socio-economic activities on the island.
• Maintaining a healthy market that benefits a balanced growth in the economy of Aruba.
• Promoting Aruba as a trading center for services and goods in the region for the purpose of sustainable socio-economic development on the island.
• Coordinating the national strategic planning process and encouraging coordination and cooperation between the authorities involved.

Core tasks:

• Analyzing socio-economic issues, monitoring and evaluating socio-economic policies and advising and developing socio-economic policies;
• Coordinate the national strategic planning process, and encourage coordination between the authorities involved;
• Advising on preparation and implementation of policies and projects (including development cooperation) that contribute to the development of the economy;
• The development and implementation of policies for the stimulation of international trade (promoting the export of products and services) and the integration of the Aruban economy into the world economy;
• Developing and implementing policies for an attractive investment climate to promote investments in Aruba for sustainable economic development (local and external investors);
• Advising and stimulating a micro-economic policy in the context of the price policy (price regulation), market protection policy (competition law) and National ordinance import, export and transit, consumer protection (consumer law), energy policy, shop closure policy.
• Regulating local trade by issuing business permits, monitoring developments of business establishments and carrying out checks on compliance with the Establishment of business ordinance  in Aruba.

In 1976 the department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Farmers market (DLVV) Santa Rosa was initially founded as an experimental station by the government. Later on the goal of DLVV was to make more efficient use of the financial and natural resources by promotion and development of agriculture, with particular attention to horticulture, livestock and fisheries. The DLVV is primarily a customer-oriented organization that promotes agriculture and fisheries. Besides those tasks, DLVV has to ensure the conservation and management of the natural environment, both at sea and on land. Other tasks are conducting research, executing projects, providing information and collecting data on the primary sector, nature and environment.

Research

One of the tasks of DLVV is to conduct research. Research is conducted by DLVV themselves or in association with or under supervision of other governmental departments, or local and international research agencies. For example DIP, DOW and FPNA, and also the Agriculture University of Wageningen, the Radboud University and the Toledo Zoo.

The research results can be applied in the policy and used in counseling. Different units of DLVV are involved in several studies. There are projects that have been going on for years, and thus have gained specific knowledge and experience. In the past several projects have been completed successfully.

 The researches that are currently being carried out are: designing and conducting trails of protected crops of vegetables and fruit vegetables under shade cloth.
Improving the yield for small cattle farms and the continuing of crossbreeding lines which will lead to hybrids with good usefulness. The introduction of new varieties and the collection of performance figures thereof.
Continuation tests on meat percentage and feed conversion of pigs.
Continuation of boa-project: stocktaking, monitoring and evaluation of the Boa Constrictor. To participate in the implementation of research in the aspect and effect of the Boa Constrictor in nature. Experts from abroad coordinate the research and execute the majority of proceedings. It is a collaborative effort between DLVV, FPNA and VD.
Continuation of the long-term scientific cooperation program with respect to the marine biodiversity of the coastal systems in cooperation with the Department of Animal Ecology and Animal Ecophysiology of the Radboud University Nijmegen under the supervision of marine biologist doctor Ivan Nagelkerken. It is an inventory of fish stocks of sea grass beds, mangroves and coral reefs and their interactions. The importance of these habitats as nursery for coral fishes has already been proven in Bonaire and Curaçao, but in Aruba there is not much known about the use of mangroves and sea grasses by coral fishes. These habitats can deteriorate very quickly on the surface and quality, in particular by chopping for expansion or construction of scaffoldings, piers, ports and or industry. This can have strong negative effects on the whole fish stock in Aruba, and hereby also on the fishery and the underwater tourism.
Continuation by the monitoring of stern birds under the supervision of Doctor Adrian Del Nevo, president of the Applied Ecological Solutions Ins. This investigation calls for a close cooperation between Valero, before Coastal and the Aruban Government.
Stocktaking and mapping of existing cactus hedges, and therefore achieving a monitoring network and a proposal for a management structure. This is done in cooperation with DIP, specifically the management department. This investigation will also map several landscape elements such as boulders and stone hills but also land usage. This investigation was carried out by different trainees, related to the HAS Den Bosch.
To make up a management plan for the gutters (stream of rainwater). These are not only important for the discharge of excess rainwater, but also have e natural function for the distribution of the flora and fauna. In view of the floods these last few years, one should in cooperation with DOW, who is responsible for the maintenance of the gutters, make up a management plan in which one takes into account water drainage, maintenance and nature.
The making and placing of Fish Attracting Devices, in conjunction with department LVV Curaçao and Stichting Marcultura. Fish are attracted to FAD which is favorable for local fishery.
Herbarium project: expanding, updating and automation of current herbarium. Foreign expert coordinate this in its entirety, they perform the majority of work and prepare courses for their own contributors and for those of concerned departments and organizations.

