Betico statue in the Plaza Betico Croes

Aruba’s first national holiday of 2010 is dedicated to the memory of Gilberto “Betico” Croes, often referred to as “El Liberatador.” Born on January 25, 1938, he left his mark on the island as a revered statesman and leader of the Movimiento Electoral di Pueblo, MEP. He was instrumental in Aruba obtaining autonomy within the Dutch Kingdom, separate from the other islands of the Netherlands Antilles.  He passed away in November, 1986, the year Aruba realized Status Aparte.

                Festive observances filled the day, which began with the traditional solemn ceremony in the Plaza Betico Croes in Oranjestad. Island dignitaries attended the event, led by Governor Fredis Refunjol and his wife, Clarette, along with Aruba’s Prime Minister Mike Godfried Eman and his wife, Doina.

Governor Refunjol Prime Minister Eman and spouses

                As tradition requires, the ceremony began with memorial wreaths being placed at the foot of the statue of Betico Croes.

Scouting Aruba assists with placement of the memorial wreaths

The first was on behalf of the Aruban Parliament; this was done by Parliamentary President Andy Lee and Jacquelin Bastien. Prime Minister Eman and Secretary to the Ministers, Nicole Hovertsz placed the second wreath on behalf of the Aruban Government. This was followed by the daughters of Betico Croes, Guisette and Glendeline, on behalf of the family, and finally by Maikito Croes and Eveline Wever-Croes, representing the Betico Croes Foundation.

Parliament President Andy Lee and Jacquelin Bastien

                During his official address, Prime Minister Eman reminded islanders that in these difficult times, we can all be inspired by Betico Croes’ struggle and sacrifice; always striving for Aruba to achieve self-government and never accepting defeat.

                Musical background and the National Anthem, “Aruba Dushi Terra,” were provided by the Orkesta Harmonica Arubana and Choral Group Hubenil Briyante under the direction of Tica Giel.

Dignitaries shared a "Pabien" with the public following the formalities

 The morning’s protocol event marked the beginning of a day filled with festivities and activities by various sports organizations, foundations and historical institutions around the island.

PA MOTIBO DI E TEREMOTO DEVASTADOR CU A TUMA LUGAR RECIENMENTE NA HAÏTI, “SAN” CONHUNTAMENTE CU STICHTING YUDA HAÏTI, TA ORGANIZANDO UN TREMENDO SUBASTA DI ARTE RIBA DIAMARS 9 FEBRUARI BENIDERO, CUAL LO TUMA LUGAR NA THE WESTIN RESORT & CASINO DEN E ART GALLERY DI E RESORT. ORARIO LO TA 07:00 PM DI ANOCHI.
SAN (Sociocultural Action Network) A WORDO FUNDA DOOR DI HOBENNAN HAÏTIANO RESIDENCIA NA ARUBA PA YUDA OTRO HOBENNAN RIBA TERENO CULTURAL.
MIRANDO E DESASTER DI E TEREMOTO, NOS A DISIDI DI ESTRECHA NOS MAN PA YUDA OTRO HAÏTIANONAN NA HAЇTI DOOR DI TRECE PINTURA Y PRINTSNAN DI DIFERENTE ARTISTANAN RENOMBRA Y LOCAL PA RECAUDA FONDO PA E SOBREVIVIENTENAN.
LO NOS APRECIA BOSO APORTE.

