Van der Burg: Aruba’s refinery and prison require major work

ORANJESTAD — Dutch State Secretary Eric van der Burg concluded his day-and-a-half visit to Aruba with attention to Kingdom cooperation, opportunities for young people and the challenges facing the former Lago refinery and the prison.

“Aruba is much more than sun, sea and sand,” he wrote in his recap. His program included the Autentico food festival, an audience with Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt and meetings with Prime Minister Mike Eman and Deputy Prime Minister Gerlien Croes. Discussions covered a proposed EU platform to improve access to European subsidies, continuation of the country reform packages and progress on the HOFA Kingdom Act.

At Trampolin Pa Trabao and the marine barracks, Van der Burg saw how employment and training can help people with disabilities and young people with limited prospects participate in society.

The former Lago refinery left a less positive impression. He described a large, polluted site with rusty installations. “Remediation and redevelopment are a major undertaking,” he said. The Netherlands is providing expertise to help develop the plans.

Regarding the prison, Van der Burg said part of the current facility does not meet modern standards. The Netherlands supports its refurbishment, while Aruba’s government has plans for new construction.

The visit ended with a briefing on airport border controls. Van der Burg described the visit as constructive, emphasizing cooperation within the Kingdom.

Source: Eric van der Burg’s recap. Quotes translated from Dutch.