Openings hours:

Open to public:           Monday to Friday      07:00 – 12:00
                                                                          13:00 – 16:00

 Cashier office            Monday to Friday       07:30 – 12:00
                                                                           13:00 – 15:00

 On weekends, holidays and ATV-days closed for public.

The Guardianship Council is the child protection agency in Aruba and falls under the Ministry of Justice. Our primary task is to protect minors in order to promote their development into adulthood. 

The Guardianship Council is legally authorized to take child protective measures to protect the minor. 

The Guardianship Council defends the rights of the child whose development and education are threatened. To this end, the risks and protective factors present in the family are investigated, focusing on the interests of the child. In this way, the Guardianship Council can determine whether a child protective measure is necessary to guarantee the safety and development of the minor. The investigation takes place within a multidisciplinary framework, investigating the immediate circle of the minor, such as agencies and schools. If the investigation shows that the fundamental rights of the child are in danger, the Guardianship Council will take the necessary steps to protect the minor. The protection is both of a social and of a financial nature. 

Forms of protection: 

• Obtaining a placement order
• A provisional family supervision order
• A family supervision order
• Compulsory relief of guardianship
• Removal of parental authority 

According to the law, the Guardianship Council is the advisory body of the Court in cases involving minors. It concerns cases for changing guardianship, adoption cases, paternity cases, etc. 

Purpose of the organization

"To guarantee and protect the fundamental right of the minor to a healthy and balanced development into independence."

Services/Activities

• To provide information to the public through the social assistant and financial assistant;
• To conduct investigations in case of suspicion of child abuse, molestation and neglect;
• Crisis intervention in case of an acute threat to the development of a minor;
• To ensure that, if it is urgent and immediately necessary, the relevant child protection order is obtained to prevent moral, physical and spiritual downfall. 
• To take care of a minor who has been entrusted to the Guardianship Council by the Court or the Public Prosecution Service based on a statutory provision. 
• To have a hearing representative advice the Court, both when asked and on its own initiative, in family-law cases on granting parental authority, determining the principal place of residence and visitation rights of the parents in case of divorce or a judicial separation;
• At the request of the Court, to investigate the environmental and financial situation (parental authority, principal place of residence, visitation and alimony), custody decisions and/or changes in custody and adoption requests, to report and advise hereon;
• To act as guardian ad litem in cases concerning the paternity of a minor, on appointment by the Court of First Instance. The Guardianship Council represents the interests of a minor during the proceedings on the basis of the filed statement containing comments;
• Alimony mediation and asking the Court to determine the alimony at the request of the caretaker parent;
• To guarantee that the amount(s) paid to the Guardianship Council for the maintenance of a minor are paid to the person entitled;
• To take care of the parental responsibility order regarding a minor, when it becomes known that a minor does not fall under the authority required by law, or that this authority over him/her is not exercised;
• Access mediation at the request of one of the parents and/or the Court;
• To issue parental authority statements. 

Source: www.org.aw
 

History of the ‘Foundation Lotto pa Deporte’.

The foundation Lotto pa Deporte was founded in 1982. Its goal is to obtain funds for the purpose of sports, physical education and culture. However this all took about 2 years before the foundation became operational. It was not until 1984 when the foundation first started the sale of a Lotto-product, which was named ‘Lotto pa deporte’. In the early 90’s a second product was introduced on the market, the scratch cards.
In 1996 a new director was assigned to the foundation. His main task was to automate the sales of the Lotto. Before this, everything was done manually. After many years of negotiations, the online-system was finally introduced in October of 1999. During the years these products, Catochi, Wega di number Corsou, Big 4, Lotto di Dia, Mini Mega(Mega Plus) Lotto 5, Zodiac Raspa and Facilito. were introduced on the market. As of today the foundation is selling 9 products. The foundation will also be introducing an on-line bingo product in the future for the locals. Initially the foundation started out with 50 sales outlets and as of today it has 175 sales outlets.

Organization

The ‘Foundation Lotto pa Deporte’ is a foundation which falls under the Ministry of Public Health, Elderly care and Sports. The foundation is headed by a government appointed management. The management is in charge of monitoring the implementation of the policies of the foundation. The actual execution lies in the hands of the director.