PA CUALKIER INFORMACION ADDICIONAL POR TUMA CONTACTO CU:
Lionel Vilsaint (Cel): 560 6211
Maisa Faro (Cel): 733 5803
Mondy Merveille (Cel): 5924910
Mrs. Marie Therese Croes (Ph): 582 1187

Help the people of Haiti, A message of SAN Aruba and LC Studio

As reported yesterday, the Aruba chapter of the Dutch Red Cross is making every effort to assist victims of the earthquake in Haiti, and expatriate Haitians living on Aruba who are concerned about relatives and friends in the disaster-struck island.
Six local phone numbers where concerned individuals on Aruba can obtain help in locating family and friends on Haiti are:
Dorismaud: 568-0588
Magalie: 568-3136
Jowel: 568-3137
Jean Hilaire: 735-4509
Berthony: 736-4509
Meracin: 734-4509

Lionel: 560-6211

Gabriel and Jean Louis Daquin have set up a station in the Red Cross headquarters in Dakota where those seeking information can bring pictures of those they are seeking and fill out a form.
A call was issued by some local organizations for clothes and food items to be donated and shipped to Haiti, but Red Cross Interim Director Michel J.M. La Haye discourages this. “We very much appreciate the generosity of the Aruban community wishing to donate goods, but these things are expensive to send to Haiti,” he informed Aruba Today, “what is really needed now is funds. We have set up special accounts which will be administrated by the Red Cross; these funds will purchase what is needed in Haiti, which will also help stimulate their economy.” These accounts are under the name of “Help Haiti Red Cross.” The numbers are: RBTT Bank: 4425510, CMB Bank: 60646004. Banco di Caribe: 81009401, Aruba Bank: 12012010.
It is not unknown for unprincipled individuals to take advantage of such situations and set up foundations where money can be donated, but little is seen by those in need. News reports have been warning of this, and recommend all those wishing to help exercise caution and make their donations to recognized crisis organizations such as the Red Cross.

Tony Award winning Kiril Kulish on island to star in The Nutcracker

Aruba, Wednesday, December 23, Aruban media had the pleasure of meeting Kiril Kulish, one of the three young men to make Broadway history by winning the Tony Award for Best Performer in a Broadway Musical for their starring roles in “Billy Elliot-The Musical,” The show also garnered a Tony for Elton John, for Best Musical.
During a meet and greet in the Sound Lounge of the Occidental Grand Aruba Resort in Palm Beach, press had the opportunity to question the personable young performer, who is on island for the holidays to perform in Leonid Kozlov’s “The Nutcracker,” being staged in the ballroom of the Occidental Grand Resort.
Resort General Manager Jesus Cardoso-González announced he is thrilled to be able to bring this holiday classic to his guests, something new this year to Palm Beach. “I have seen Kiril perform, and as an enthusiastic fan of dance, I can only describe it as “simply breathtaking;” we are very excited to be hosting “The Nutcracker” this year.”
Along with Kiril, Leonid Kozlov introduced Shweska ver Berene, of Aruba’s Pachanga Dance School, who will be performing with Kiril during the final performance on Saturday, January 2, 2010. Aside from being a winner of the top prize for ballet in Youth America Grand Prix, Kiril also holds the title of US Champion in Latin Ballroom, among others. He will partner with Shweska as part of the world premiere of a suite devised particularly for him by Leonid Kozlov, considered by the dance world to be one of the great choreographers. Mr. Kozlov, former principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet and New York City Ballet, has created a program to showcase Kiril’s many dance talents, as well as being a world-class concert pianist. This second performance will also include excerpts from “The Nutcracker.” A full performance of the classic ballet will begin the holiday program on Wednesday, December 30.
Kiril, who has recently departed from the cast of “Billy Elliot,” is now considering at a number of projects, including several movie offers, but reports he wished to take this time to work with Leonid Kozlov, “who has taught me so much, and is a remarkable choreographer who knows exactly what he wants.” Kiril also commented he is “thrilled to be back in Aruba for the holidays. I am originally from San Diego, California, but have been living in New York City for the past 18 months, while performing in Billy Elliot, and though I love the city, after the snowstorms from the past weekend, it is really, REALLY great to be in the warm and see those beaches and stunning blue sea.”
“Kiril is an amazing talent, dedicated to the arts since a young age,” commented Leonid Kozlov, “we are very happy to have him star in this year’s production; we believe he will be a superstar and enhance any production in which he performs.”
Leonid Kozlov and Kiril also invited everyone to get a free peek of the show at the Paseo Herencia Shopping Mall in Palm Beach this coming Sunday, December 27, when they will do a preview in the Plaza Padu at 8:00 PM. Tickets for the upcoming performance are only $20 (35 Arubian florins) and can be purchased at the parking cashier at Paseo Herencia, the concierge desk of the Occidental Grand Resort and at Van Dorp Bookstores in the Divi and Tamarijn Mega All-inclusive Resorts, Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, and the main store on Avenida Milio Croes.

