Aruba celebrated 50 years of its own national anthem and flag as well as 40 years of separate status on Wednesday. The presence of King Willem Alexander was fitting, with the island having chosen to stay in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for now.
The latter was certainly not self-evident. When the majority chose “Status Aparte” in a constitutional referendum back then, they voted for a 10-year transition phase to full independence.
However, this requirement was eventually removed from the Kingdom Charter because the local political establishment decided that remaining an autonomous country within the kingdom was best. Since both large parties, AVP and MEP took this position, it never became a huge point of contention.
Not that Arubans don’t want to be an independent nation one day, but they are realistic enough to understand the island is not ready yet. The COVID-19 pandemic also showed how important support from The Hague to the Dutch Caribbean continues to be, especially in times of crisis.
The right of self-determination recognised by the United Nations (UN) does not include any deadline. People are, in principle, free to determine how and when to exercise such.
They may do so at their own pace.
