Gilberto François "Betico" Croes (Papiamento pronunciation: [beˈtiko kɾus]; 25 January 1938 – 26 November 1986) was an Aruban political activist who was a proponent for Aruba's separation from the Netherlands Antilles.

This eventually occurred in 1986, but following a car accident on 31 December 1985 (the night of status aparte), Croes lapsed into a coma and never became conscious to see his accomplishment.

[3] After finishing high school, he studied in the Netherlands at the Teacher's Training College in Hilversum and received his headmaster's certificate in 1959.

[16] In June 1977, Boy Rozendal of the Democratic Party of Curaçao won a clear victory in the elections in the Netherlands Antilles.

On 18 August, the union leaders were arrested and the strike ended, however, Prime Minister Joop den Uyl of the Netherlands started a dialogue because the situation had spun out of control.

[23] Libier was transferred to Bonaire in June,[24] In November, the Public Prosecution Service decided not to charge him, because there was no proof that he had aimed at Croes.

[31][32] A famous quote from him is "Si mi cai na caminda, gara e bandera y sigui cu e lucha" (If I fall along the way, grab the flag and continue the battle).