During a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Government Organization, Culture and Sports on Tuesday, February 10, the San Nicolas Business Association (SNBA) presented its vision for San Nicolas.
At this meeting, AVP and FUTURO stood out due to their absence because of a situation that the PPA faction considers childish. Nevertheless, the PPA faction was present and was able to place SNBA’s vision alongside PPA’s vision in the “Plan Nos Aruba 2050.” Together with SNBA, the future of San Nicolas (“pariba di brug”) was discussed in Parliament. PPA reaffirms that San Nicolas cannot continue to be used for empty electoral promises; it must become the center of our “Orange Economy” and the Capital of Culture and Heritage of Aruba.
“We take note that the meeting revealed a concerning reality: the people of San Nicolas have lost confidence in change due to the lack of decisive action by governments. SNBA has a clear vision, such as a design for a Carnival Village Entertainment Center, but they feel excluded from the commissions that should guide this development or any other development in San Nicolas.
PPA firmly believes that development must come from the bottom up, with active participation from local organizations.
We in PPA believe that the development of San Nicolas as a Cultural Heritage City should include at least:
- Real Investment: Not just 2.5 million florins for the main street, but a budget of 17 million florins to fully restore San Nicolas, including Bernhardstraat.
● Creative Economy (Orange Economy): Strengthening cultural identity by involving, among others, the Instituto Pedagogico Arubano (IPA) in projects related to art, creativity, and design.
● Business Reform: Changing the designation of buildings on the main street and introducing modern legislation to regulate bars and protect safety in the area.
● Attention to the Elderly: With more than 40% of the elderly population living “pariba di brug” according to SNBA. In our Plan 2050, we ensure their well-being within a vibrant and accessible community.
PPA is ready to stop the negligence. It takes willpower and courage to make key decisions according to a vision for Aruba and San Nicolas. San Nicolas has the potential to generate income and create opportunities for our local talents. With “Plan Nos Aruba 2050,” we commit ourselves to a real transformation where San Nicolas shines as the cultural jewel of the Caribbean.
PPA: We are ready to lead Aruba and give San Nicolas the value it deserves!
Pieter