Merchants in our city center, Caya Grandi, are raising their voices in concern over the current state of the commercial zone. Mardjori Vermeer, a merchant with years of experience, shared her concerns regarding the lack of attention to the area and the drop in visitor traffic.
According to Vermeer, the part where her business is located is suffering from a visible decline. The factors pointed out include:
Deteriorated buildings: Lack of maintenance on infrastructure, which does not create an inviting environment for visitors.
Lack of flow: Merchants feel that customers and tourists are no longer coming to this area as they did in the past.
Loss of charm: The city center has lost its “appeal” and its former role as the commercial heart of Aruba.
To bring life back to Caya Grandi, Vermeer proposes several strategies:
Cultural events: Organizing events that attract both locals and tourists, such as showcases and festivals that can motivate the public to visit the area again.
Infrastructure management: Investment in fixing buildings and creating a more dynamic and safe environment.
Cooperation: A joint effort between the government and merchants to stimulate the local economy in the center.
Vermeer emphasizes that this effort must be sustainable and needs a clear vision to reinvent Caya Grandi as the destination it once was. Without a structured plan and cooperation from all parties concerned, merchants fear that the “Heart of our city” will continue to lose its value.
