mr. Angele Martijn dunando su discurso habriendo asina e symposium.

On behalf of the research institute, FESCA; the institute for political formation, Fundacion Instituto di Formacion Politico Digna Lacle-Herrera; and the political party AVP, the People’s Party, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our symposium titled: ‘Communitarianism: towards a strong Family, Society and Nation’.

Fibers and pillars within the Aruban community are under a tremendous pressure.

The increasing neighborhood gang fights, the abuse of alcohol and use of drugs, the increase in high-school drop-outs, the lack of motivation especially among youngsters, the lack of communication between parents and their children, the lack of tolerance between local and foreigners on the island, are just a few of the social challenges that our modern society is facing. Our neighbors are becoming complete strangers and the nice “hello” of the hospitable Aruban is vanishing.

Professor Etzioni of the George Washington University considered as the founding-father of the ideological communitarian philosophy; Professor Ruiz San Roman scholar at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid; and Mr. Ron Serrant, Secretary-General of the YMCA in San Nicolas, Aruba. Throughout the years Mr. Serrant has been involved in community work, motivating the Aruban youth through sports and other activities.

The comunitarian philosophy for the good society, is based on the interaction between the three important pillars for the sustainability of the community. This is the balance that have to exist between the State, the Market and the Community.

Communitarianism is thus a response on the lack of solidarity among citizens. How can this abstraction be conceptualized, without trying to moralize or force people to think in a certain way?

Important actors that may contribute to the communitarian awakening in Aruba are sport organizations, service clubs, voluntary workers. Other actors that may influence the common identity of society are the media and political leaders. At the more personal level, the Church may also play a role in the strengthening of the social fibers. Nonetheless, we consider the Family to be the most fundamental institution to a strong community.

These actors are able to underline the importance of our moral values, informing and making their members conscious of the responsibility they have towards others.

I invite all of you to participate actively in the discussions; let the ideas of our guests be of inspiration to all of us; and let our perceptions be broadened by this evening’s experience.