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Aruba - Government and Political Conditions (Notes)

GOVERNMENT Part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba has full autonomy on all internal affairs with the exception of defense, foreign affairs, and some judicial functions. The constitution was enacted in January 1986. Executive power rests with a governor, while a prime minister heads an eight-member Cabinet. The governor is appointed for a 6-year term by the monarch and the prime minister and deputy prime minister are elected by the legislature, or Staten, for 4-year terms. The Staten is made up of 21 members elected by direct, popular vote to serve 4-year terms. Aruba's judicial system, mainly derived from the Dutch system, operates independently of the legislature and the executive. Jurisdiction, including appeal, lies with the Common Court of Justice of Aruba and the Supreme Court of Justice in the Netherlands. Principal Government Officials Governor General--Fredis J. Refunjol Prime Minister--Nelson O. Oduber Deputy Prime Minister--Marisol J. Tromp Minister of Labor, Culture, Integration, Community Development & Sports--T.F. Ramon Lee Minister of Finance & Economic Affairs--Nilo J.J. Swaen Minister of General Affairs and Foreign Relations--Nelson O. Oduber Minister of Social Affairs and Public Works--Marisol J. Tromp Minister of Public Health and Environment--Candelario A.S.D. Wever Minister of Justice--Hyacintho R. Croes Minister of Tourism & Transportation--Edison Briesen Minister Plenipotentiary to The Hague--F. Walfrido Croes Minister Plenipotentiary to Washington, DC--D. Henry Baarh President, Bank of Aruba--Rob Henriquez Attorney General--Theresa Croes-Fernandes Pedra