Expect a New Development Project in Oranjestad

Aruba’s main streets will look different in the near future, after the Prime Minister announced a new project to upgrade the downtown area. 

This new “Oranjestad Project” is meant to revamp the capital city of Aruba and recuperate the islands economy, after the pandemic took a big hit on the islands economic industry.

Tourism is at 55% compared to 2019, if the current trend continues upward, Aruba could possibly gain 68% of it’s tourism industry at the end of 2021.

Oranjestad Project entails creating new food & beverages establishments, retail shops and hang out spots.

According to the Prime Minister, there are more developments in the pipeline to renew the island’s main streets. Including the renovation of the ex-Nikky Habibe building and remodel it into a modern residential area. Also the transformation of the popular gas station near the lagoon area into a entertainment spot with food & beverage options.

Additional infrastructures will also be created around the city where different pop-up stores can attract and entertain crowds.

New layer of asphalt will be placed on the driveways that need to be repaired, and additional parking spots will be created to make the Capital City accessible. 

When the project is completed, the main streets of Aruba will look different – more like the old days, where stores used to be on the ground floor, and people living upstairs, with the city bussing with crowds, but this time around, with a more modern appearance.

Harbour House Officially Open

Aruba’s newest luxury residential project in Oranjestad known as Harbour House is finally completed. 

The official opening of Harbour House took place last week June 10, 2021.

This luxury residencial property was built by the Pering Group, a family owned construction business for over 50 years.

What you see now as a beautiful and luxury building close to the iconic pink Royal Plaza Mall, was once an abandoned building, until transformed by the Pering Group into a sparkling new building featuring shops and restaurants. 

Harbour House also includes a beautiful Harbour Walk for a leisurely walk around the property.

Dry Law in Aruba On Election Day 2021

The Government has implemented a dry law that prohibits the selling of alcohol during election day. Commonly known as dry law  in the US, in Aruba it’s called “Ley Seco”.

Ley Seco starts on June 24, 2021 (6:00 pm) and ends it on June 26, 2021 (6:00 AM).

The dry law is a security protocol to facilitate the electoral process on June 25, 2021. Although the law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages in different establishment, it doesn’t prohibit the personal consumption of them.

This law has been applied during previous elections, in order generate a more honest and safe electoral process.

Given that this years election is important for the island, in addition, during a pandemic, the Government wants to take all necessary precautions.

This law includes the following measures:

• All establishments with permit to sell alcohol must close, with exception of:
• Establishments which sell other products next to alcoholic beverages can stay open, but can’t sell alcohol (for Example Supermarkets)
• Hotels (and resort restaurants) are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages strictly to visitors only.
• Restaurants located outside of the hotel area, are not allowed to serve alcoholic beverages, with exception of restaurants located inside of Aruba’s Airport, and only to departing tourist or transit travelers.

Almost Reaching Herd Immunity in Aruba

The Prime Minister of Aruba announced and confirmed that over 66.000 vaccinations have been administered to locals.

This means that an average of 67% of the island’s population is vaccinated, but the goal is to reach 85%.

Reaching this goals means “Herd Immunity”, when most people are considered immune to the virus and making the spread from person to person unlikely to happen.

Coronavirus in Aruba has slowed down considerably, only being less than 25 active cases during these last several weeks, and an average of 3 cases per day. And more people are getting vaccinated everyday.

The Government will organize more events that will inspire people to get vaccinated, so that Aruba can reach its goal.

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