We recently saw an interview with the director of Censo/Civil Registry, on Magic 96.5FM. It was long and painful. Apparently Censo is dysfunctional, unable to handle the avalanche of applicants, especially the ones who are first registrants.

And you know what it means.

If you are registered at Censo, you may start the process of legal living on the island, you may register at the tax office, buy a car, receive health insurance, open a bank account, establish water, electricity, and phone connections.

No Censo registration, no life.

We used to think of Censo as the poster child of efficient government department. It performed like a Swiss clock. Alas, the director reported in her interview she is short of personnel, and in case of first registrants all documents must be examined closely, which takes time.

(Can you pay your people overtime?)

She reported that instead of handling 2-3,00 applications, that number doubled, and the minister of justice, has not approve additional manpower.

I totally believe her version, until that last comment. I detected some political resistance. We have had a government change, and perhaps the star public officials of the MEP government, are less willing to over-extend themselves for the AVP-FUTURO coalition.

This week, as reported by AHATA, the DIMAS director gave an update on the permit application progress.

As you recall, because of the severe labor shortage, all political parties agreed, Aruba must help document individuals who entered here legally, and provide them with the permits they need to work and contribute officially to our economy.

It was agreed across the board, and it was successful.

In 2025, there were 25,000 applications.

97% have received a response (positive or negative).

3% are pending finalization.

In 2026, there have been 6,662 applications so far, of which 77% have received a response.

The director also reminded applicants to make sure all correct documents are submitted with the application including a correct email address.

Which points at the difficulties expressed by the director of Censo.

Documents are handed in incomplete; they must be checked for authenticity, it takes time.

GOA keeps promising to modernize, yet we are still very dependent on CENSO & DIMAS and DIMP, since nothing can be done online, except appointments, and those are no longer available at Censo.

One of the parliamentarians raised the issues this week stating that people could not pay car taxes at the tax department, due to a lack of available appointments, forcing them into illegal or costly solutions. (The online option exists for those with online banking and receipts are provided digitally).

He also pointed out that Censo/Civil Registry, cannot handled those who have already paid for residence and work permits and that appointments in the digital system, cannot be booked. As a result, MANY are left without access to basic services such as health insurance.

The director of the Censo suggested private health insurance in the meanwhile, which is an outlandish suggestion to a cash strapped immigrant, at the end of his legal via dolorosa, as he/she is trying to finalize his status so he/she can work.

Aruba’s economy makes tons of money, hands it to GOA so it can make the country better, so we all get to enjoy our life here, grow, and develop further. Every florin that comes in must be used to improve services, not to stage conferences, nor trips overseas. Does anyone in government care??

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is proud to announce the completion of its comprehensive renovation project, unveiling refreshed guestrooms, enhanced amenities, an elevated arrival experience and a brand-new room category. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter in the iconic boutique resort’s continued evolution.

At the forefront of the renovation is the debut of the resort’s new Grand Studios, now the most premium studio category at Amsterdam Manor. Located in the signature tower corners, these thoughtfully designed accommodations offer stunning partial ocean views and feature luxurious touches such as a spacious freestanding bathtub positioned for scenic relaxation or dual rain shower heads for a shared spa-like experience, creating an elevated retreat for guests seeking additional comfort and style.

The renovation also includes the complete transformation of 12 of the resort’s former Standard Manor Studios into fully reimagined Superior Studios. These upgraded accommodations offer expanded layouts, larger private balconies with enhanced partial ocean views, king-size beds, spacious bathrooms with walk-in rain showers, and modernized kitchenettes outfitted with contemporary amenities. Warm, modern décor and hand-selected locally inspired artwork further elevate the atmosphere, while an updated exterior façade complements the resort’s timeless ambiance.

To enhance convenience for travelers, Amsterdam Manor has introduced two new Courtesy Shower Rooms, a thoughtful amenity for guests with early arrivals or late departures. Each space features a walk-in shower, vanity, toilet, Aruba Aloe products and fresh towels, allowing guests to refresh before or after their stay with ease.

Guests will also experience an upgraded welcome with the addition of a cathedral-style porte-cochère, providing added shade, comfort and convenience upon arrival. A dedicated luggage storage area further streamlines both check-in and check-out, ensuring a seamless and comfortable guest journey.

“These updates reflect our passion for creating an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors,” said Jurgen van Schaijk, Owner & Managing Director of Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort. “We have thoughtfully enhanced our accommodations and amenities while preserving the warm, family-owned charm that defines Amsterdam Manor. We are incredibly proud of this transformation and look forward to welcoming guests back to a refreshed and elevated version of their home away from home.”

