Jan Erman spearheaded an effort for Aruba to acquire a political voice if not separation from the Netherlands in the early 1920’s. In 1948, a delegation led by his son, Shon A. Eman, presented a petition for autonomy. However, the “Status Aparte” diplomatic process continued until 1985 when a constitution was approved. The following January 1, his son, Jan Hendrik Eman, became the first Prime Minister of Aruba until 1989. Henny held the office again from 1994 through 2001. Today, Aruba is a sovereign state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
