The Government of Aruba officially announced the third edition of Cuida Aruba, taking place on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, reinforcing the call for the community to continue working together to keep our island clean and well-maintained.
During a press conference, Prime Minister Mike Eman presented the upcoming edition of this national initiative alongside Rino Hermans, director of the Crisis Management Office (CMO); Silvhyanne Vrolijk, coordinator at CEDE Aruba; Chieh Chen Lake, spokesperson for the Department of Public Works (DOW); and Maikel Gomes, spokesperson for the Bureau City Inspector (BCI).
Adjustments to facilitate participation
CMO Director Rino Hermans explained that lessons learned from the first two editions of Cuida Aruba allowed organizers to make several adjustments to improve operations. Among the changes is the decision to maintain five waste separation categories, which simplifies the unloading process, reduces wait times, and allows for the transport of a larger volume of waste materials. Additionally, drop-off hours have changed. Container points will be open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM to ensure all waste is transported on time. Hermans emphasized that Cuida Aruba cannot be limited to a single cleanup day; the goal is to create a permanent mindset shift within the community, preventing people from dumping garbage in the same spots once they have been cleaned.
More organizations joining in
CEDE Aruba Coordinator Silvhyanne Vrolijk reported that each edition attracts more organizations eager to participate. Groups that have already confirmed their participation include AVB, RIU Hotels, Scouting Casibari, Scouting Ora Ubao, Scouting Aruba, Centro Famia Piedra Plat, and other volunteer groups.
Vrolijk urged families, friends, schools, and other organizations to register and participate as groups, noting that the initiative aims to foster a culture of shared responsibility within the community. Cuida Aruba starts with each citizen—when someone sees an improper situation, they should take initiative and help change it.
DOW ready for operations
On behalf of the DOW, Chieh Chen Lake stated that they are fully prepared for the third edition. The DOW will deploy approximately 50 workers for the operation and will continue collaborating with CEDE Aruba to coordinate the various drop-off locations.
Lake also urged the community to take advantage of the opportunity to clean up around their homes and neighborhoods, especially during hurricane season, when accumulated debris can create hazardous situations.
Bureau City Inspector: “We all have a role”
Bureau City Inspector spokesperson Maikel Gomes stated that they are also ready to maintain a presence at the various locations to guide operations.
Gomes called on neighbors and families to help one another during the event, highlighting that the efforts made over recent months must not go to waste. According to the BCI, keeping Aruba clean is an ongoing responsibility that must continue well beyond each Cuida Aruba action.
Broad support from partners
In addition to the Government of Aruba, Serlimar, Bureau City Inspector, DOW, CEDE Aruba, and CMO, various companies and volunteer organizations will be in the field to assist with guidance and coordination. All citizens are urged to participate in Cuida Aruba on Saturday, September 26, emphasizing that every trash bag collected represents another step toward a cleaner, healthier Aruba with a stronger sense of community. For more information, visit www.cuidaaruba.com.