With earlier renovations to the resort’s suite categories—including the One-Bedroom, Two-Bedroom, Honeymoon and Penthouse Suites—completed in 2024, and the introduction of new premium offerings now finalized, the resort has fully revitalized all 72 guestrooms and enhanced key amenities. Throughout the renovation, Amsterdam Manor has remained committed to preserving the inviting spirit, intimate hospitality and Dutch Colonial architecture that have made the property a standout on Eagle Beach for more than 35 years.

Located just steps from one of the world’s most celebrated beaches, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort offers elevated comfort, thoughtful design and warm, personal service. The completed renovation ushers in a new era for the resort, providing couples, families and solo travelers with an unforgettable and authentically Aruban experience.

It was a memorable week earlier last month for animal lovers across Aruba.On March 6 and 7, One Love Foundation, Inc. hosted a series of sold-out fundraising events, bringing together locals and visitors to support animal welfare, raising over $27,000.

The week kicked off with a truly special evening. Renowned spirit medium Tiffany Rice hosted an exclusive Gallery Reading on Friday, March 6, 2026, setting the tone for a meaningful week of compassion and giving back. Her powerful and heartfelt event united the community while helping launch a remarkable two-night fundraising effort.

As an official partner, Spirit Medium Tiffany Rice also hosts exclusive gallery readings for One Love Foundation, Inc. in both Aruba and the U.S., helping raise thousands for the island’s furry friends.

The momentum continued the following evening with another sold-out event: the 2nd Annual Paws-itively Hilarious Stand-Up Comedy Benefit on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Hosted by the one and only Ray Ellin at Eagle Aruba Resort, the night delivered exactly what it promised—an unforgettable evening where comedy met compassion.

The entertainment was nothing short of spectacular. A special shoutout to an incredible lineup of comedians who kept the laughs going all night—headlined by the immensely talented Ray Ellin, whose signature humor and energy lit up the stage. He was joined by the equally hilarious Kermet Apio, Tony V, and Carolyn Plummer, each delivering standout performances that had the audience laughing from start to finish.

As a member of One Love Foundation, Inc.’s Fundraising Board, Ray also plays a key role in organizing comedy events in Aruba and New York. Combined with Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort’s generous dollar-for-dollar match, these efforts have helped raise over $134,000 to support animal welfare on the island. Aruba Ray’s Comedy has been TripAdvisor’s Number One Show and Number One Nightlife Activity for the past twelve years.

Together, these back-to-back events created an extraordinary week of giving. Every dollar raised will go directly toward animal welfare, helping prevent the suffering of countless animals across the island.

The success of the week is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community unites for a common cause. Because of the generosity, laughter, and kindness of everyone involved, thousands of animals will benefit from these lifesaving efforts.

Looking ahead, the momentum continues. Mark your calendars for the 1st Annual PAW FEST on April 18, 2026, in partnership with Stimami Sterilisami, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, and The Village Mall at Palm Beach.

About One Love Foundation Inc.

One Love Foundation, Inc. is a U.S.-based, all-volunteer nonprofit organization registered in both the United States and Aruba. Since its founding in 2020, the foundation has made meaningful strides in improving the lives of Aruba’s animals, including:

Through compassion, collaboration, and community support, One Love Foundation, Inc. continues to create lasting change for Aruba’s stray and neglected animals.

One Love Foundation Inc.

https://onelovefoundationinc.org/

IG: @onelovefoundationinc

FB: One Love Foundation Inc.

TikTok: @Onelovefoundationinc0

A column from 2018, I wrote a letter to former minister Benny Sevinger:

I know exactly what happened here, you were in a position of power so long, you developed a sense of entitlement, like you earned all this flattery and groveling, pleading and begging, of people lined up early in the morning in front of the parliament building dying to get your illegible scribbled on a piece of paper that would entitle them to a concession, which they figured out they would get if they kissed your feet, and licked them too.

You were in power too long. You think it is your birthright. So now, when someone points out you did a sloppy job, which you did, you get all huffed and puffed and explain to the President of Parliament you do not give a damn.

You know what would be the decent thing to do? The decent thing to do would be to explain, to try to mitigate, to help us out of this humongous pickle.

You compromised the integrity of every public servant; we could have used your help if you were not so stuck up on your presumed hurt and humiliating defeat – if you were not such a narcissist you could be helpful!

