The Government of Aruba, following a request from the Henny Eman Foundation, has decided to rename a section of L.G. Smith Boulevard to Henny Eman Boulevard.
The section to receive the new name stretches from the Mahuma roundabout to the roundabout near Sun Plaza, where Avenida Nelson Orlando Oduber begins. This decision provides a lasting tribute to Jan Hendrik Albert (Henny) Eman, the first Prime Minister of Aruba and one of the key architects of modern Aruban statehood.
The selection of this particular section of the boulevard is deliberate. This road forms a kind of living timeline of modern Aruban history, reflecting at various points Henny Eman’s vision, political work, and major life achievements, as well as the commitment of generations of his family to Aruba’s development.
Along this boulevard, the construction of Aruba’s modern tourism industry becomes visible — a sector Henny Eman is recognized as having founded. Under his leadership, hotel capacity expanded after Status Aparte, the international airport was substantially modernized and enlarged, and strategic innovations were implemented, such as the U.S. Pre-Inspection immigration service, strengthening Aruba’s international position and competitiveness as a tourist destination.
Major territorial and economic development projects from this period were realized along the boulevard, including the land reclamation for Harbour Town, the construction of the Renaissance Convention Center & Ocean Suites, and the Sonesta Hotel, now part of the same complex.
This boulevard also forms the administrative heart of Aruba. It houses, among other institutions, the Parliament of Aruba, several important government offices, and the Governor’s Cabinet. These institutions symbolize Aruba as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands — a constitutional reality shaped under the leadership of Henny Eman.
A special historical element is that this section of the boulevard connects to two points along Watty Vos Boulevard. This territorial connection carries strong symbolic meaning. Watty Vos was a close friend, contemporary, and “kindred spirit” of Henny Eman. Both played key roles in Aruba’s political and social development and shared a deep commitment to autonomy, democracy, and general welfare. The intersection of these boulevards creates a tangible reminder of their shared efforts for Aruba.
The historical significance of the boulevard is further reinforced by statues of Henny Eman and his father Cornelis Albert (Shon A.) Eman, two key figures in Aruba’s long struggle for autonomy and general welfare.
The boulevard runs along the Oranjestad waterfront, a location with deep historical meaning. One of the waterfront piers is named Cornelis Eman Kade, after Henny Eman’s grandfather, a progressive and influential defender of the modernization of Aruba’s maritime port — a contribution of great importance to Aruba’s economic development and international connectivity.
Henny Eman guided Aruba through a very challenging period shortly after the closure of the LAGO refinery in 1984. He introduced Status Aparte and restored a severely affected economy — a massive task. Through courage, vision, and determination, he provided direction for Aruba and created a new perspective on autonomy and economic resilience.
The official inauguration of Henny Eman Boulevard took place on January 6, precisely one year after Henny Eman’s passing. The date was consciously chosen as a moment of national remembrance and reflection, allowing Aruba to reflect on its historical significance and lasting legacy. This inauguration also coincides with Aruba’s celebration of forty years of Status Aparte, recognizing the birth of Aruba as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with Henny Eman and his predecessors as pioneering figures across generations.
During the inauguration, Aruba Airport Authority also contributed socially. As part of the Government of Aruba’s “100,000 trees” initiative, the AAA planted dozens of trees and plants along the boulevard, connecting the commemoration with a concrete investment in Aruba’s sustainability and future.
The Government of Aruba expresses its appreciation for the initiative of both AAA and the Henny Eman Foundation, considering this renaming a fitting and dignified tribute to a statesman who dedicated his life to building a new Aruba and serving the general welfare.