Article and Photos By Rosalie KleinThe long-anticipated opening of what will prove to be Aruba’s most diverse shopping and entertainment center, Palm Beach Plaza, took place on Friday, December 18 with a gala event showcasing the mall’s many shops, activities and attractions still to come.  On the evening previous to the official opening, island media was invited for a sneak peek of all that Palm Beach Plaza, located on the Sasaki Highway across from the Acqua project, has to offer.

Marketing Coordinator Indra Stamper & Mall Mgr Alex Otterspeer

                Mall Manager Alex Otterspeer and Tenant & Marketing Coordinator Indra Stamper played host and hostess along with Developer Ashok Ramshandani as their guests “ohhhed and ahhhed” over the attractive shops now open and the many being decorated and stocked, which will open in 2010. The multi-level mall allows for 42 retail stores, a bowling ally, a cinema with 8 theaters, 2 ATM machines, Western Union, well-stocked mini market, 6 retail and snack kiosks, a fun food court with 8 outlets as well as several  formal restaurants offering a plethora of cuisines, and more than ample parking with valet service if desired.

three levels of shops, eateries and entertainment await

                The elegant center court sports a stage which will host “numerous special events and diversions,” according to management. The mall offers, on a daily basis, a supervised child care center with activities and videos, and the entertainment space “Fun City,” which includes a Kiddie-train, rock climbing wall, electronic game room and a thrill Cable Slide. It is located adjacent to the fun food court housing Churromania, Chubby Panda, Sciue Sciue, Aladdin Shoarma Express, Beef’es and Bon Chicken for quick and easy informal dining for the whole family. Those preferring a more traditional restaurant experience can select either indoor or outdoor dining at a choice of Mexican, Mediterranean, and Caribbean eateries with Mama’s, Casa Tua, and Kokomo’s. Palm Beach Plaza will also host Hoshi, a typical Miami sushi bar, and allow visitors to take a break at Sir James House of Coffee, Mimo’s Ice Cream, Tio Pepes Fruit & Cocktail Bar, Havana Cigar & Spirit Bar and Candyland.  

Great ideas in comfortable alternatives in shoewear at Skechers

 Island media was properly impressed with the remarkable selection of shops including trusted names for quality and style such as San Marina Shoes, Nautica, Shivas, Sun Specs, Bennetton, Birkenstock, Penha and Giordano, with many open and ready to receive shoppers and browsers, such as Panache, Underground, Skechers and Totto. The center will also be home to several vendors and products that are new to Aruba, offering exciting inventories of trendy fashions and accessories never before seen on the island. Completing the line-up of services offered is the Green Door Day Spa & Salon, Tango Tours travel agents, and just in time for the holiday, Post Aruba announced they will be open to send souvenir postcards to those freezing back in northern climes with a very special service; bring in your digital camera and download a shot of the family on Aruba’s sunny shores, it will instantly be converted into a legitimate stamp to use on your holiday correspondence. 

Island media was properly impressed

Tattoo artist Silvio Buffilini at Underground

Play with your hair at Underground, home of Retro-chic!

                The final frosting on the cake is the Palm Beach Plaza Select Card, which offers savings and privileges at participating vendors and is valid through December 31, 2010. Looks like becoming a member of the Palm Beach Plaza will not only provide great fun, but smart savings as well. As a new shopping and entertainment center on Aruba, Palm Beach Plaza management demonstrated it was worth the wait, with the best yet to come.