Structure

The ‘Foundation Lotto pa Deporte’ has an office that works under the responsibility of a management appointed by the minister of Public Health, Elderly care and Sports and the minister of Finance.

Goal

The goal of the Aruba Lottery regulation is to offer financial support to sports, physical exercise and culture. The minister has appointed a sport subsidy commission, in order to achieve a balanced issuance of funds to the sports organizations. The sport subsidy commission is responsible for making an inventory and control of all sport subsidies.

Subsidies

From October 1996 up to and including December 2006, the foundation has given away more than 125 million in prices and has made available more than 25 million for sport and culture. The foundation has made major investments in important projects for the Aruban population such as Parke Curason Jaburibari, Centro Deportivo Frans Figaroa and Stadio

Objective:

To contribute to the improvement of the quality of governance by fulfilling its role entrusted to her by the Constitution.

Duties / responsibilities:

• According to Article IV.5 of the Constitution of Aruba the General Audit Chamber is in charge of investigating the efficiency and legitimacy of the collections and expenditure of the country Aruba (Land Aruba). The Chamber, based on the first to the third paragraph of Article 31 of the Ordinance of Audit Aruba (Landsverordening Algemene Rekenkamer Aruba - LARA), is also authorized to perform audits in institutions, associations, companies, corporations, foundations or other entities that receive subsidies from the country or that manages funds and goods, provided by the country.
• The Chamber examines during legitimacy investigations whether the collection and expenditure accounts, contain all the items which in accordance with legal regulations must be included and whether the accounts are made in accordance with the law and the Ordinance to establish the budget. These requirements are amongst others stipulated in the Comptabiliteitsverordening 1989 (CV 1989) Government Accounts Ordinance 1989. (The CV 1989 stipulates the way of administration and accountability of the country’s money).
• The Chamber examines in the case of efficiency audits, whether a policy decision intended objective (s) is (are) achieved (effectiveness) with the least possible burden on resources (efficiency).
• It also examines whether the legislation and the decisions and decree of the competent authority are taking into account in the collection of receipts and disbursements.
• The Chamber must ensure that the assets and liabilities of the country are liquidated with the required diligence and that all money and goods of the country are managed effectively.
• The Chamber is required to inform the Parliament, the Council of Ministers or the relevant minister (s) of all proposals, comments and objections, which they considers useful, as regards the revenues and expenses, and also to improve or simplify the financial management of the country. It is also authorized to provide such information to the Governor and to the Parliament of Aruba if they consider it necessary in the interest of the country and based on this information, consultation is held.
   

The vision, mission, objective and tasks of the Government Information Services are as follows:

VISION

The vision of the Government Information Services is as follows:

As part of the government information/communication policy, maintain the openness and transparency in the communication between Government and citizens.

MISSION

The mission of the Government Information Services is expressed as follows:

Through a unified system of communication foster collaboration among all involved with government information/communication and so ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in the information.

OBJECTIVE

The Government Information Services main objective is:

Promote a transparent relationship between Government and public (citizens, special interest groups, industry) and among government departments themselves by collecting and sharing information and communicating about Government policy.

TASKS (core tasks)

The Government Information Services is committed to the achievement of its objective by means of performing at least the following main tasks:

• Drafting/composing and delivering information material (such as advertisements, television spots and radio spots) for the benefit of the public or special target groups through the local media;
• Coordinating information campaigns with other government departments;
• Maintaining contact with the foreign press and when on the island accompany them jointly with other government authorities;
• Conducting research for the purpose of publicity/communications policy for the Government;
• Compiling a (digital) audio visual/photo archive for the benefit of the government departments, ministers and the Cabinet of the Governor;
• Advising third parties on protocol matters;
• Organizing press conferences;
• Advising the public administrators and ministers as to the appropriate means of communication to utilize within the framework of financial efficiency and available resources;
• Translating and correcting the language Papiamento when writing ads for communication purposes;
• Jointly implementing/executing the National Ordinance Government Information (Public Access) act;
• Managing the Government website in collaboration with the Department of Information and Automation (DIA), namely: preparing, developing and producing as well as managing material for the website and the publishing thereof.

Vision:

The department for Infrastructure Management and Planning (DIP) is a dynamic team-and customer oriented professional organization. It is a policy initiator and in charge of implementing and controlling established policies. Additionally, a core task of the DIP is the management of conflicting interests and the achieving of a broad base social support.

Mission:

To address the demand for land (water) through integrated spatial development and planning, in order to ensure a sustainable and livable environment for present and future generations.

