Celebrating 65 Years of AOV and Commitment to Our Elderly
ORANJESTAD – On August 29, a special ceremony was held in front of the Government Building to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the National Ordinance on Old Age Insurance (AOV).
Ministers, guests, the director of the Social Insurance Bank (SVb Aruba), and members of the public, who joined in through various social media platforms, attended the celebration.
Prime Minister Mike Eman delivered a speech in which he honored the value and sacrifices of those who are no longer with us but who contributed to the SVb fund from its inception.
He emphasized a vision of life rooted in solidarity: in the SVb model, those working today contribute to those who worked yesterday, fostering a lasting sense of responsibility between generations—towards those who came before us and those who will follow.
The pension law, designed by our forefathers, has ensured that today every elderly citizen can receive a pension—an achievement truly worth celebrating.
The National Ordinance on Old Age Insurance is regularly evaluated to ensure a solid foundation for multiple generations. In 1994, Aruba’s first Prime Minister, Henny Eman, together with the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), conducted the first study on the minimum standard of living in Aruba. Based on this study, pensions were doubled during his administration to better support the elderly.
Since then, successive governments—regardless of political affiliation—have worked closely with the SVb to make ongoing adjustments that safeguard the stability of the fund. As a result, the AOV fund is now strong and well-reserved. Prime Minister Eman expressed his gratitude to SVb Director Edwin Jacobs for his leadership and for the key decisions made in reforming the fund, which have contributed to its current strength.
This celebration marks not only 65 years of legislation, but also the enduring commitment of our society to its elderly citizens.