Shops are open late and special events will make Palm Beach Plaza the place to spend an evening

Charming surroundings at House of Japan

Located within the stylish new South Beach Mall, the House of Japan not only offers chic surroundings and an intimate ambiance, it also sports the most unique sushi selection on the island. House of Japan has brought in master sushi chef Kasuki Tsuchiya to create a selection of specialized dishes just for them, and they provide a fresh and memorable dining experience for even the most jaded aficionados of sushi. Raised in the large Japanese community of Latin America, Chef Kasuki has incorporated many of the elements of regional cooking for his distinctive creations.

   The Aruba Press taste testers visited the House of Japan and met Chef Kasuki and Mylene, whose deft hands quickly produce a variety of sushi and other fresh Japanese delights. Many will remember Mylene from Sakura in Oranjestad, and the sushi stand at La Cabana. Admitting that “sushi is my passion,” Mylene has found a new home at House of Japan, her inborn artistry evident with each beautiful platter.

The world’s great cuisines take into consideration not only flavor, but presenting a feast for all the senses; sight and smell create anticipation before our taste buds and tummy are actually rewarded. Sushi is the pinnacle of food as art; a beautifully arranged mélange of color and design to delight the eyes, right down to the vibrant salad that garners the serving platter.

Kushi Katsu

We tried a number of house specialties beginning with Kushi Katsu, beef on a skewer from the Kushi Ague/Yak portion of the menu, which also features skewers of chicken, shrimp and salmon, each with its own individual flavor. Served with a crunchy coating and a secret sauce, it was a great way to start the meal.

Ivanka Roll

 We choose two sushi rolls devised particularly for House of Japan; the South Beach Roll and the Ivanka Roll, and while sorely tempted by the Oranjestad Roll, consisting of crisp pan fried crab, chives, avocado and sweet plantains, and the Neptune Salad, we were just too full to manage these equally attractive dishes as well. Ivanka Roll consists of savory pan fried shrimps, cream cheese, peaches and some secret ingredients;

South Beach Roll

South Beach sports Unagui Crispy roll topped with Tempura shrimp and mixed with mustard and honey for a perfect balance of pungent and sweet. Both are a remarkable experience for the senses.

                Mylene was preparing a feast of favorites for a family that has followed her from one venue to the next; but still found time to serve up our sushi quickly. Another nice specialty of the house is the Boat or Bridge Special; it offers a variety of nigeri, sashimi, Tiger or Alaska Roll and

A fine selection of fresh Sashimi

seaweed salad, very appealingly presented

                “The sushi we are making here is like none other seen on Aruba,” expressed Mylene regarding working with Chef Kasuki, “it is so exciting to be trying these new dishes, they are so nontraditional and I find the old standards pale in comparison. We have everyone’s favorites, and can make anything they ask for, but we are sure they will love what we have created.”

                Our team did manage to save some room to share the Tempura Ice Cream, served with sauces that offered a tangy hint of wild berries; very yummy and a great way to cool down after all the wasabi we like on our sushi.

A popular favorite; Spicy Salmon Roll

  House of Japan is open for dinner seven days a week; Sundays through Thursdays from 5:30 PM until 12:30 AM, and on Fridays and Saturdays until 2:30 AM, in case you get the late night munchies. Aside from the charming and intimate interior dining room, they offer dinner under the stars on the South Beach Terrace, a nice spot for family dining. A cozy Teppen-yaki table in the back seats six comfortably. If you have a taste for Japanese grill, comes enjoy the show with veteran Chef Aldrin, where a family can have their own private Teppen-yaki table. Children’s three course dinner at the table is only $10, and during the holiday season House of Japan is featuring an Early Bird Special of 10% off Monday through Thursday when seated before 7:00 PM. Kids get a choice of a free ice cream or a virgin exotic drink with the dinner.

