The end of the year is a season of peace and love, understanding and unity. Last night, in harmony with the Christmas season, the Prime Minister of Aruba, Mr. Mike Eman, together with the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Wendrick Cicilia, conducted the official ceremony to illuminate Plaza Daniel Leo and Caya Grandi.
“In this first walk through Caya Grandi, filled with festive lights, we see the path Aruba is on — once again a path filled with hope,” expressed Prime Minister Eman.
Minister Cicilia also shared his joy upon seeing the illuminated Caya Grandi, which symbolizes the vision that the AVP-Futuro Cabinet has for Aruba and for Caya Grandi. With the execution of various projects such as Ban Bek Caya, the revived hope is visible: the return of light to our streets with a focus on bringing wellbeing to the community — governing in the general interest, from the people, for the people.
“A government of Light,” Minister Cicilia stated.
Difficult Times Will Be Overcome
The people express their joy and recognize the renewed optimism in Aruba. The community looks back on eight difficult years marked by setbacks: loss of purchasing power, declining neighborhoods, and deteriorating city centers. Today, the community sees a government that cares for its people — from the youngest to the elderly.
Pensioners Will See Improvements Once Again
One of the major commitments fulfilled early on by this government is the support for pensioners. They received an increase of Afl. 250, offering significant relief. The 2026 budget is being prepared, and another increase is expected for our elderly. Additionally, discussions with the SVB director are underway regarding lowering the AZV insurance premium for seniors, which will bring further relief.
Medication Package Nearly Fully Restored
A notable achievement is that the list of medications is now almost fully reinstated. In collaboration with Minister of Health Mervin Wyatt-Ras, this was achieved alongside an increase in social assistance, providing crucial support at the start of the school year to many who needed it.
Neighborhood Renewal
Many have already noticed the extensive effort underway to renovate and restore neighborhoods across the island. Projects are starting or are already in progress in Mabon, De Vuyst, Bushiri, and the inauguration of the music school on Semeleerstraat in Noord, with the vision to eventually have one in every district.
Permanent Waste Disposal Solutions
Through extensive collaboration between various departments and agencies, major achievements have been made in cleaning up the island. The Baki den Bario project enabled the community to unite in keeping Aruba clean — an initiative widely supported by residents. Concurrently, a structural solution has been pursued: under the leadership of Minister Cicilia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and ATA, six permanent waste disposal locations have been designated to offer a more sustainable system for waste management.
In a short period, significant progress has been made on our island. These achievements are not mere gifts to the community, but rather rights the people were deprived of during the past eight years. Today, the people benefit from good governance — impressive results attained in just seven months.
A Time of Transformation in Our Community
This is not only a change in government but also a shift in mindset: the people come first, the common good comes first, and with that sense of duty the AVP-Futuro Cabinet and parliamentary factions work every day.
A New Era for San Nicolas
A renewed priority for the refinery proved decisive, and the decision was praised by the Dutch Prime Minister. For San Nicolas, this marks the beginning of a new era. In addition, major initiatives to revitalize San Nicolas are being carried out, and efforts to bring back Carrubbean are becoming a real possibility for the area.
MFA San Nicolas Soon a Reality
A few days ago, Prime Minister Eman announced that the San Nicolas MFA will soon become a reality. In December, the public tender will be opened to initiate the construction process. The final design is being completed and will be submitted to DOW. Early next year, construction will begin, and after years of waiting, San Nicolas will finally receive its MFA.
“Join us on this path of hope; every time you see a star in the sky, you see the light guiding this government — the light of the common good that serves our nation,” said Prime Minister Mike Eman.
Press release: Government of Aruba
