Anne Witsenburg, Director of Monumentenfonds Aruba (Aruba Monuments Fund), has played a key role in the restoration of Cas Veneranda. She shared that from the first moment she saw the building, its state was extremely deteriorated; however, its historical value and potential were immediately recognizable.
Shortly after assuming her role as Director, Witsenburg was given the opportunity to begin envisioning a future for the building. Through conversations with Mrs. Landa Merryweather, she gained a deeper understanding of the home’s family history, creating an emotional connection and a shared hope that the building would one day be restored and reclaim its identity as Cas Veneranda.
Over the years, the process was not easy. A serious incident that affected the building put further pressure on its structural integrity, but thanks to the swift action of the relevant authorities, important parts of the structure were preserved, keeping the possibility of restoration alive.
A decisive moment arrived when the Ministry of Economic Affairs, under the leadership of Geoffrey Wever, took the initiative to integrate the building into a broader vision for the revitalization of downtown Oranjestad. This marked the beginning of a concrete journey to rescue the property.
The project focused not only on physical restoration but also on sustainability and accessibility. Cas Veneranda is equipped with modern solutions such as solar panels and water reuse systems, along with facilities to ensure the building is accessible to all persons. Furthermore, the integration of economic activities, such as a restaurant, will contribute to a new dynamic in the area, creating a meeting point for the community and visitors alike.
Witsenburg expressed her profound gratitude to Prime Minister Mike Eman for his continuous commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage. According to Witsenburg, the way the Government handles cultural heritage reflects a clear vision for keeping history alive while building the future. She emphasized that projects like Cas Veneranda are not just about restoring a building, but about preserving identity, memory, and the human connection to our city.
The official ceremony culminated with a symbolic ribbon-cutting, marking the completion of the restoration—a moment that confirmed Cas Veneranda has become a reality as a symbol of history, pride, and revitalization.