Years of planning, work, and collaboration by over one dozen companies and hundreds of workers reached fruition on Friday afternoon, December 18, when the windmills of Vader Piet Windpark were put into motion.

                The inaugural ceremony conducted at the park on Aruba’s northeast shore, where ten Vestas Windmills now stand 180 meters high, was conducted with a substantial dose of whimsy, as planned by Art-Click Production from Holland, and the company that build and will run the facility, Hutting Windenergie BV. When fully utilized, the turbines can provide 18% of Aruba’s energy needs.

From left: Mike de Meza, OJ Boekhoudt, Mike Eman, Henk Hutting, Michelle Winklaar, Arthur Dowers

                This momentous occasion, marking Aruba’s first concrete step towards a future independent of fossil fuel for power, was attended by a number of island dignitaries, including Prime Minister Mike Eman, Minister of Finance Transport and Utilities, Mike de Meza, both of whom addressed the gathering, as well as Minister of Economic Affairs, Social Affairs and Culture, Michelle Winklaar and Minister of Justice and Education, Arthur Dowers, and Vice-President of Parliament Paul Croes.

New WEB Director OJ Boekhoudt and retired director Jossy Lacle

  Representing the project was Mr. Henk Hutting, Director of the Hutting Windenergie BV, and Mr. Oslin J. Boekhoudt, Director of Water en Energiebedrijf Aruba, best known as W.E.B., Aruba’s power and water plant. Mr. Boekhoudt assumed his position just over a month ago, as Jossy Lacle, company director who uninitiated and negotiated the project, retired on October 15. Mr. Lacle was a key part of the opening ceremony, in honor of his diligence and determination in seeing the project completed.

                The concept of wind, embodied by this project, could

The audience joins in with kazoos; all part of the whimsical opening

be considered light-hearted, which was the intention of every aspect of the official ceremony, bringing a freshness to the event, just as a welcome breeze would do. The simile of the Vader Piet Windpark auguring the winds of change for Aruba was not lost on the audience. The principle parties involved, first Prime Minister Eman and Jossy Lacle, were invited to the stage to engage in a video game incorporating a Nintendo Wii and a specialized program requiring them to use arm action to enable a character on the screen riding a parasail to fly into ten windmills, each time setting one of the actual windmills in motion; the second five wind turbines were initiated by the gaming efforts of Henk Hutting and O.J. Boekhoudt.

The Prime Minister and Jossy Lacle, far from expert at video games, finally got things going

                During his address to the gathering, Mr. Hutting remarked on the speed with which a great deal was accomplished in completing the wind park, offering his gratitude and amazement at what could be accomplished with motivation and cooperation. “Permits and approvals that would have taken six years to obtain in Holland were acquired within six months; tasks that would have taken six months were accomplished in two days,” he informed the audience. “I am extremely gratified with the unabashed welcome the Aruban people have extended towards us and this project. When our trucks transporting the disassembled windmill parts from the wharf to the site passed on the street, people would stop and cheer.”

Henk Hutting makes a donation

  Typically, the completion ceremony of such a project in Aruba includes donations by the various companies participating and profiting to foundations on the island dedicated to the less fortunate or healthy pastimes for youth. On Friday, The Madiki Judo Club, Aruba Juniors sports group, Sharks Baseball Academy, Ban Yuda (Come Help) Foundation, Casa Cuna home for youngsters, Wilhelmina Cancer Fund, and Aruba’s Youth Parliament benefited from donations by W.E.B. Aruba N.V., contractors MNO, ATHA & PIB, Croon, Hutting Windenergie, Bohama SPVP, NV., and Vestas, suppliers of the turbines.

                Minister Eman, when addressing those present, remarked that he had gone through a similar process when deciding to install a windmill at his party’s headquarters, two years before taking office. Stating that his political party, AVP,  had always been encouraging the utilization of alternative energies, he did not realize, until Mike de Meza, now Minister of Finance, calculated all the costs and projected savings, how financially unfeasible it can be to rush headlong into such a project. His experience helped him understand the caution exercised by Jossy Lacle during his directorship of W.E.B. before finding a cost-effective solution, resulting in the Vader Piet Windpark, and he complemented Mr. Lacle on his foresight and wisdom.

