ORANJESTAD/THE HAGUE – A significant leadership crisis has erupted at Aruba Huis following the decision to have Joselin Croes suspended from her role as Director. Minister of Kingdom Affairs Gerlien Croes made the decision recently after an internal investigation conducted by the Department of Human Resources (DRH). Consequently, the situation has left Aruba’s representation in the Netherlands in a state of uncertainty.

Suspension and Immediate Legal Action

According to reports, the Minister has placed Joselin Croes on “non-active” duty. Furthermore, she is explicitly barred from entering any government buildings. While the government has not confirmed the exact reasons for the decision, the fallout has been swift. Joselin Croes has already sued the government, placing her case in the hands of her legal team to contest the suspension.

This legal battle leaves Aruba Huis without steady leadership. Currently, the Cabinet lacks a Minister Plenipotentiary, and now, it also lacks an active Director.

Diplomatic Fallout During Venezuela Crisis

The timing of having Joselin Croes suspended could not be worse for Aruba’s diplomatic interests. Recently, the Kingdom Council of Ministers held an extraordinary meeting to discuss the escalating tensions between Venezuela and the United States. The Ministers Plenipotentiary of Curaçao and St. Maarten attended to provide their perspectives.

However, because Aruba currently lacks a Minister Plenipotentiary, the Director of Aruba Huis would typically attend such a high-level meeting. Due to the suspension, the government denied Croes authorization to go. Instead, they sent the jurist of Aruba Huis, Mr. Shandra John, to represent the island. This substitution highlights the vacuum of authority currently plaguing the institution.

“Friends and Family” Controversy Reignited

The news that Minister Gerlien Croes has Joselin Croes suspended has reignited public debate regarding her initial appointment. When Joselin Croes was hired as Director in late 2023, many citizens and political critics were skeptical.

The primary source of this skepticism was her family connection to the Prime Minister at the time, Evelyn Wever-Croes. Critics viewed the appointment as a classic example of “Friends and Family” politics, suggesting nepotism played a role in moving her from a diplomatic post in Washington D.C. directly to the top administrative role in The Hague. Although the government cited her qualifications and an independent selection process, the perception of favoritism remained.

A History of Instability at Aruba Huis

Unfortunately, administrative turbulence is not new for Aruba Huis. The institution has faced repeated leadership challenges over the years.

• Desiree Croes: Faced significant administrative problems during her tenure as Director.
• Guilfred Besaril: The former Minister Plenipotentiary was convicted for mismanagement and abuse of power.
• Joselin Croes: Now suspended pending investigation.

This pattern suggests a systemic failure to ensure stable governance within the department. Critics argue that the government has failed to learn from these past mistakes, leading to the current crisis.

Who Is Joselin Croes?

Despite the controversy, Joselin Croes holds a robust academic portfolio. She studied Marketing in the Netherlands and Law at the University of Aruba. Later, she completed a Master of Science in Environmental Management in the United States.

Her career began as an official at the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) and later as a Sales and Marketing Manager at Lotto pa Deporte. She eventually entered the legal field and served as Chief of Staff for former Minister Andin Bikker. From September 2018 to December 2023, she served as the Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba in Washington D.C. before becoming the Director of Aruba Huis.

Now, with Joselin Croes suspended, her extensive career faces its most significant challenge yet, and the future of Aruba Huis remains unclear.