It’s that time of the week again to read up on some fresh Aruba local news.

If this is you’re first time reading news articles on my blog, welcome.

I know it is hard to find Aruba local news online in English. I also know how much it means to you to feel connected to Aruba, by reading my news articles. 

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Aruba Local News 

This week a lot happened in Aruba.

So here’s some Aruba local news that you can relate too that stood out this week.

Let’s start by congratulating…

A New General Manager At Hilton Aruba

The Hilton Aruba announced the arrival of a new general manager.

The new manager is Hans-Georg Roehrbein. 

Before his new position in Aruba, he was general manager of the Marriott Hotel in Egypt. He supervised over a 1000 rooms, a dozen F&B outlets and 1600 employees.

He started his career as sous chef at the Marriott hotel in Miami and now has over 30 years of experience in the hotel industry.

I would like to wish him much success leading the Hilton Aruba.

80/20 Rule For CITGO

The reopening of Aruba’s refinery is in full swing.

A lot of locals and politicians want to ensure that the people of Aruba get most of the jobs in the refinery.

The minister of Labor, Paul Croes, stated and promised that 80% of the employees at CITGO will be locals.

He also said the unemployment rate is going to drop about 2% because of the reopening of Aruba’s refinery. 

The government is planning to work closely with high schools and universities in Aruba.

This will help students get into the economic and energy sector so they can get a job in the refinery. It’s a 25 year contract between CITGO and Aruba, so a good move to invest in Aruba’s youth and future leaders.

Finally Claimed Jackpot Lottery 3.1 Million

Many people have speculated why anyone hasn’t claimed the biggest Aruba lottery jackpot yet.

The reason no one claimed it for so long is because the winner went to a lawyer before they claimed the prize.

I guess the process itself was a long one since they won it, but they finally claimed it.

The winner wanted to stay anonymous, so the lawyer, Chris Lejuez was authorized to claim the check.

A remarkable fact is that the winning ticket was received as a free ticket they had won.

They only added 2 guilders to win the jackpot.

I’m glad someone finally claimed it.

I was beginning to think that they lost the ticket somehow taking so long to claim it.

Protest Against Car Insurance Payments

This week truck drivers protested by blocking the road in front of the parliament.

They were protesting against the government for forcing everyone to pay their car insurance in one time payment in 2017.

Previously you could of paid your car insurance quarterly. Now, there’s a new law that is going to change the rules.

The drivers parked their trucks in the middle of the streets in front of the parliament.

You couldn’t go near the downtown area ( or LG smith boulevard).

The truck drivers are protesting against Minister of Finance, Angel Bermudez, to stop the situation.

What’s going to happen to Bushiri hotel?

Minister of Infrastructure, Benny Zievinger, wants to bring down the remaining structure of Bushiri Hotel.

It’s an ugly site down the road in LG Smith Boulevard. It’s going to be a long process, before the government can bring down the building.

In the meantime there’s already offers to buy the land to build another hotel. There’s also interest in the private sector to build a malls or other commercial projects.

Child Breaks Hand at Bushiribana Gold Mill

This week a terrible accident happened at Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruin that could’ve been easily prevented.

A person who was there, told the police a family reached with ATV’s at the gold mill.

Afterwards the mother and father went to the coastline to see the beach.

They left their child at the gold mine without supervision.

The child decided to climb on the rocks, but the hard wind caused the child to a fall. 

The poor kid suffered a broken hand.

The police and paramedics responded quick after they were notified about the accident. They brought the kid to the hospital to get further treatment.

The parents are wrong for this one though, how could you leave the child alone?

If you’re travelling with kids in Aruba, keep them safe.

Aura Casino Is a Closed Case

There seems to be an agreement made between the new owners of Aura Casino (Island Gaming) and the ex employees.

In total there are 44 employees that were fired by their previous employers.

However, only 26 of them will continue to work at the hotel. 

The owners, Island Gaming, reduced the size of the casino during renovation by more than half of its original size.

It was impossible to take all 44 employees back, they only took back 26 people.

From the rest of the employees 15 chose a package (4 months of pay).

However, 3 of the employees opted not to accept anything the company offered.

They are still in process in the court about a possible solution.

I guess this case is finally coming to an end after months.

Faster Service in Aruba’s Airport

The CEO of Aruba’s airport, James Fazio, explained that they are going to eliminate one of the two points of control in the USA Hall.

The main concern is the baggage area.

The plan is to remove the baggage reclaim area which will automatically take out the need to control for a second time.

So eventually you will check in your luggage, go to the immigration department, continue to passenger screening on to the US pre clearance (in the crying room) 🙁

Smoking Going To Be Banned in Casino

The government is creating a law that will ban smoking in the casino.

The smoking ban is going to take a while to take full effect. Because all the casinos have to adapt their establishments to comfort both smokers and non-smokers.

For example the casino at the Hyatt is already making plans to create a room where you can smoke.

It’s going to take about a year for this smoking ban to become reality.

Do you like to smoke in the casino?

What are your thoughts on the smoking ban…

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