Objectives:

• The development and implementation of spatial plans that facilitate an integral and systematic development of Aruba;
• Adequately assisting citizens, who as yet have no plot of land however, have petitioned for a plot, to achieve their housing-construction goal in a manner that is transparent and easy to understand;
• Efficiently create new plots for housing-construction to suit the customers’ demand and ensuring a balanced ' occupation ' of Aruba. To serve the housing possibilities on a short term leading to a planned high quality living environment;
• Ensure the optimal use of the existing infrastructure in the already developed areas. With the aim to contribute to solving the housing issue and improving the quality of life;
• To execute an adequate and efficient administrative management of the already issued plots of land and waters;
• Through the up-keep of or enforcing of regulatory compliance guarantee the legal assurance and protection of citizens, institutions and companies. Therefore guaranteeing the quality of the environment;
• To effectively contribute to the economic, social and corporate social development of Aruba by zones;
• To create and complete them with economic, corporate social and social functions;
• The proactive search for alternatives and solutions for clients, stakeholders and the Minister in charge.
   

Open hours:

Monday through Friday from 7:45 am to 11:45 am and from 1:15 pm to 4:15 pm.

DIP Sabana Blanco


 

The Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and of Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba is responsible for the administration of justice in first instance and in appeal on the islands. The Joint Court of Justice consists of a presiding judge, the other members, and their substitutes. The members of the Joint Court of Justice deal, in first instance and in appeal, with civil cases, criminal cases, and cases of administrative law (tax law among others).

The Court in First Instance

A case that is dealt with in court for the first time generally falls under the jurisdiction of the Court in First Instance, which is an organizational part of the Court of Appeal. One judge generally deals with cases in first instance. The Court in First Instance of the Netherlands Antilles has its seat in Curaçao and has jurisdiction in all the islands. There are also sessions in all the islands. There is a Court in First Instance for Aruba that is also part of the Court of Appeal.

Cases in Appeal

The Joint Court of Justice handles cases in appeal that were dealt with and decided on by the Courts in First Instance. A judge who handled a case in first instance will not participate when the case is dealt with in appeal. Three members of the Court deal with the cases in appeal. Those judges then make up the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and of Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba. So, this name denotes both the whole of the judicial system of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and of Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba (including the Courts in First Instance) as well as the higher court of appeal by itself (hereafter ‘the Court of Appeal’). There are some exceptional cases where the Court of Appeal also handles cases in first instance with more than one judge.

Judicial tribunals

The members of the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and of Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba also work together in judicial tribunals, such as the Board of Appeal in the Arbitration Court for Civil Servants and the Board of Appeal in Tax Cases.

In 1994 the Minister of Culture established the Monuments Council.
Thereafter in January 1996, the Monuments Office Aruba and in June 1996 the Monuments Foundations (Stichting Monumenten Fonds Aruba) were set up.

Vision:

To refurbish the monuments in Aruba and their surroundings in a cultural, historic and responsible way, in order to once again make the surrounding a place where one can live, shop and work and where the tourist can enjoy their stay.

Mission:

To manage the conservation process of monuments in Aruba. The main focus is to protect, preserve and restore the monuments.

 Policy:

The objectives of the Monuments Foundation are as follows:

• To actively stimulate, regulate and control the compliance of the monuments ordinances (AB1991 no. GT46);
• To adapt the monuments ordinances to the current situation;
• The initiation of the designation procedure after the completion of the value proposition;
• To institute a licensing system.

The Minister of Finance and Government Organization installed the Office for Government Grant Coordination (CBOS) following the new subsidy policy.

The Office for Government Grant Coordination (CBOS) aims to support the new system, namely the output targeted grant and the continuity hereof.

The CBOS also supports the quest for and commitment to other funding sources. The CBOS is committed to the achievement of its objective by carrying out the following main tasks:

• advising and supporting the ministries, policy directorates and institutions of the General output subsidy policy;
• (co) development, initiating, monitoring and evaluation of the output-oriented standard funding;
• the preparation of the corresponding national decrees to provide grant.

For more information on the new aid policy you can consult the Manual Government grants Aruba 2016-2017.

Bureau Internal Services (BID) is, as the name implies, a department that primarily offers services to other government departments. The primary task of the Bureau Internal Services is the mail registration and managing the archive for the government. The Bureau Internal Services is also the official body within the government where all correspondence addressed to the ministers must be submitted for registration. Outgoing letters, national decrees, Ministerial Decisions, contracts must also be sent by BID.