Member of Parliament Marisol Tromp expressed outrage on our behalf. You shredded all documents when you left office, made sure there would be no paperwork to prove your criminal malfeasance, as you violated the public trust for eight years.

I feel dumbstruck, broke too, you spent 300 million on half-baked projects we will be paying for in the next decades, and you, the former man in charge, the former minister of infrastructure, still the people’s representative, do not give a damn?!

What can I say, you just redefined low.

(The criminal case against the former minister came to be known as the Ostrich corruption case, or in Papiamento, Caso Avestruz.

Today’s commentary, it is 2026, following an editorial in BonDia – It is 2026.

The Dutch Supreme Court rejected the appeal in the Avestruz corruption case, confirming earlier rulings by the Court of Appeal. This means the convictions for bribery, fraud, abuse of power, and money laundering related to land allocation in Aruba remain in place.

The case involved three interconnected investigations into high-level corruption between 2014 and 2017, focusing on illegal payments and benefits given to former minister Benny Sevinger in exchange for favorable decisions on government land.

The Supreme Court ruled that the complaints raised in the appeal were not strong enough to overturn the earlier judgments.

Evidence showed that payments and benefits—including money transfers and home improvements—were linked to decisions made by the minister about land rights. The Court found sufficient proof of intentional bribery and upheld findings of fraud and abuse of office.

As a result, the earlier sentence stands: Benny Sevinger is sentenced to 48 months in prison (12 months suspended), with a 3-year probation period. He is also banned from holding public office or running for election for 6 years and must repay 800,000 florins.

With this decision, the Avestruz case is now closed.

Several conservation organizations, including Aruba Conservation Foundation, ScubbleBubbles, Turtugaruba, Fundacion Proteccion y Conservacion di Commandeursbaai, and Aruba Birdlife Conservation, were included as third parties in a recent Aruba court ruling.

They contested the development of Savaneta/Pos Chiquito’s Isla Di Ora, and formed part of the opposition, in this case the Minister of General Affairs, Innovation, Government Organization, Infrastructure and Spatial Planning who refused to grant an aanlegvergunning, construction/works permit, as requested by the owner of the terrain, known to us all as Isla di Oro.

The company that set its sights on Isla Di Oro is the one developing the Savaneta Ocean Villas. And though the neighborhood is up in arms against that extensive development, island visitors among them guests of the Aruba Tourism Authority, love it.

I totally get the plan, offer guests at the Ocean Villas a short speed boat ride to a secluded Mangrove wonderland where they may continue what they have been doing at their charmed accommodations, sipping, munching, and tanning.

But the area is protected under the Ramsar treaty for wetlands and cannot be developed. The Mangroves there are fertile breeding grounds for fish, and if we would like to continue to eat fish on the island, we’d better protect the fish nursery, the habitats were baby fish find shelter and food, in the enclosed ecosystem, with a reef hosting live coral, and anything that swims.

Sure the area has a history, in 1965 it operated as a restaurant, and the ‘tunnel’ from the road to the seaside over a wooden bridge, was hacked through the live mangrove jungle. But we did not know then, what we know today.

Isla di Oro was a lively hub of party goers, local and visiting, with a restaurant in the shape of a boat. It eventually closed, and never gained its former appeal.

What got us on the barricades was a plan in 1993, to turn Isla di Oro into a swim with Dolphins project. It was successfully opposed.

In 2015 a deal with Zoetry intended to place 126 suites in a spa resort, in the area. However NGOs raised environmental concerns and the project was shelved.

Isla di Oro is one of the world’s 2.400 Ramsar designated sites around the world, and it is currently under management of the island’s Conservation Foundation, part of the marine protected areas of Parke Arikok.

In court the J.O.B. Holding & Management VBA appealed against the minister’s refusal to grant them a construction/works permit, needed to carry out works, on that protected area.

While J.O.B. Holding & Management VBA acquired a leasehold right (erfpacht) on that plot of land in the summer of 2023, it cannot do as it pleases. But it applied for a permit to carry out works, which was refused by the Minister, which upheld an earlier refusal in a decision on an objection in the summer of 2025.

The case went through multiple rounds of written submissions and two hearings, but the court ruled the appeal was unfounded, meaning the Minister’s refusal of the permit was upheld as lawful and well-founded.

Isla di Oro will still be a Mangrove Garden for our children, says the president of Aruba Birdlife Conservation.