Betico Croes


Gilberto François "Betico" Croes was an Aruban political activist who was a proponent for Aruba's separation from the Netherlands Antilles. This eventually occurred in 1986, but following a car accident on 31 December 1985, Croes lapsed into a coma and
never became conscious to see his accomplishment. He is best remembered as "Libertador" and as father of the Aruban people.

Biography and career

He was the leader of the political party People's Electoral Movement and in 1976 was the person responsible for the Seal, Flag and Hymn of the island of Aruba. The hymn was co-written by renowned Padu Del Caribe, and Rufo Wever, who also composed the anthem.
He was also responsible for the referendum held in March 1977, regarding Aruba's independence, in which 83% of the votes were in favor of independence.
Betico Croes also was responsible for formally setting Aruba's Independence Date for 1991, at the Round Table Conference in February 1981,
But at the Round Table Conference in March 1983 the date for Aruba's Independence was changed from 1991, and set in two stages/steps: the first stage/step: Aruba's Independence from the Netherlands Antilles was set for 1986, and for ten years later, the second stage/step: Aruba's Independence from the Netherlands, for 1996. At Betico's arrival in Aruba, after the RTC, he was received with total approval and joy by the people.
He is also responsible for the fact that in August 1985: Aruba's Constitution and its Independence first from the Netherlands Antilles, and then from the Netherlands, as agreed in March 1983, in Aruba's Decolonization and Independence Agreement, is unanimously approved by all political parties in Aruba.
In the 1980s he recommended that Aruba should target tourism in order to diversify the economy since it depended mainly on the refinery.
Croes was also responsible for major projects for the people of Aruba, like F.C.C.A., the transportation company Arubus, the Sasaki Plan and many more.
The accident he suffered was questioned by many, because a car was seen leaving the area after the accident. This conspiracy theory was never proven.
A famous quote from him is "Si mi cai na caminda, gara e bandera y sigui cu e lucha".

Personal life

Croes had four children: two sons—Glenbert Croes and Gilberto Junior Croes and two daughters—Glendeline Croes and Guisette Croes.
Both of Croes' sons served as Ministers and Glenbert is currently in office as Minister of Social Affairs and Labor.

Legacy