Monday Holiday BETICO CROES

[lizzardo]

Happy Betico Croes' day!!

[Bill]

Happy Betico Croes' day to you too. I guess I will take Monday off.

[Chadd]

To paraphrase a current marketing campaign; I'll celebrate the way my people always have, with three days in Vegas.

[lizzardo]

Not much choice when it's a holiday in Aruba. Not like in the
states.... no 'Betico Croes' day sales' here! LOL!

[Edronenburg]

O.K., excuse my ignorance...what is "Betico Croes' Day about?

Ed

[Andrea J.]

Jan 25 is a BIG holiday here Cerry had told us all about Mr Croes last year.

from WIKIpedia
Gilberto François "Betico" Croes (January 25, 1938 - November 26, 1986) 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 (the night of status aparte) 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 for years since a car was seen leaving the area after the accident. This conspiracy theory was never proven.
He was the leader of the political party M.E.P. (Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo) 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 (Padu Lampe), and Rufo Wever, who also composed the anthem. He was also responsible for the referendum held March 1977, for Aruba's independance: Obtaining 83% of the votes for Aruba's Independence!
Betico Croes also was responsible for formally setting Aruba’s Independence Date for 1991, at the Round Table Conference in february 1981, ! But at the Round Table Conference in march 1983 the date for Aruba’s Independence was changed from 1991, and set in two stages/steps: the first stage/step: Aruba’s Independence from the Netherlands Antilles was set for 1986, and for ten years later, the second stage/step: Aruba’s Independence from the Netherlands, for 1996! At Betico’s arrival in Aruba, after the RTC, he was received with total approval and joy by the people. He is also responsible for the fact that in August 1985: Aruba’s Constitution and its Independence first from the Netherlands Antilles, and then from the Netherlands, as agreed in march 1983, in Aruba’s Decolonization and Independence Agreement, is unanimously approved by all political parties in Aruba.
In the 1980s he also said that Aruba should target tourism in order to diversify the economy since it depended mainly on the refinery.
He also was responsible for major projects for the people of Aruba like F.C.C.A., Arubus, Sasaki Plan (he envisioned the area destined for hotels) and many many more.
Aruba's official Holiday to remember him has been marked on January 25, his birth date.
Caya G. F. Betico Croes is named for him and is the main shopping street in Oranjestad, Aruba.
Has 2 sons, Glenbert and Junior Croes and 2 daughters Lalo Saladin-Croes and Guisette Croes.

[Edronenburg]

Andrea:

Thank you so much for clarifying the reason for the Holiday and Who Betico Croes was and how important he was for the Island and people there.

As many of us know, when in doubt, in almost all cases; you, Andrea or one of the other monitors or Forum members will help.

Have an absolutely wonderful Vacation in Aruba.

Ed

[Andrea J.]

thanks ed!!

andrea

[Arubalisa]

Today, 10:43 AM

Shouldn't you be out by the pool young lady?

[Andrea J.]

hahaha, i came in to make ice coffees for both of us.
the computer was calling my name