ORANJESTAD (July 22, 2018) – Once a week, on Sundays I write about the most relevant and interesting happenings on the island in my weekly newsletter.

This weeks edition features the top news headlines in Aruba.

Subscribing to my newsletter is an ideal way to stay up to date with what’s going on in Aruba – whether you’re living on the island, miles away or your first visit!  

If this is your first time reading my newsletter – welcome!

Aruban Student Makes Unofficial Fast Ferry Terminal Concept

An Aruban student in Architecture & Design at TU Delft (university in Netherlands) finalized her studies with a conceptual design for the ferry terminal in Aruba.

She took advantage of the current situation on the island – a possible fast ferry service connection between ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) and made the unofficial model concept for the terminal.

Here’s the concept…

According to the creator, the circular design minimizes congestion allowing for optimal logistics of cars, passengers and cargo when boarding (and unboarding the ferry).

The terminal also has different levels and has solar panels on top that can provide energy for a 100 houses and electric transportation.

The design is a model concept by the student –  not yet officially approved by minister or any other stakeholders. Everything is still possible… 

Related News – Get Ready For Fast Ferry Service Between Aruba & Curacao




Taxi Union Presents New List of Rates

Last week I announced that the new taxi fares has gone up. The taxi union confirmed that the new rate from Airport to High Rise Hotel went from $26.00 to $31.00

However, the list wasn’t completely given out because it wasn’t ready yet.

The prices are now ready, and the union released one of the new lists with fares for popular routes.

The taxi fare hasn’t gone up in about 9 years, and it’s still cheaper compared to the rest of the Caribbean region.

Both sides of the parties agreed with the current contract (and rates) which are fixed for the next four years. New prices are already in effect.

Here’s a view of the new taxi fares for most popular routes…

New Flights To Aruba From St.Domingo

Intercaribbean Airways introduces new flight routes from Santo Domingo to Aruba and between Curacao and Kingston, Jamaica.

The new routes are addition to the services  between flights to Tortola, St. Maarten and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.

The news was announced by chairman of the airline that’s based in Turks & Caicos.

Intercaribbean Airways connects 22 destinations and 14 countries in the Caribbean region.

The airline will soon announce the dates of the inaugural flights.

Where Should you Live in The Caribbean?

Caribjournal thinks you should live on Aruba!

A couple of days ago they published an article “The Top 20 Islands to Live on in the Caribbean” and they ranked Aruba in the top #3 right after Grand Cayman #2 and U.S Virgin Islands #1.

They ranked the island in the top because it’s…

• Outside the hurricane belt
• Overflows with sunshine
• Most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean
• Great shopping
• Increasing art scene
• Big future in tech startup sector

The shopping scene in Aruba is booming after the government implemented new law to extend opening hours.

Related News – Extended Store Opening Hours (July 15, 2018).

The reason why so many people chose to visit Aruba more than once, because once you’re in Aruba you’ll find out that the cuisines are delicious, the people are really friendly and gives you a lifetime experience. That’s what makes us one happy island.

Wouldn’t you love to live in Aruba?


Buy A House With Ocean View

The chamber of commerce in Aruba supports the government’s idea to create houses on the unused terrain of ports authority near bushiri.

Because the space limitation, the idea is to create vertical complexes at least 3 levels high facing the Caribbean ocean.

This would be a spectacular view to wake up to as to cruise ships pass by to dock on nearby port.

Each house will have 2 bedrooms, bathrooms 1,5, washok, balcony, dining room, kitchen and with sustainable materials.

The project is just an idea of the government, nothing has been approved yet.

Where To Stay in Eagle Beach?

Eagle Beach is famous for its beautiful Caribbean waters, soft white sand and amazing views.

Staying at eagle beach is a dream come true (being so close to the beach).

Right across from Eagle, is a beachfront boutique style resort called Paradise Beach Villas that’s perfect if you’re looking for a place to stay in the eagle beach neighborhood.

The resort is conveniently located and affordable.

It’s close to the beach, there’s plenty of restaurants in the area, casino, public transportation and supermarkets are closeby.

Did you book your ticket to paradise yet?

Aruba is waiting on you!