The Bureau has defined the following objectives for itself:

• Professionalize the services focusing on customer and customer-friendliness;
• Implement and manage the general operation of the central automated Mail Registration System Web Edition for government documents, DECOS;
• Establishing a policy for archiving and care of all documented information for other departments;
• Optimizing mail and services between departments and the Bureau Internal Services by using the central messenger service and the department for central purchasing.

The core task of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Aruba (OM) as stated in Article 3 of the Uniform National Ordinance (Eenvormige Landsverordening) of the judicial system reads as follows:
"The Public Prosecutor is particularly in charge of the enforcement of legislation, the prosecution of criminal offenses, the carrying out of convictions and decisions in criminal cases and overseeing compliance with court decisions in disciplinary cases."

This principal task of the Public Prosecutor’s Office can be divided into 4 tasks:

1. Maintain legal regulations;
2. Lead investigation of criminal offenses;
3. Prosecute offenses;

4. Supervise the execution of criminal judgments

Below the four tasks of the Public Prosecution are further explained.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office is primarily in charge with the enforcement of the law. This means that the Public Prosecutor’s Office has the task of ensuring that the rules and laws of Aruba are not violated. The Public Prosecutor’s Office is particularly in charge of criminal enforcement, thus with the set of rules (laws and regulations) which establish punishment. The enforcement of these regulations is the prevention, control and reduction of crime.

When a criminal act has been committed, police officers will carry out an investigation. During the investigation the police officers will look for evidence, witnesses and hear possible victims, arrest suspects and record all data in a so-called official report. An official report (also called PV) is a formal written document by police officers with facts they have observed, statements from suspects or witnesses and other investigation (fingerprint research, DNA testing) that is carried out.

The prosecutor is also involved in the investigation of criminal offenses. He himself does not investigate suspects, but the prosecutor is in charge of the criminal investigations by police officers. The prosecutor ensures that the investigation is carried out carefully and fairly; namely according to the rules laid down in the law.
After capturing all the details of the police investigation into a report, the police officer will send the report to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The prosecutor revises the report and all procedural documents and assesses whether the actions of the accused are punishable according to the law. When the prosecutor has all the facts in place, he/she will make a decision. The prosecutor decides whether a suspect will be further prosecuted. Further criminal prosecution means to bring the case to the judge through a subpoena.

Aruban law recognizes the so-called discretionary principle, which means that the prosecutor is not required to bring cases to court. The prosecutor may also decide to dismiss the case. The shelving of cases occurs for example in situations where the police have been unable to gather sufficient evidence, or in situations where it regards a minor offense and the offender has compensated the damage to the victim.
The prosecutor can also conditionally dismiss the criminal case. In a conditional discharge, the public prosecutor proposes to the accused to not prosecute him under one or more conditions. For example, the accused reimburses the damage he/she has caused.

When the offense is considered a punishable offense, like driving a car without a valid inspection, the public prosecutor may also decide on a transaction. The suspect then pays an amount set by the prosecutor to the Country Aruba and does not need to appear anymore in court. When the transaction is paid, the case is dismissed. A defendant who fails to pay the transaction amount must still appear in court.

If no transaction or conditional discharge is presented and the case is not dismissed, the defendant is summoned. This is done by means of a subpoena. A subpoena is an official document in which the prosecutor calls the accused person to appear on a certain day at a certain time in court. The offense the prosecutor accuses the suspect of is also mentioned in the subpoena.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office also supervises the execution or enforcement of criminal convictions. This means that the Public Prosecutor’s Office prosecution must ensure that fines are collected; services that imposed by the court are carried out and prison sentences are served.

The Social and Economic Council (SER) is set up by National Ordinance Social Economic Council in 1987 (AB 1987 No. 103). It is composed of representatives from employers ' and workers ' organizations and independent experts.

The SER is responsible for advising the Government on all important issues of social and/or economic nature. The SER offers its opinions at the request of one or more ministers; it can also take the initiative to offer advice to the Government concerning topics of socio-economic nature.

The advice of the Council will be drawn up in accordance with the opinion of the majority in the meeting. The diverging views of the minority will also be mentioned.

The opinions of the Council are made public at least 30 days after and not more than 60 days after they are released by the Council. Unless, according to the Government’s point of view, the national interest shows a resistance to the disclosure of the opinion in which case the disclosure hereof will take place through the Minister of General Affairs.

The opinions of the Council are made public through the Minister of General Affairs within 90 days after they have been disclosed by the Council.