latest news in Aruba

Once a week (on Sundays) I make an Aruba newspaper recap in English with news that’s relevant to you.

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

Aruba Newspaper Recap

If you want to keep up with what’s happening on the island – this newsletter was made for you!

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Protecting Aruba’s Flora & Fauna

A new law that protects our flora and fauna has been introduced on August 15, 2017.

The new law forms part of the nature protection regulation created in 1955.

It protects animals and trees that are nearly in extension and those that have ecological value.

The new book that covers all the animals and trees that are protected was made by different departments that are dedicated to protecting Aruba’s flora and fauna.

Among the list of animals that are now protected are shoco (owl), prikichi (parrot), cascabel (snake), rabbits, Gutu (all types of parrot fish), fofoti tree and stoki (also known as mustard tree).

The fofoti tree is of ecological importance to Aruba, because it’s a tree necessary for other trees and animals in our ecosystem to could survive.

From now on it is prohibited to kill (hurt or cause damage) to these animals and trees on the protections list.

Government vs MIO

The minister of telecommunication started a legal case against MIO to get back the money they are owed.

It wasn’t too long ago that the minister of telecom decided to shut down MIO’s network, leaving the customers without service –  because the company owed the government more than 8 million dollars in licensing fees.

The minister of telecom is now banging on the doors of shareholders and the owners personally to get the 15 million dollars that the government’s own.  

MIO had until July 1, 2017 to pay the debt, but they didn’t follow through, so the government had to shut down their operation within a week after the payment deadline.

The company isn’t operational anymore, but MIO is still responsible for the debts.

If you used to use MIO to get internet you can look for a mobile hotspot device at Digicel.




Hyatt Place Airport Hotel

There’s a new hotel being built adjacent to the airport.

It’s called Hyatt Place Hotel.

The hotel is going to have 116 rooms, perfect for guests who are staying on the island a few hours or a day, before continuing their journey.

There’s also going to be a food court, retail shops, casual dining restaurants and car rental facilities.

According to the minister of tourism, 95% of the hotels employees will be locals.

The hotel is a 35 million dollar investment and is projected to finish late 2018.

Read Popular post – 15 must have beach items in Aruba

31 Years of Korps Politie Aruba

Korps Police Aruba celebrated 31 years of existence on August 16, 2017.

The celebration is dedicated to the police school that was first inaugurated on the August 16, 1986.

The police force celebrated their day with a morning at the church, where they received the blessings from the pastor and were praised for their jobs by the head of the police and minister of justice.

Many more years to Aruba’s police force!


Partial Eclipse on Monday

There’s going to be a solar eclipse visible in Aruba on August 21, 2017.

An eclipse takes place when the sun, moon and earth are in a direct line, however the eclipse that will be seen in Aruba is going to be a partial one.

This means the sun, moon and earth are not exactly lined up, but still has an effect that the sun will appear to have a dark shadow on a small part of its surface.

The partial eclipse will be visible from 2:18 PM until 4:48 PM.

Remember not to look directly into the eclipse without proper protective eye-wear.

Carubbian Festival

The minister of tourism and the board members of Carubbian have been prepping up for the official revamped version of Carubbian Festival.

The concept of Carubbian has been polished and refreshed!

This time around locals and visitors will be entertained with a closer feel of the cultural heritage from san nicolas.

Everyone who visits Carubbian fest will get to know the stories that were the start of the foundation of sunrise city.

The show will be themed “the rising of san nicolas”.

Different places, monuments and stores will be participating in the Carubbian festival to share the districts story.

The kick off for the Carubbian festival is going to be on August 24, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Locals and visitors can walk through the promenade, go to restaurants like O’neill’s Caribbean Kitchen, enjoy artwork and murals made by local artist, pass by the food court to savor some local dishes and enjoy the music and shows presented by different groups on the main stage.

If you’re on the island on August 24, 2017 you should definitely experience this festival to get to know the sunrise city of Aruba.




Love Festival

This year the 4th edition of love festival will be organized.

The event promises good music, good energy, and positive experience on the island.

Love festival attracts thousands of visitors, not only for the musical experience, but also to get to know our island.

Every year the organizers from love festival change their concept, making the festival different each year. 

This years festival is going to have a Caribbean section added to the love and tech stage.

The Caribbean section is going to host various local dj’s and local artist, and carnival bands if you want to listen to local music.

There’s also going to be a entertainment zone and a food village to munch on snacks during the festival.

In addition to the festival itself, you can also enjoy various pool parties and other activities organized by love festival crew.

A total of 19 international DJ’s will be on the island during the festival,10 local DJ’s and 6 musical bands.

The dress code for love festival was always white, and this year is no different.

Love festival will be held during November 1 – 5, 2017, the location is going to be announced on another date by the organizers.

Want to rent a car in Aruba? Click here to request a car rental quotation by my personally.

A Culinary Journey To New India

Renaissance Resorts Aruba presents another pop-up restaurant next week.

The name of the pop up restaurant is “Chaska” and the chefs will be preparing delicious dishes from India, which are characterized for their spicy taste.

Chefs are also going to prepare small bite snacks for all foodies even for those that are vegetarian.  

If you have a sweet tooth you can eat some indian desserts….

The pop up restaurant will be located at the ex carpe diem restaurant (right in front of crystal casino on L.G Smith Boulevard).

You can visit them on August 25 & 26, 2017 starting on 12:00 PM until 10:00 PM.

If you’re on the island next week and are a foodie, you should definitely visit this pop up restaurant.  

Wine Tasting & Food Pairing

Restaurant hadicurari is organizing a wine tasting and food pairing event on August 25, 2017 (from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM).

The event is named culinary secrets – it’s a 3 course wine pairing event which will delight your palate.

It promises to be a nice evening with the best wines paired with 12 different type of cheeses.

Walk ins are not allowed at the culinary secrets event, you have to reserve your spot.

The price is $50.00 per person, plus 15% service charge. For reservations, email hadicurari@wineanddine.com or call 5862288.

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