Governor of Aruba facts for kids
The Governor of Aruba is a very important person on the island of Aruba. Think of them as the main representative of the Dutch King or Queen on Aruba. Their job is to look after the interests of the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands in Aruba. They are also the leader of the Aruban government. In the local language, Papiamento, the Governor is called Papiamento: Gobernador di Aruba. In Dutch, it is Dutch: Gouverneur van Aruba.
The Governor has two main roles. First, they make sure that the interests of the Kingdom are protected. Second, they lead the government of Aruba. When the Governor acts as the head of the Aruban government, they are protected from being held responsible for political decisions. Instead, the ministers in the government are responsible for those choices. The Governor does not get involved in daily political decisions and is not part of the Aruban cabinet (the group of top government officials). However, they play a key role when a new government is being formed.
The King or Queen appoints the Governor for a term of six years. This term can be extended for another six years. The Governor gets help and advice from a group called the Council of Advice (which in Dutch is Raad van Advies). This council has at least five members chosen by the Governor. They give advice on new laws and important government decisions.
Who Has Been Governor?
Aruba became a special country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on January 1, 1986. This is called status aparte. Before this date, Aruba was part of the Netherlands Antilles. At that time, the main representative on Aruba was called a lieutenant-governor (in Dutch, gezaghebber). Since 1986, Aruba has had its own Governor.
Here is a list of the people who have served as Governor of Aruba:
| # | Name (Born–Died) |
Started Office | Left Office | Official No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felipe Tromp (1917–1995) |
1 January 1986 | 28 January 1992 | 27 September 1985, No.16 |
| 2 | Olindo Koolman (1942–) |
29 January 1992 | 1 May 2004 | 28 January 1992, No. 92.000904 |
| 3 | Fredis Refunjol (1950–) |
1 May 2004 | 31 December 2016 | 4 May 2004, No. 04.001780 |
| 4 | Alfonso Boekhoudt (1965–) |
1 January 2017 |
See also
In Spanish: Gobernador de Aruba para niños
