Who is Responsible for the Musical Clock with Figures on the Front Street?

[Linda VH]

I am curious because I really loved that clock with the moving figures and thought it was something special in Aruba. Now the music plays (but at the wrong time) and the figures don't move. I don't think the clock works either. Does anyone know who is responsible for the clock?

[lizzardo]

I believe the clock you are talking about is in the Royal Plaza. It's the
place where there are 2 levels of shops and it's pink. It would be
owned by the management of the RP.

[Mr. Ratt]

And if I'm not mistaken, it used to be much more ornate, a lot like your typical European Glock... yes, Glock, as in glockenspiel.
I recall it looking much more traditional, then this year when walking up the stairs at the Royal Mall, it started going off, yes, at the wrong time, and I noticed that the little building that enclosed the once-dancing people had disappeared.
I guess the mortgage crisis hit them, too...
Well, at least the bells still go off, even if it is the wrong time....
But, wrong according to who.... or is that whom?

[Andrea J.]

"whom"

that clock to my husband and son and i was "the meeting spot"
when working and all spiffed up it was a magnificent piece of "O'Stad".
now, with the downtown in a slowdown, i guess having the clock stay in disrepair is not surprising.

[lizzardo]

Maybe it's just on 'Aruba time'!! LOL!

[sunnysmiles]

Originally Posted by lizzardo

Maybe it's just on 'Aruba time'!! LOL!

That's what I was thinking! LOL

[Mr. Ratt]

Well, maybe the clock should be the next project to be "suggested" to the powers that be.
Considering it IS such a major focal point downtown, and considering the cruise ships do and probably always will come into port there, it would be nice to see it look decent.

Yes, it's decent enough, but that's not quite enough, considering it's something of a tourist attraction. It appears (the old way) in enough brochures and promo, it adds that European flavour to the area, etc., etc. That's what I'm sure more than a few would like to see.

We oughta poke the ATA or someone about it. A good campaign to show how much the members of this board care about Oranjestad and how it looks.

Well, we do, don't we?

I know I sure do...

[Andrea J.]

here is the email to the minister of tourism.
his office "might" be able to get in touch with the owner of the clock and see if it can be repaired.

it is a lovely landmark.

many of us have uttered these words to our spouses/significant others "i will be right back, will meet you under the clock"

or to friends coming off of cruise ships " when you disembark, go directly to the Little Switzerland store....look for the big clock and we'll be right there waiting".

god, i love that clock!

minister of tourism email oduber@aruba.com

[EHampite]

When we were downtown in mid-January this year, they were working on the clock. There were a couple of ladders and a few people who seemed intent on whatever they were doing! Sorry to hear it still is not fixed!

[lizzardo]

Actually - I think it's the responsibility of the Royal Plaza. It's just an
outside mall - same rules apply. Really doubt it's under the ownership
of the ATA...