Olindo Koolman
Aruban politician (born 1942)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Olindo Koolman (born 15 April 1942) was an Aruban politician who served as the second governor of Aruba[1] and served two terms of six years as governor from 29 January 1992 until 11 August 2004.
Olindo Koolman | |
|---|---|
| 2nd Governor of Aruba | |
| In office 29 January 1992 – 11 August 2004 | |
| Monarch | Beatrix |
| Preceded by | Felipe Tromp |
| Succeeded by | Fredis Refunjol |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 April 1942 |
| Occupation | civil servant and administrator |
Biography
Koolman was born on 15 April 1942 in Aruba. He studied law, and in 1966 became a civil servant in the taxation office.[2] Koolman was a member of the commission which prepared the status aparte of Aruba in which the island became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.[3] In 1986 he started working as an inspector of customs and excise.[4]
On 29 January 1992, he became governor of Aruba and served until 11 August 2004.[2] His candidacy was disputed because he had not been involved in Aruban politics previously.[5] Following his swearing in, Koolman stressed the importance of human rights, protection of the environment, and prosecution of the war against drug trafficking as his main goals.[4] In 1997 he vetoed a proposed MEP-OLA cabinet in September, and rejected prospective financial minister Carlos Mansur.[6] In late 1998 to 1999, a dispute arose over whether candidate minister Glenbert Croes, the head of the opposition party Aruban Liberal Organization, could become a minister in his cabinet.[7] Koolman refused the appointment because Croes was the subject of a criminal investigation on fraud.[7] Koolman submitted the case to the Council of State.[7] In 1999 again refused to appoint him as Minister of Transport and Communications.[8]
Since April 2004 he has created a foundation under his name, which was later included in the Paradise Papers.[9]