Government and AFTA Sign Cooperation Protocol
ORANJESTAD – On August 24, 2026, Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever signed a cooperation protocol between the Government of Aruba and the Aruba Fair Trade Authority (AFTA), represented by drs. F.R. St. Jago.
The agreement establishes a stronger, more transparent and efficient framework for consumer protection and for the orderly functioning of Aruba’s market.
The signing of the protocol marks a concrete next step in the implementation of the National Ordinance on Administrative Enforcement of Consumer Protection, which partially entered into force on March 15, 2026. The law assigns AFTA responsibility for monitoring compliance with legal standards related to collective consumer protection. The Department of Economic Affairs and Industry (DEACI) is responsible for handling individual complaints, registering complaints, and providing information, legal advice and mediation when necessary.
Under the new protocol, the two institutions establish clear agreements on information sharing, coordination of management and oversight, alignment of procedures, and the protection of confidential information. This creates a more comprehensive consumer protection chain: from the individual consumer who files a complaint to broader oversight when there are indications that an issue affects a group of consumers.
“A strong economy is not only a growing economy. There must be trust, clear rules and well-functioning institutions. Consumers must know their rights, have access to accurate information, and know where to turn when something goes wrong. This strengthens the economy,” said Geoffrey Wever, Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector.
An important part of the cooperation is Consuloket, the digital consumer service portal. AFTA is responsible for the funding, content, management and maintenance of the portal, while DEACI is responsible for the system used to register and process consumer reports submitted through Consuloket. The systems will be coordinated so that both institutions have access to relevant information to carry out their responsibilities efficiently.
The protocol also provides for a structured mechanism to monitor the cooperation itself. The directors of AFTA and DEACI will meet at least four times a year to evaluate implementation, progress and any challenges. At the operational level, officials will maintain contact as often as necessary. In addition, the agreement and its implementation will be reviewed at least once a year to determine whether adjustments are needed to further improve complaint handling and consumer protection.