Future Education in Aruba – Building A  “Smart School”

After 7 years of abandonment, one of the oldest schools in Aruba “Frere Bonifacius” will be demolished and a new “smart school” will be here soon.

It’s one of the first schools in aruba that was a pilot project to move from  traditional methods of lesson to digital to using ipads and technology.

Students have been using this building, but relocated to another location after this one was disapproved.

This school is located in the downtown area of the island and is a catholic school, belonging to a nearby church.

After 7 years after abondiend it gets demolished and renovated.

Minister of education announced the project this week and works have already started.

The intention is to recreate Frere Bonifacius into a modern smart school. The focus of this school will be education through digital and use of sustainability developments.

The project should be complete within 1 year.

Aruba Symphony Music Festival

This year marks the 4 consecutive year for the Aruba Symphony Music Festival.

Over 80 music students from all over the world came to Aruba to follow workshops and give multiple shows.

It’s estimated that in the last 4 years that the event is available, that over 250 international students visited the island to participate in the festival.

During the festival, artists and students from more than 15 countries, will give the happy island concerts, workshops, and classes led by celebrated musicians from all over the world.

If you’re interested in classical music and curious what this festival has to offer visit one of their concerts, here’s the schedule.

July 24, 2018 – Ritz Carlton Hotel Ballroom @ 8:00 PM (entrance free or donation box)

July 25, 2018 – Casibari Cafe in Paradera @ 8:00 PM (entrance free or donation box)

July 26, 2018 – Freewinds Cruise Ship @ 8:00 PM (entrance free or donation box)

July 27, 2018 – Cas Di Cultura @ 8:00 PM (entrance free or donation box)

July 28, 2018 – Cas Di Cultura @ 8:00 PM (entrance free or donation box)

July 29, 2018 – Cas Di Cultura @ 8:00 PM (entrance $20.00)




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Once a week, on Sundays I publish the most relevant and interesting news updates from Aruba with all the latest information about the island.

Subscribing to my newsletter is an ideal way to stay up to date with what’s going on in Aruba – whether you’re living on the island, miles away or your first visit!

News Updates From Aruba

If this is your first time reading my newsletter – welcome!

Road Between Sasaki & Superfood Closed

The department of public works announced that the road starting from the roundabout at Sasaki, near Eagle Bowling until the intersection at Superfood will be closed at both ends as of March 1, 2018.

Entrance between Amsterdam Manor and Bubali Plas will also be temporarily closed.

All the aforementioned road entrances will be closed, because a new roundabout will be constructed at the intersection from superfood.

Here’s a view of the road closing…

The roundabout is part of the “Watty vos Boulevard” project, which is a new ring road.

It’s been dubbed watty vos boulevard, named after Aruba’s first minister of Justice upon achieving status aparte from the Netherlands.

Watty vos Boulevard will alleviate commuter traffic and congestion along L.G Smith Boulevard and provide ready access for vacationers arriving from the airport to the principal resort areas.

The project requires reconstruction of existing infrastructure in Oranjestad, Ponton, Noord and the scenic road longside eagle beach.

Watty vos Boulevard will also reroute large cargo trucks from the barcadera container harbor, facilitating direct access to warehouses and the hotel area. This will clearing L.G Smith Boulevard from large commercial vehicles.

Here are the following deviations near the road closings….

Traffic from Oranjestad towards Noord will be deviated at the Sasaki roundabout, direction Pos Abou, to Caya Ritmo or Caya Musica, exiting at the intersection from Bubali / San Miguel to reach in Noord.

Drivers will also be deviated at the roundabout from Sasaki towards J.E Irausquin boulevard.

Traffic from Noord to Oranjestad will be deviated at L.G Smith (intersection at McDonald in Noord), to the ex house of Cheng (close to The Mill resort), towards J.E Irausquin Boulevard direction Oranjestad.

A lot of locals and repeat vacationers, are concerned that the median on eagle beach will be removed.  And how the pedestrian crossing will work at the new roundabout near Superfood.

Creating a bridge, like the one at the roundabout near Pos Chiquito will benefit shoppers who walk to superfood.

All traffic towards the roundabout of Sasaki weg and intersection at superfood will be deviated for the upcoming 3 months (Until June / July 2018).

