Henny Eman obit

Aruba’s first Prime Minister Henny Eman has passed away

 

He was not on the list.

Henny Eman, the first Prime Minister of Aruba, has passed away at the age of 76. Eman had been in critical condition and was urgently hospitalized on New Year’s Eve after complications with his heart. His family was called to meet with doctors at the hospital.

Just a week ago, during a New Year’s Eve celebration, Eman’s younger brother, Mike Eman, was visiting an elderly home when he was urgently called to the hospital due to Henny’s deteriorating condition. The prominent Aruban statesman had been struggling with a series of health issues in recent years.

Henny Eman’s health had worsened in the days leading up to New Year’s, which required emergency hospitalization. His wife, children, siblings, and other relatives gathered at the Horacio Oduber Hospital to be by his side.

Eman, who played a pivotal role in shaping Aruba’s modern tourism industry following the closure of Lago, had an illustrious political career. He is remembered as a visionary leader who helped stabilize the island’s economy during difficult times and played a central role in Aruba’s transition to a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1986. His leadership helped lay the foundation for the tourism sector that Aruba depends on today.

Eman is also remembered as a family figure who supported his relatives through challenging times, especially after the death of his father, Shon A., who left behind eight children and a widow. Despite this loss, the Eman family trusts that God’s power will see them through this crisis.

About Henny Eman

Jan Hendrik Albert Eman, known as Henny, was born on March 20th, 1948, and was a retired politician. He served as the first Prime Minister of Aruba from January 1st, 1986, to February 9th, 1989, and then again from July 29th, 1994, to October 30th, 2001.

His grandfather, also named Henny Eman, founded the Aruban People’s Party (AVP) and was a pioneer in the fight for Aruba’s political autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. His father, Albert Eman (Shon A.), also led the AVP and dedicated his life to advocating for Aruba’s political status. Henny grew up in a politically active family and later studied law at Leiden University in the Netherlands. After his father’s unexpected death, he was forced to start a business in Leiden while completing his studies. In 1977, during a difficult period for the AVP, Henny put his studies on hold to support the party. He earned his law degree in 1978 with a thesis on Aruba’s political status.

In 1979, Henny returned to Aruba and became the leader of the AVP, which was fighting for the island’s separate status. Under his leadership, the AVP secured a seat in Parliament, and Henny established himself as a respected leader in both the Dutch Caribbean and Aruba’s parliaments.

Eman became Prime Minister in 1986, during a severe economic crisis following the closure of Lago. His government implemented an economic rescue plan, which helped stabilize and prosper the island in the years that followed. His leadership was focused on maintaining a close relationship with the Netherlands, while not pursuing independence.

In 1993, Henny Eman achieved a historic electoral victory with 6,230 votes. In 2000, he chose to retire from leadership, making way for Tico Croes.

Eman was honored with several awards throughout his career, including the Francisco de Miranda Order and the title of Order of the Lion of the Netherlands by the Dutch Government.