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Betico
Croes
Of very high value and importance in the Aruban History are
the persons and events that created the Aruba we experience
today. Therefore we want you to get to know an important part
of the recent history of Aruba
The History of a determined fighter!
In Aruba’s political history we have a handful of
personalities who left their signature in our history book.
However, the fight, perseverance, courage, and determination
of a “Son of the Land” , Betico Croes, excelled since he
committed himself in 1971 with the people of Aruba to take
leadership in Aruba’s longtime desire to be an autonomous
state in the Dutch Kingdom.
Gilberto Francois Betico Croes. (01/25/1938 - 11/26/1986)
Betico Croes was the greatest statesman Aruba has ever known.
He was
born on January 25th 1938 in Santa Cruz, Aruba,
from Parents Francisco and Maria Louisa Croes. It was a fatal
car accident in his hometown on new years eve December 31st
1985, that resulted in him slipping into a coma from which he
never returned. On that date, he was just minutes from
celebrating the realization of his dream Aruba’s Apart Status
”Status Aparte" in the Dutch Kingdom. Aruba’s Liberator
“Libertador” passed away
on November the 26th 1986 after an eleven (11)
months fight for his life.
Betico Croes was a very social person who was very much loved
by the Aruban community. He was a school teacher who entered
the political arena at a relatively young age. A politician, a
great statesman with an unmatchable charisma.
The vision of our “Libertador G.F. Betico Croes” was clear and
precise, and he knew the importance of emphasizing on the
strong foundation of a sovereign country, its National Anthem,
Flag and Armor. Betico Croes imprinted “Love to the country”
in the hearts of his people and united the whole Aruban
community in one common interest: “Aruba First”. He made every
Aruban proud of family values, our Papiamento language, our
culture, Flag and National Anthem.
His words still live in the Aruban’s memory:
"If I fall along the way, grab a hold of the flag and continue
the fight".
Aruba’s
political history is still in development as Betico Croes’
vision is still in the process of becoming a reality. |
