I thought the prodigal son could use some input of what people say, good, bad, lukewarm, it’s time he was told what we think about his management style, in spite of what one of my mentors once taught me: “What other people say about me, is none of my business.” Which mean, we have to learn to ignore petit gossip and rumors, and just carry on our mission and vision, rising above the background noise.
That said, in order to work in a team, and not piss the world off, we have to be able to reach broad consensus with our business partners, and listen very carefully to their input and suggestions.
In view of the above macro and micro strategies I asked my friends, in hospitality/law/academia/business how they feel about OO’s return. This is what I wrote: Dear like-minded friends, Otmar declared his intention of coming back into politics and I think there is perhaps a chance to see him elected. The people of this island switch gears every eight years, and maybe he is at the right place, at the right time. Why did we dislike him so much, first time around? Please help me write a fun column.
Friend IV: Your question made me think. Otmar Oduber would have been on the beach (or not) with Ursell Arends during the shameless behavior of the Embassy Suites. At least he would show his color. Unlike Dangui Oduber who goes into hiding and does not say a word. The Minister of Tourism. Not one word. At least Otmar was present when the poop hit the fan. As a minister it was Otmar Oduber who gave this actual permit to Embassy Suites. I wouldn’t be surprised, if he gave it to them to get these people off his back KNOWING that they would never get the actual green light because of the ROPV and the need to apply and receive an ontheffing, an exemption, for the moving/removing of protected seaweed. But Otmar certainly had cojones. Most other ministers are puppets.
Friends V: What we disliked was his arrogance mostly. He was a loud mouth, who liked grandstanding. As an industry insider I did not think he was a trustworthy civil servant. What makes you think he’ll be successful in government in the next round? He hasn’t had much good PR for the last two years. After zero success in biz I think he realizes politics is the only thing he can do. Similar to our minister of labor, they aren’t skilled at anything else.
Friends VI: There is a famous Latin phrase: Cui Bono. Who benefits. Just look at all his decisions and ask who benefits? And then ask how is he doing as a businessman, I understand, not very well, and he is coming back to politics because he isn’t very good at anything else. BOTTOM LINE: why would anyone want to get into Aruban politics with so many challenging problems, is beyond me, unless it’s for personal reasons.
Friends VII: I actually liked him. He got stuff done. He wasn’t very popular with the other alpha males, but hey, leadership comes in different styles and attitudes. Otmar, for the next round, don’t be a know-it-all, seek collaboration, listen to your audience, stay in your lane.
Friend VIII: Did we say he was arrogant? He always had a hidden agenda, and that is why he never came across sincere. Did we say he was vindictive? It has taken long to pin anything on him because of designated fall-guys he kept. Sure, he did OK for tourism, because tourism runs itself, but he made sure his friends got everything from marketing. And still do. He privatized ATA and treated it like a cash cow, for which he did not have to give any reports to parliament. He did what he wanted to do with the money, and if you asked too many questions – off with your head. He should have NEVER gone into spatial planning. And the Hard Rock Hotel project, he promoted it heavily, extending the term of the building, until negative input from lawyers became overwhelming, then he stopped that initiate. To conclude: To be elected you need the solid backing of people on a party list, this might prove difficult in light of the ongoing investigation.