On Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., a Literary-Cultural program will take place at the National Library of Aruba, located at George Madurostraat 13, Oranjestad.
In collaboration with Astrid Britten (National Library of Aruba), Siegfried Dumfries (Department of Culture Aruba), and Mirto Laclé (Linguist, Man of Letters, and Cultural Manager), a multifaceted evening will mark the presentation of a new historical-literary work. The program will also feature lectures, a documentary screening, music, and singing. A Tambú group and a traditional musical ensemble (Grupo Tipico) will perform for the audience.
Author Edgar Ras will have the honor of presenting a book written as a tribute to Aruba’s past, where history and fiction intertw. The book is titled “Willem Rasmijn, The Story of His Life and the Aruban Gold Rush”.
In the dry soil of Aruba, a young man named Willem Rasmijn stumbled upon something that changed Aruba’s history forever. Yet the true value of his discovery lay not merely in gold, but in the collective memory of a people, in the silence of the countryside, and in the footsteps of generations left behind.
This book serves as a homage to Willem Rasmijn, giving life and voice to a name that must never be forgotten. With respect, emotion, and identity, the narrative takes the reader on a journey of discovery, struggle, dignity, and heritage.
“I found more than gold, but not everything was meant to be discovered.”
“Silence speaks to those who choose to listen. The stone Willem found in Rooi Fluit was worth more than gold.”
“Willem belongs to us.”
Edgar Ras served actively for 42 years in the Aruba Police Force. At the Police Academy, he served as a lecturer and instructor. He also worked extensively as a curriculum developer for police education, government institutions, and recently for the private sector.
From 2015 onward, his primary role was Course and Training Coordinator, and during his final two years of active service, he headed the Police Academy as acting director.
The book will be available for purchase during the event. Admission is free. Come and celebrate Aruba’s heritage and identity.
For further information, please contact Mirto Laclé at 7426274.
