453,302 is the new record number of cruise visitors received this season. This represents a 10% increase over the period of October to April as compared to the year before. Aruba received 228 cruise ship visits during the 2004 cruise period, compared to this year’s new record of a total of 271 cruise ship visits. The Aruba Cruise Tourism expressed to be really satisfied with the numbers and is looking forward to an even more spectacular 2005 season.

More female participants will be part of the 2005 election. This year’s election will have 49 female participants compared to 36 participants in 2001. The number of female participants is the highest it has ever been. The RED and OLA parties have the most females on their list, respectively 8 and 10. The governing party, MEP, has 4 female members with the highest, Marisol Lopez – Tromp at number #2. The MPA is the only party featuring a woman, Monica Arends-Kock, as their leader.

Ray Buckley will go down in history as the first ever Aruban to occupy the Vice President and General Manager position at the Valero Oil Refinery in Aruba. The news and announcement came just as the Oil Refinery Company is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Mr. Buckley functioned as the Director of Operations before being promoted to his new position. Buckley studied at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts and has been employed for 15 years. Buckley celebrated his new nomination with the re-opening of the Alto Vista Chapel, which has been completely renovated by the Valero volunteers.

Recruited by AHATA The Amsterdam Manor Sales & Marketing Manager, Amy Ras received an amazing opportunity to start in a new position at the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association as Membership Manager. She will be replaced by Michelle de Groot. Rebecca Brock is the new Yield Coordinator.