More information about the ongoing constructions will be announced soon by the department of public works.

Change in Bus Route To Noord

The mayor public transportation of Aruba (Arubus), announced a change in their route for bus lines L7 & L7A, due to the construction of the new roundabout near superfood.

Here’s a view of the new route….

Take note of the new route adjustments, which will be implemented for the following 3 months (until June / July 2018)

Mandatory Yellow Fever Vaccine

The ministry of Health of Aruba established that, as of March 1, 2018, the requirement for the Yellow Fever Vaccine proven by an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also known as the Yellow Book, will enter into force.

The decision was made at the suggestion and guidelines of the World Health Organization and  International Health Regulation.

Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for all passengers arriving from Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Paraguay, Panamá, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo and Uganda.

The new measure does not apply for Chile, Uruguay and other countries that are not considered at high risk for yellow fever transmission.

If you’re travelling from one of the aforementioned countries, you must be vaccinated at least 10 days before the trip.

In case you’ve been vaccinated before for yellow fever and have the vaccination document, you don’t have to be revaccinated.

However, if your vaccinated, but lost your card, you need to get revaccinated.

Visitors who were born in areas classified as high risk for Yellow Fever transmission, but live in Europe and the United States and travel to Aruba, do not need to get the vaccine or present the yellow book.

Passengers who reside in Europe or the United States and travel from countries classified as high risk to Aruba do need to be vaccinated and present the yellow book.

Except for:

• Passengers who have been in countries at risk and are in transit through Aruba. This also includes those who have to leave and re-enter the airport or cruise ships in less than 24 hours.
• Passengers on their way to Aruba who have been in transit through countries at risk (in their airports and ports).
• Passengers who, having been in the countries considered at risk, before entering Aruba have remained for a period of at least 6 days in a country that is not considered at risk and have not developed fever during that period.

Important to note the for airlines and cruises:

• The same rules that apply to passengers, also apply to cabin crew and non-flying management.
• Regardless of these requirements, it is recommended that all crew members be vaccinated against Yellow Fever if travelling regularly to countries considered to be at risk.

The yellow book is not required for…

• Those who are coming on a connecting flight (including cabin crew) or cruise and will be less than 24 hours on the island.
• Children under 9 months of age.
• People with a history of acute hypersensitivity reaction to any component of the vaccine (including gelatin, eggs, egg products, or chicken protein).
• People with a thymus disorder.
• Immunocompromised individuals from the following: symptomatic HIV infection or AIDS, malignant neoplasms, primary immunodeficiency diseases, transplantation, immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapy, radiation, therapy.

The yellow book (ICVP) must be presented to the immigration officers of the Department of Immigration, Security and Alarm of Aruba (IASA).

If you have any of these (medical) contraindications for yellow fever vaccination, an up-to-date medical waiver can be issued instead of administering the vaccine.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people 60 years of age and older should consult with their doctor and in case they do not recommend administering it, they should provide the person with a medical letter with an official letterhead and stamping.

Protecting Shoco From Extinction

Shocos in Aruba are critically endangered, but a conservation progress was started to save the birds from extinction.

The shoco population is decreasing due to destruction of their habitat, with the recent constructions and developments on the island. And invasive animals like boa snakes, stray cats and dogs also are responsible for endangerment of the species.

The experts at the department of wildlife & conservation ecology from the state of new mexico started a conservation program for the shocos in collaboration with Aruba National Park and Aruba Birdlife Conservation.

They made several soft release sites around the island where shocos are known to live, in an effort to catch and relocate the birds to Arikok national park for special care and a chance to survive.

Park rangers also made artificial nests in order to stimulate the reproduction of shoco’s.

In 1999 a study was made and they found less than 200 pairs of shoco couples on the island. However, a healthy population of shoco’s requires over 200 pairs of bird couples.

The amount of shoco couples did not reach over 200 for the past 20 years.

According to ABC, it’s not too late to conserve our national symbol of Aruba.

Shoco was declared a National Symbol of Aruba in 2012 and in 2014 a legislation was implemented to protect the shoco as intended.

More information about the future conservation process will be released at a later date by the Aruba Birdlife Conservation.

