General News

Aruba can be congratulated for a very successful Royal visit. After two days of entertaining activities, Royal Guests, HRM Queen Beatrix, HRH Prince of Orange and spouse HRH Prince Maxima of the Netherlands, boarded their plane to continue with their itinerary. Present at the airport to say farewell were Aruba Governor Fredis Refunjol, Prime Minister Mike Eman and other dignitaries.

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On the final day of the Royal Visit 2011, HRM Queen Beatrix was escorted around the San Nicolas neighborhood of Juwana Morto; an FCCA pro­ject of government-built low-income housing originally constructed in 1992. The entire, somewhat isolated community of 92 is being completely resurfaced and logistics makes it an excellent subject for a pilot project; the refurbished homes have rooftop solar panels .

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Prime Minister Mike Eman was proud to introduce HRH Prince of Orange as the final speaker for the closing of the Aruba Green Energy Confe­rence 2011 on Saturday afternoon, October 29, who shared his thoughts on global warming, climate change, and Aruba’s strides to lead the region in coping with these major issues. The conference was conducted at the Renaissance Convention Center from Thursday through Saturday, October 27-29, welcoming a host of expert speakers from around the globe in the field of Renewable Energy.

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Not only was the Royal Family treated to a warm welcome by thousands of islanders, they were also enlightened as to the multi-cultural nature of the island, with a number of pavilions featuring native crafts and culture of the homelands of some of Aruba’s larger expatriate communities.

Music, dance, traditional costumes and handicrafts, and from some, cuisine, of China, The Philippines, India, Portugal, Dominican Republic, Venezuela and of course, Aruba, were sampled and savored by the visiting Royals with Minister of Tourism, Transport and Labor, Otmar Oduber as their guide, along with tourists and islanders, during a delightful afternoon on Friday, October 28.

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One of the most anticipated events during the three days of the Aruba Green Energy Conference 2011 was the unveiling of the new Europe House/TNO headquarters located on the Sasaki Highway just outside Oranjestad. This landmark occasion not only heralds what will hopefully be the beginning of increased EU assistance and support of Aruba, but was also a tribute to one of its most accomplished native sons, Dr. Edward Cheung.

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Island schoolchildren had the rare opportunity to see their monarch, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, accompanied by HRH Prince of Orange, Willem-Alexander, with his wife, HRH Princess Maximá during the official welcome ceremony at the Government House yesterday morning.

Waving both the flags of Holland and Aruba, they cheered Queen Beatrix as she inspected an honor guard of Dutch Marines stationed on the island, and then retired to the offices of Governor Fredis Refunjol, her appointed representative on Aruba.

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Her Royal Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Orange Willem-Alexander and his wife, Princess Maxima, are visiting Aruba from October 27-29, enjoying some free time filled with visits from the Crown’s representative on Aruba, Governor Fredis Refunjol and dignitaries, inspection of various government projects and visits to several organizations. Aruba is their first stop in a tour of the Dutch Caribbean.

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The government of Aruba is elated and very proud of young Aruban Javier Sint Jago, who recently came in second in the World Solar Challenge with his Nuna6 solar powered streetwise vehicle. This race was held in Australia.

The Nuon Solar Team has worked a solid year on their solar powered vehicle to enable them to participate in the World Solar Challenge. Their hard work paid off, for they succeeded in coming in at second place in the race.

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In times past, before the proli­feration of shopping malls on the island, Mainstreet was THE place to stroll and shop, and it is the current administration’s plan to see it again become the center of fashion and commerce it once was. However, in the process of improving and beautifying Oranjestad, there is a reconstruction phase.

Diane Flemming of Maggy’s Emporium, who is Secretary for MAMBO (Merchants for a Better Mainstreet) reminds the public that sidewalks that line the main street are perfectly accessible, and holiday shopping time is here, with many special events and sidewalk sales planned by the Oranjestad stores. “All the traditionally favorite stores of Oranjestad, La Linda and Bon Bini Bazaar can easily be reached.”

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