                Director O.J. Boekhoudt expressed he was humbled to be contributing to this crucial development for Aruba. “Many challenges face water and energy production in Aruba,” he said. “Fuel oil prices continue increasing, resulting in ever-challenging water and power production costs.”

“The uncertain future of the refinery, moreover, amplifies this unstable fuel oil reality. A long-term vision and mission supported by carefully developed strategy and planning is of utmost importance for the further progress of W.E.B.’s capabilities. Our strategic plan is to gradually reduce consumption and improve efficiency…It is time for action instead of talking,” he concluded.

Windmills in action

Aruba’s upper level vocational preparatory schools ended the last day of school in 2009 with a fabulously glamorous morning at the Renaissance Convention Center. Educativo Professional Intermedio, or EPI, where students graduate with an Associate’s Degree, demonstrated they “had the look,” garbed in their holiday best.

                The Hollywood theme of the EPI School of Economics’ end of year party invited the students and their guests to walk the red carpet into a glitzy world of Hollywood starlets and heavies. Hundreds of students enjoyed the opportunity to dress up in as much bling-bling as they could comfortably wear, and played the game of looking glam to the hilt!

Aruba’s premier young balladeer, Edjean Semeleer, has a Christmas present for all his fans, and those that love the classic sound of the holidays.

Edjean’s smooth baritone is again featured on his new CD for the season, “Hey, Ta Pasco” and he welcomes some of the island’s most beloved performers to join him on stage at the Renaissance Conference Center this Friday evening, December 18 for renditions of seasonal favorites in Papiamento, English and Spanish.

Sharing the spotlight on the CD and on stage is his very talented younger sister Jeanady, and eternal stars, the legendary Dhaddy Brokke & Tony.

If you love a great concert, with a great performer, don’t miss. Edjean’s CD is available at all island CD stores, and is just the sort of thing to listen to while decorating the tree, or welcoming company for end of the year gatherings.  Features noted international performer Nancy Ramos as well!

A dynamite singing team, Edjean and Jeanady!

Shaniena Dirks had a message in mind when she created her holiday centerpieces and wreaths of recycled phone cards and Digicel flyers, and judges liked her “eco-friendly” handicrafts enough to award her first prize in the annual Christmas Exposition Aruba from Digicel mobile communications providers. Head of Marketing for Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, Wanda Broeksema delivered the 100 florin first prize to Shaniena, and a Blackberry phone.

Wanda Broeksema and Francisca Escalona

 Francisca Escalona came in 5^th place by producing a number of pieces that employed not only Digicel promotion materials, but items from nature, many of them washed up on shore, such as uprooted sea fan branches and sea urchin skeletal orbs, resulting in dramatic Christmas bushes with a definitive Caribbean touch. She won a free place in the Digicel Carnival Group that will participate in the Fakkel Optocht, a night time parade. Also winning a place in the parade is 4^th place winner Anthony Winterdaal.

Third place winner Jennyree

Jennyree Geerman took third place with a striking collection of Digicel themed decorations, garnering

Arlette Franken in 2nd place

a 250 florins prize. Second place went to Arlette Franken, who included in her many creations an Aruba fashioned from a Digicel poster, which won her the 500 florin prize.

                The Digicel Christmas Exposition is an annual celebration of artistry and Aruba’s many talented handcrafters. Welcome guests are always Aruba’s special athletes, as Digicel is the principle sponsor of the Aruba Special Olympics Committee. The event is not only a competition, but an opportunity for anyone in the community to participate and exercise their creativity, with often inspiring results.

Digicel GM Bert Schreuders with Miss Aruba Pricilla LeeAruba's Special Athletes

Aruba's Special Athletes