January 23, 2019

Congratulations to Aruba's new Youth Carnival Queen

A couple of weeks ago, Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes established a committee for promoting the inclusion of people with special needs. It is important to include people with disabilities in all kinds of activities and encouraging them to have roles similar to their peers who do not have a disability. This involves more than simply encouraging people; it requires making sure that adequate policies and practices are in effect in a community or organization.

Every year during the Carnival season, girls compete for the title of Youth Queen of Aruba’s Carnival. During this election, Aruba saw for the first time a person of special needs competing for the title. She was accepted and supported by a big crowd, and she was ultimately elected Aruba’s Youth Carnival Queen. It was a very big moment. Aruba is really proud of her amazing accomplishment.

“I am very proud of Ilaijah, and could not help but become emotional” –  Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes.