In a casual setting with the Spanish theme for the evening, the new Kiwanis Club of Aruba (KCA) policy for the 2023-2024 Kiwanis year was installed. The evening was a very friendly one with the presence of representatives of the other service clubs of Aruba such as Lions Club, Aruba One Happy Island Lions Club, Rotary Club, Women’s Club, Quota Club and guests of honor.
Also present were the Kiwanis family clubs in Aruba; Kiwanis Club of Palm Beach, Kiwanis Club Young Professionals of Aruba and Kiwanis Club of San Nicolas. The evening began with our anthem “Aruba Dushi Tera” presented by the famous singer Angela Croes with her mini band “Alma Gitana”, followed by the presentation of the poem “Gratitude” by Mr. Luciano Milliard.
Two members of the Kiwanis Club of Aruba were honored with a well-deserved recognition called the “Legion of Honor Award”. The recognition is to pay special attention to the years of service as a member with dedication to improving the club and our community. Mr. Leslie Tweeboom celebrated 40 years of service as a member of KCA and Mr. Fernando Rigaud celebrated 25 years of service as a member of KCA.
The three newly installed members are Marouska Heyliger, Shurayma Dania, and Zayron Wever. The ceremony of installing the new members, firing the previous board and installing the new board was conducted by the Distinguished Lieutenant Governor Patrick Melchiors.
representing Lieutenant Governor Shelly-Ann McPherson-Price of the Kiwanis Club of Scarborough Tobago could not be present.
Outgoing president Jokoeza Hooplot began by saying that it was an honor to be able to preside over the club for two consecutive years. He thanked everyone who contributed to the club’s projects during his tenure as club president. He said goodbye to the members of the previous board and thanked them for their hard work and efforts during the Kiwanis year.
The newly installed board consists of: Manaaf Badloe as President, Tessely Koolman-
Ranis was elected President, Indra Pereira was elected Vice President, Norma Brinkenberg was elected Secretary, Natalie Solognier was elected Treasurer, and Jokoeza Hooplot was elected Outgoing President. The film was directed by Derchlien Dijkhoff, Ingmar Ramharakh, Fernando Rigaud, Ebby Schwengle and Gay Spellen.
In his first speech President Manaaf elaborated on his focus for the coming year which includes helping our children with resources to reach their goals, bringing more members to the club, contributing to programs that help with food and clothing for children in need as well as improving interaction with the community on the work Kiwanis do. Following her speech, the following members were recognized: Jane Wever as “Kiwanian of the Year” and Jokoeza Hooplot with the “President’s Award”.
Members and guests were able to enjoy a delicious meal and typical Spanish drink of a paella and sangria. The Spanish musical entertainment was in charge of “Alma Gitana”.
