Private Notes Reveal Queen Beatrix's Strong Views on Aruba and Curaçao

The AVP party held its 2026 Congress in Aruba, marking a significant moment in the party's history as longtime leader and Prime Minister Mike Eman officially transferred leadership after more than two decades at the helm. Eman had led the AVP since 2003, making his departure a major generational shift for one of Aruba's most established political parties. Minister Wyatt-Ras spoke at the congress, framing the leadership transition as one of continuity and renewed commitment to the Aruban people rather than a break from the party's established direction. The handover signals a new chapter for the AVP as it looks ahead to upcoming political cycles. Wyatt-Ras's remarks were aimed at reassuring party members and the broader public that the AVP's core values and mission remain intact under new leadership. The congress served as both a formal ceremony and a platform to rally support around the incoming leadership structure.

AVP parliamentarian John Hart delivered a passionate address at the AVP Congress 2026, held at the Marriott in Aruba, reaffirming his party's dedication to construction, unity, and the general well-being of the island. Hart invoked the party's founding legacy, declaring that AVP was 'born to make history' and remains part of that ongoing story. The congress served as a platform for the party to rally its base and articulate its vision heading into what is expected to be a politically significant period. Hart's remarks underscored themes of national development and collective progress, positioning AVP as a forward-looking force in Aruban politics. The event reflects the party's efforts to consolidate support and communicate its long-term agenda to voters and members alike.

During the AVP 2026 Congress, held at the Marriott Ballroom in Aruba, parliamentary faction leader Jennifer Arends-Reyes led a moment of recognition for longstanding party members, including René Gervais 'Baba' Herde and Lorna Varlack. Arends-Reyes used the occasion to highlight the importance of honoring the party's foundational figures — those she described as pillars of the AVP. Her remarks centered on the responsibility of current members to carry forward the lessons and values passed down by these veterans to the next generation. The tribute underscored the AVP's emphasis on institutional memory and continuity as the party looks ahead. The congress served as a key moment for internal reflection and renewal within one of Aruba's major political parties.