Cas di Cultura (CDC) is officially announcing the temporary relocation of its auditorium to the Paseo Herencia Ballroom in Palm Beach. This strategic move follows the recent and unexpected closure of CDC’s main auditorium due to structural issues that expedited previously planned renovation and relocation efforts.

An agreement has been formally signed between Stichting Schouwburg Aruba (Cas di Cultura) and Paseo Herencia, represented by Valerie Pietersz-Camacho, General Manager, confirming that CDC will operate from the Paseo Herencia Ballroom for a period of approximately two years while renovations and safety reinforcements are carried out at its original site.

While the auditorium space will temporarily shift to the new location, CDC’s foyer, café, offices, and exposition area will remain operational at the original CDC premises, continuing to serve the community with exhibitions, classes, and administrative support.

This transition ensures that all performances, productions, and auditorium-sized events will continue without disruption, now hosted at the Paseo Herencia Ballroom, allowing CDC to maintain its programming and cultural presence while prioritizing safety and long-term sustainability.

“We are grateful for the partnership with Paseo Herencia and for their support in making this move possible,” stated the CDC team. “Our commitment to the arts and cultural development of Aruba remains strong, and we look forward to welcoming our audiences to this beautiful temporary venue.”

For more information and updates, follow Cas di Cultura on social media or visit www.casdicultura.aw.

La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino marked Mother’s Day with exiting celebrations honoring and appreciating the incredible mothers who enrich the lives of their family members and co-workers at the resort.

The festivities began with a pre-Mother’s Day pop-up store hosted by Penha Perfumeries, where associates could find thoughtful gifts for their moms, cherished sisters, or even a gift to self.

The official Mother’s Day celebration took place in the elegant ballroom. It was filled with joy and heartfelt recognition. A highlight of the event was the crowning of Mathilde Benito from the Owners Services Department as the esteemed “Mother of the Year,” by General Manager, Joe Najjar. Adding a special touch to the occasion, Jessica Franken, the Assistant General Manager, who recited a beautiful poem dedicated to all moms in attendance.

To further heighten the festive atmosphere, mothers were showered with raffle prizes such as spa treatments and gift certificates, bringing smiles to all attendees. The magical touch of serenades by the talented Jerrino Bass delighted everyone and created a most enjoyable ambiance.

The resort’s culinary team outdid itself, presenting an array of mouthwatering dishes and irresistible desserts that satisfied every palate. The event was a resounding success, beautifully organized and well attended, celebrating the hardworking and phenomenal mothers who make La Cabana such an exceptional place to work in and visit.

A heartfelt thank you to the Social Committee and HR Team for organizing this special celebration and ensuring a memorable experience for all. We hope all moms on Aruba had an equality enjoyable time and that they were thanked for their unwavering strength, and boundless love, which inspires us daily.

La Cabana beach Resort & Casino is deeply grateful for all that you do.

Wayaca, Aruba — May 12, 2025

In a powerful display of community-driven conservation and environmental education, the International School of Aruba (ISA) has become the first educational institution on the island to install two artificial burrows for Aruba’s beloved and endangered burrowing owl. The Aruba Burrowing Owl, Athene cunicularia arubensis, is an endemic subspecies that, known to locals as “Shoco” can only be found in Aruba. There are only an estimated two hundred pairs left on Planet Earth.

This project all began when two pairs of Shocos had chosen ISA as their nesting ground. While their presence delighted the school community, their chosen nest sites -dangerously close to areas of daily activity – posed a risk to the birds and caused concerns for the school management.

Recognizing the importance of coexistence and preservation, ISA reached out to Aruba Birdlife Conservation (ABC) for guidance.

Together with ABC, the school agreed to install two artificial burrows in safer, more strategic locations on campus. These man-made burrows, specially designed for Shocos, offer a secure and durable alternative for the vulnerable birds. Once ISA’s leadership gave the green light, ABC rallied its network of volunteers and called on three of its major partners for support: Iberostar’s JOIA Aruba, The Aruba Marriott and Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.

In the days leading up to the event, 14 yards of gravel were delivered to the school, a vital component in the construction of the burrows. On Saturday, May 10, at 8.00 a.m. in the morning, teams started arriving with shovels, wheelbarrows, and a bobcat, nest materials and more.

One of the nest locations was inaccessible to heavy machinery, required seven yards of gravel to be transported by wheelbarrow—an effort that became a wonderful testament to teamwork. The second burrow, more easily accessed by the bobcat, was completed at a swifter pace.

Following the successful installation came a morning of celebration and ceremony. The ISA community, along with partners and guests, gathered for speeches and presentations. Highlights included remarks from Jareth Vermeulen of JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, as well as student council representatives Aarav Sajnani and Maria Rodriguez, who reminded everyone of the powerful role youth play in environmental stewardship.

