Betico Croes

Who was Betico Croes?

Gilberto François "Betico" Croes was an Aruban political activist who was a proponent of Aruba's separation from the rest of the Netherlands Antilles. This eventually occurred, but Croes lapsed into a coma after an accident on 31 December 1985 and was never conscious to see his accomplishment. He is called the father of the Aruban nation.

The accident he suffered was questioned by many, because a car was seen leaving the area after the accident. This conspiracy theory was never proven.

He was the leader of the political party People's Electoral Movement and in 1976 was the person responsible for the Seal, Flag and Hymn of the island of Aruba. The hymn was co-written by renowned Padu Del Caribe, and Rufo Wever, who also composed the anthem.

He was also responsible for the referendum held in March 1977, regarding Aruba's independence, in which 83% of the votes were in favor of independence.