A lot has happened over the week that made it to the local news in Aruba.

I write these weekly news updates about Aruba so you can stay informed about what is happening on your home away from home.

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News in Aruba

So let’s start with this weeks news in Aruba…

The Owners of Cilo Restaurant Abandoned Aruba

A process-server and a lawyer were sent to Cilo Restaurant located in Renaissance Marketplace.

They went to seize everything in Cilo after the owners of the restaurant decided to close the place in December 2016. The owners abandoned Aruba leaving behind debts and their employees without a job. 

According to the employees, the owners told them that they didn’t have money to pay their salaries or pay the rent and other expenses – so they we’re forced to close.

I personally think that the employees should of smelled the rat a long time ago.

Because the same owners of Cilo were caught once by authorities without the legal documentation to be in Aruba or to run a business.

Everything in the restaurant has been confiscated.

In the meanwhile the employees are waiting for another restaurant to open so they can get their job back.

Senor Frogs Employees Still Jobless

The employees from Senor Frogs are fighting for their rights after a lawyer representing Senor Frogs broke his promise.

Last year the owners from Senor Frogs decided to abandon Aruba without paying them (or telling them they were closing).

The owners from Senor Frogs said they would return to Aruba in 2017 and explain why they suddenly closed the place. And they promised to pay every employee normally until the company declares bankruptcy.

The employees we’re paid the first month, but never again since then.

This week a lawyer representing Senor Frogs informed the employees that they will not get their salary anymore.

According to the employees they lost their pension, benefits and a family bond feeling at work.

This way of doing business can’t be accepted in Aruba.

How is it possible for someone to work knowing that their job isn’t really something they can depend on.

The owners of Senor Frogs haven’t returned to Aruba yet to explain their side of the story or face their responsibilities.

Credit Card Scam

A family of tourist were surprised by the local authorities when they we’re leaving their hotel near Palm Beach.

The police arrested two brothers with regards about a stolen credit card.

The authorities were informed about various purchases made with a stolen credit card on Aruba.

After investigation the police went to arrest the two brothers.

They are the main suspects and it’s not clear whether they can leave the island or not, because the case is still in process.

Sentenced 4 Years for Attacking a Taxi Driver

The American tourist, Patrick Maxwell, who attacked a female taxi driver in 2016 got sentenced to 4 years in jail.

He decided to appeal on the judge’s first decision last year, but nothing has changed on the second time in court.

Patrick said he isn’t guilty of this crime, because he said he was drunk and couldn’t remember what he had done. Plus he blamed a trauma he suffered in the military for his actions.

The incident took place on the 28th of January 2016 when Patrick was on a retreat from his job.

He was partying with his colleagues and admitting to using drugs.

Later that night he got aggressive and attacked a female taxi driver.

She was severely hurt with 5 broken ribs and a broken nose.

Paying More for Gas

The government announced this week that the gas prices are going to be raised.

If you’re planning to rent a car in Aruba, be aware of the new gas prices.

• Unleaded Premium is now at 179,4 cents for 1 liter (this raised about +13,6 cents)
• Diesel is now 148,4 cents for 1 liter (this raised about + 9,9 cents)

Aruba’s Tourism Expected To Grow, Again.

Aruba Ports Authority announced that they are expecting about 700 thousands cruise ship passengers in 2017 that will be visiting Aruba.

This estimation has been made by the amount of reservations made by cruise ships and their travel agencies.

About 600 thousand travelers visited Aruba by cruise ship in 2016.

Not only is the amount of cruise passengers going to grow, but also the amount of cruise ships docked on Aruba’s ports is expected to increase.

Palm Beach Voted Most Busy Beach

A popular travel site called oyster.com placed Palm Beach in the number one spot for beaches you should avoid if your looking for tranquility.

This article might scare you if you’re a first time visitor looking for peace and quietness.

However, it all depends when you go to Palm Beach.

If it’s high season on Aruba you’re going to find a lot of people on the beach. But if your traveling during low season you might find the tranquility you’re looking for.

If not, you can always look for peace and tranquility on the other beaches on Aruba equally beautiful as Palm Beach.

For Oyster.com to rank Palm Beach as number one means Aruba is a top tropical destination.

Other islands that we’re mentioned were Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Bahamas and Mexico.  

The Most Innovative island in the Caribbean

Aruba Tourism Authority received a Caribbean Travel Award for being the most innovative destination for 2016 in the Caribbean region.

The award was given by Caribbean Journal. 

This is the third year that Caribbean Journal is given out travel awards to hotels, restaurants and people who shine in the tourism industry.

Caribbean Journal also awarded Aruba with the “best beaches you can stay on in the Caribbean” where eagle beach came out in the top 10.

Screaming Eagle and Wilhelmina restaurant were also nominated in the top 50 restaurants in the Caribbean.

Barcelo Aruba, Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, Divi Village and RIU hotel we’re nominated in “The 10 Best All-Inclusive in the Dutch Caribbean”.

Other News in Aruba

Click here to read last weeks Aruba news.

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