New Task Force For Stray Dogs & Plastic Bags

The government introduced a new task force that will be in charge of enforcing the dog act law (known as ley di cacho in Aruba), use of plastic bags and illegal dump sites.

The task force is a collaboration between city inspectors, police and lawyers.

City inspectors are now authorized to give out sanctions and fines for littering, or animal abuse.

The minister of environment also announced that more laws will be introduced and implemented in the near future to protect nature in Aruba. Such as a ban on foam boxes, and other plastic products which are dangerous to the islands marine life.

Most of these products will be replaced with biodegradable materials.

New Market For Fruits & Vegetables

It’s been over a month since the President from Venezuela closed the frontiers of his country, banning all commercial communication between the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao).

The decision to close the frontiers was implemented in an effort to stop minerals, precious metals and other items from illegally being exported out of Venezuela.

Due to the ban, local markets who depend on fresh fruits and vegetables from Venezuela experienced a shortage of products.

The bigger supermarkets import their fruits and vegetables from other countries. Like the united states, but importing fresh produce from Venezuela is cheaper and faster for smaller business.

Because of the current situation, farmers from Colombia offered to ship fruits and vegetables to Aruba at a reasonable price.

The frontiers between Venezuela and ABC island remains closed until further notice by the president.

The local government wants to depend less on importation of produce in the future, and is exploring new ways to grow fruits and vegetables locally on the island.

Baseball Park in Dakota

The minister of sport announced that a new state of the art baseball field will be constructed in the district of Dakota.

The former “Little League Ballpark” will be dismantled and reconstructed into a new baseball field.

According to the minister, the project is in the design stage, and construction work will start soon.

The baseball field will be completed before the end of 2019.

Aruba International Half Marathon

Aruba International Half Marathon will take place soon on the island.

It’s the longest race event in Aruba, nearly covering the entire length of the island, from San Nicolas to Oranjestad.

The route starts from Joe Laveist Ball Park, in San Nicolas, and ends in front of Alhambra Casino.

The race will be on March 25, 2018, starting at 5.30 AM at Joe Laveist Ball Park.

Local and international athletes from all over the world will join the race.

There’s already over 700 people registered for the competition, are you joining?

Inscription is open until March 23, 2018.

For more information and registration, visit the “Aruba Half Marathon website”.

Or to register in person visit the promoters at IBISA (Frankrijkstraat 1 – or Dr.Schaepmanstraat 52).

Flip Flop Festival 2018

It’s time for one of Aruba’s widely popular beach events, Flip Flop Festival.

Flip Flop features artist from different music genres like Reggae, Urban, Dancehall, Soca and Latin.

Last year artist like Rick Ross and Morgan Heritage were on the sunny island, and gave one of their best performances in the Caribbean region.

Previous flip flop editions featured other popular artist like DJ DYNA, Quintino, TOK, Gyptian and Israel Vibrations.

The line up for this years fest isn’t known yet, but it promises to be good!

More information about flip flop will be announced by the promoters at a later date.

Mimo’s Ice Cream Rolls

There’s a new  way to enjoy ice cream in Aruba.

Located at Paseo Herencia mall, a place called Mimo’s ice cream rolls that makes “stir fried ice cream”.

Stir fried ice cream was started in Thailand, by mixing ice cream with different flavors, fruits and candies.

Ice cream rolls are prepared in front of your eyes by the vendors at Mimo’s.

They are made by pouring a mixture of your favorite flavors, fruits and candies into a -18 to -35 degree Celsius metal pan. The mixture is mashed and stirred using two spatulas, until it freezes and solidifies. It’s finally scraped into rolls for you to enjoy.

Find out more about this sweet dessert at Mimo’s ice cream rolls, open everyday from 5.30 PM to 10.30 PM.

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I invest my personal time to make this newsletter available to you for free, because I know how much it means for you to stay up to date with what’s happening on your home away from home.

If you want to support me with maintaining the website costs or want to buy me a beer so I can stay creative (because nothing great was invented by drinking water) – please make a donation of your choice.

Click on the amount you wish to donate and you will be directed to pay-pal on the next page.

You’re awesome!

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