“This is more than just an environmental initiative—it’s a statement about who we are and what we value as a community,” said ISA teacher Kim Donker. “We want our students to grow up not only learning about the Shoco but also helping to ensure its survival.”

Educational integration is already underway at ISA, with biodiversity and Shoco conservation themes being incorporated into the curriculum. This makes the artificial nests not just homes for owls but living classrooms – places where children can witness firsthand the harmony of science, action, and nature.

A new “breakthrough” element in Shoco conservation has been added to the effort. Just two weeks before, a landmark “Shoco Supporting Community Conservation Agreement”, was signed just by ABC, JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, Aruba Marriott Resort and Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. This agreement commits its supporting members to actively support ABC with the placement of artificial Shoco burrows around the island.

These conservation partners are contributing in a most significant way with among others logistical support, materials, manpower, awareness and beyond.

The involvement of these partners reflects the growing need for alliance between nature conservation groups and Aruba’s tourism sector in building sustainable, community-rooted environmental practices.

One of the collaboration’s goals of these “Founding Fathers” is very clear: to raise awareness, instill a culture of care and conservation in Aruba’s youth, and ensure that future generations will continue to share their island including their Shocos.

Aruba Birdlife Conservation commends the International School of Aruba for its visionary step and deeply thanks its volunteers and corporate partners Iberostar, Marriott, and Bucuti & Tara for bringing this project to life. As a part of its national shoco conservation plan placement of hundreds of artificial burrows is an important objective and with these serious and committed partners, we are well on our way.

Greg Peterson

President of Aruba Birdlife Conservation

Op=Op invited members of the media to cover a shopping spree won by a client, Jessica Ramirez. Jessica was given 60 seconds of shopping time at the mega store on the boulevard, and she did well, as the cash register tallied almost Awg 600 in items she managed to pick off the shelves at the allotted time.

Jessican is usually a Paradera Op=Op client, she knows that store best, but after a short recon tour, she was ready to cash in on the give-away, courtesy of the 8-year-old store, in honor of its anniversary.

I remember the opening, I was there, in Savaneta.

Op=Op Bargain Store enjoyed long lines of curious and excited clients, as it opened its doors for the first time in its Savaneta location with ribbon cutting by Managing Director Lennert van der Poel, and Dutch Op=Op Director and Owner, then, Vincent Alkema.

Things have evolved since then. The original Dutch chain offering personal care, household, and health products, at attractive discount prices, underwent restructuring and the Aruba stores are now fully owned and managed by the Aruba Growth Fund, which already runs Botica di Servicio, here. The company already expanded into neighboring Curaçao, two stores, and Bonaire, just one.

The products come directly from the Netherlands to Aruba, every week, says General Manager – Hente Ravesteijn, who is always exploring new sources to overcome global shipping crunches and trade wars. Hopefully he says, since products come from Europe, the US-CHINA tariff war will not affect the island, but shipping fees are always on the rise, which is part of the reality of living on an island.

The local consumer who shops with Op=Op is guaranteed to find drug store items, cleaning products and detergents, by all major international brands, besides a wide range of shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and personal care products by top brands, targeting both male, and female clients, young and old. Op=Op consistently offers a sharp discount, for all daily, often used products. Items are sold packaged together, 3 to 5 grouped in a pack, and deeply discounted; the more you buy, the more you save.

Jessica and her partner have three kids and as such they are price conscious, he is a policeman and she works for Stichting Ambiente Feliz, a foundation for people with an intellectual or multiple disability.

I found it very interesting talking to the young couple, as a Policeman, Jessica’s partner, I apologize for not getting his name, worked around the different districts. His approval rate of the chief, Ramon Arnhem, and the Minister, Arthur Dowers, are high, and he is optimistic about law enforcement on the island.

Jessica used to work at HIAS, a not for profit organization. HIAS, founded in 1881 as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, now provides humanitarian aid and help to refugees. With American President Trump famous crackdown on humanitarian aid, Jessica lost her position with that company she enjoyed working for, but she rebounded. Some of her colleagues are still unemployed she reports.

Store Marketing Officer, Laura Rodriguez took charge of decorations, snacks, a bubbly toast and oversaw the countdown charmingly.

I enjoyed meeting the dynamic crew!!

Op=Op is a nice place to shop.

About Op=Op Voordeelshop

Op=Op Voordeelshop is a discount store offering brand products for personal care and household products at accessible prices. Customers also enjoy additional savings when buying 3 of the same product or 3 items at the same price. Every month, the store releases a themed promotional flyer with special offers and new items. Since opening its first store in 2017, the company has expanded to three locations on Aruba: Op=Op XXL Sasaki, Paradera, and San Nicolas.