Courtesy of: The Morning News
On Saturday, January 25, Aruba celebrated the memory of Gilberto Francois “Betico” Croes, the man credited with being the final, primary instrument in cementing Aruba’s independence from the other nations of the Netherlands Antilles, or “Status Aparte.” Born on this date in 1938, he indelibly left his mark on the destiny of an island nation.
The Aruban independence movement, which began before the WW II, sought to establish the island as a self-ruled entity within the Dutch Kingdom. It was the effort of many island leaders, but it was “Betico” who grasped the baton of independence and held it high, never wavering until it was finally realized in 1985, and came fully into effect on January 1, 1986.
Originally a headmaster, “Betico” Croes pursued this career upon returning from Holland with his degree in 1959, but became politically active in 1967 with the AVP party, and eventually started the Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo (MEP) in 1971. He is credited with instilling in islanders a strong national pride, instigating the inauguration of an Aruban flag and national anthem in 1976. Sadly, He was gravely injured in a car accident on December 31, 1985, the eve of Aruba officially attaining Status Aparte, and after 11 months in a coma, passed away.
Arubans celebrate their first holiday of the year in a variety of ways, beginning early in the day with neighborhood bike rallies, historical tours of Oranjestad, and open houses with special exhibits at Aruba’s major museums.
The day ended with the official government ceremony honoring his memory, conducted annually at the Plaza Betico Croes, directly behind the Cas di Cultura at the eastern end of Oranjestad.
All major island dignitaries, including Governor Fredis Refunjol, foreign consuls, and much of the public attend, including G.F. “Betico’s” family. Wreaths were placed in tribute at the base of his statue by President and Secretary of Parliament Marisol Lopez-Tromp and Jacqueline Bastiaan-Sherman on behalf of Parliament, followed by Prime Minister Mike Eman and Secretary of the Cabinet of Ministers Nicole Hoevertsz, representing the Government of Aruba.
Finally, five of his grandchildren, Gilberto III, Mario, Lara, Tiara and Francesca, placed a wreath on behalf of the family, and his namesake, Gilberto III, with his cousin Evelyn Wever-Croes, who now heads MEP, did so, on behalf of the Foundation Betico Croes.
Minister of Tourism, Transport, Primary Sector and Culture, Otmar Oduber, spoke of the key role “Betico” played in the public’s continued appreciation of its cultural legacy. A strong promoter of traditional music and folkloric dance, he encouraged the Dande Society and festival over 40 years ago, to revitalize interest in one of Aruba’s authentic native musical forms. The family musical group he began with his many brothers and sisters still continues to perform, known as Grupo di Betico. It is dedicated to the Dande and other traditional island music.
“Betico’s” daughter, Glendeline Croes, came to the podium to speak of his respect and promotion among the community of familial relationships, and the foundation they build for a society. She was followed by Prime Minister Eman, who though the leader the political party which was MEP’s principal opponents, cited that leaders like G.F. Croes “transcend politics, to touch all the community, no matter what their political affiliation.” He likened “Betico” to “Polaris, the North Star. He was a point from which we could lay our course, leading his people to a better future and prosperity for all.”
The official celebration of Dia di Betico began at 5:00 PM with the formal tribute, than continued with a delightful evening of traditional and contemporary music and dance at the plaza’s band shell. The festive event opened with a performance by young vocalist Xenon Daal. The playbill consisted of dance groups Nos Cultura, Baile di Chaz, and Super Dancers. The public was also treated to performances by the newly selected Children’s Roadmarch Queen, “Dancing Princess” Lacey Albus and her winning song “Jump on the Bus,” along with Youth Roadmarch King, “King Size,” Joshua Bryson with his song “60 is Kippenvel (Goosebumps)” in honor of Aruba’s Diamond Jubilee Carnival. This year, the landmark carnival theme was integrated into and dominated the cultural show. Popular bands Youth Xtreme, and multi-crowned Roadmarch King, Claudius Phillips, best known as “Mighty Talent,” finished off the evening.
