Aruba Quality Governance Foundation
‘Aruba Quality Governance Foundation’ (AQGF) was founded on February 26th, 2016. The aim of the foundation is to achieve sound public governance in all aspects through all possible legal means. For this purpose, the foundation will create, among other things, resources for researching specific areas dealing with good governance. It is expected to draw conclusions based on facts about the current situation and to improve it by giving solid recommendations towards the future.
The foundation appreciates past work done, endeavoring the improvement of the quality of governance, which has led to important reports, like the famous “Rapport Calidad” (Quality Report), the Mehran Commission Report (National Committee on Public Finances) and agreed protocols between employers – and employees’ organizations and the government (e.g. Protocol 2000). It intends to take all past initiatives as the starting point for research and evaluation which will be presented on a regular base.
Unfortunately, we have to confirm that after 30 years of Status Aparte, in which we were expected to prove our capacity to guarantee good governance, we are still way off. Unassuming to name all problem areas, it can be confirmed that personnel policy, financial management, transparency, the functioning of Parliament, social-economic policy and integrity merit attention. And apparently since we need not wait for the government to correct itself, we think it is about time for citizen initiatives in promoting good governance.
The input of experts in various fields is used for several research in the pipeline, to assure a professional and trustworthy outcome. The foundation presents itself as an organ which does not express nor support any political point of view. Due to its function, the foundation strives to maintain good relations with all political parties as well as all public and private agencies.
AQGF wants to achieve its goal by means of an open and honest dialogue with all stakeholders. Not just with the political parties, but also with the various employers/employees organizations and community groups. This is how the foundation hopes to create a broad platform which succeeds in making Aruba an island that works in accordance to the principles of good governance in a democratic rule-of-law state. If AQGF succeeds in its endeavor, this will prove to be the most valuable gift for the Aruban society on the occasion of the celebration of both the Flag- and National Anthem Day and the Status Aparte.
The founder of AQGF is Armand Hessels, the secretary is Leo Maduro and treasurer is Servito Thijsen. Together they form the first administration. The administration is supported by the advisory board which consists of professionals who support the work of the administration with their advice on several areas of concern.
AQGF
Aruba, 16 maart 2015