The past is alive and not so well

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/the-past-is-alive-and-not-so-well/

Two different protests on Saturday

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/two-different-protests-on-saturday/

The 2026 Common Good Expo and International Common Good Conference

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/the-2026-common-good-expo-and-international-common-good-conference/

The verdict in favor of Bonaire

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/the-verdict-in-favor-of-bonaire/

The Common Good Conference

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/the-common-good-conference/

Our governments, green & yellow, have an extremely poor track record for the most basic services, road repairs, wastewater management, public transport, yet they excel at PR focused conferences, which are a total waste of public funds.

This week gave us plenty of opportunities to watch the private sector overdeliver and the public sector underwhelm, at the 2026 Common Good Expo and International Common Good Conference, themed “The Home We Build Together.”

The Common Good Expo was astounding. The NGOs do so much from teeth cleaning of the elderly to educating children with autism. The expo displayed an island that must take care of itself in the face of a wasteful government.

The purpose of this conference, the way I understand it, was to get the private sector to do even more. And indeed a new foundation assumed the responsibility of reviving main street St Nicholas – thank you Inky — and the barrios of Mabon, Dakota, Bushiri, Bernhardstraat and the Village pledged to collaborate. On the other hand, we did not hear any plans to improve anything on behalf of our government.

The expo was free, but the conference itself was $100 as a donation to FPNC. I paid it, and I picked up the ticket, FPNC deserved support, but I doubt it that many other tickets were sold. I bet they were given away to participants, and AVP voters. If you had wanted more people from all levels of society to attend, you would have made it FREE.

Then there was the start-studded conference, with VIP guests and speakers from Curacao and the Netherlands.

The following is some feed back on the content:

There was too much religion involved. I believe in separation of church and state. The opening was entrusted to a preacher, and a song about God. The opening speech by Wendrick Cicilia was generously peppered with God talk. It felt very self-aggrandizing and preachy.

Self-aggrandizing and preachy was the order of the day. While Minister Cicilia was preaching about not being selfish and not being focused on personal benefit, the pictures of prime minister Mike Eman were rotating on the screen.

Minister Cicilia said in his speech that Mike Eman “brought the concept of common good to Aruba.”  For those of us that have been dedicated to doing good in the community for years/decades, that was as an offensive comment and ironically completely cloaked in self-interest.

The conference was basically shaming “capitalism” and assuming all business owners are “capitalists that exploit the people.”  So offensive and untrue. Aruba would have been a pile of rocks and sand in the middle of the ocean without the brave capitalists who came here and developed projects, provided employment, and poured income into the government’s coffers.

This point of view about locals being exploited clearly influenced all speakers. They all believed what the Prime Minister told them. Including about the people who live in shacks vs the luxury offered at the hotels.

To conclude, the real problem with the conference, it was too academic, too theorizing with too little focus on solving the urgent and concrete problems Aruba is facing right now. The discussions remain stuck in a university mindset, layering more theory onto issues that already require decisive action, not additional analysis.

The most pressing and damaging challenges are avoided mainly because addressing them demands more than papers and panels. It requires a deep understanding of the issues, political will, translation into legislation through Parliament, firm implementation, consistent enforcement, and a serious strengthening of governance. These are difficult conversations, and they carry responsibility.

Instead, the event became a showcase of intellect rather than a platform for solutions. The reality is that the academic phase is long over. This is no longer about studying problems, but about applying what has already been learned, making decisions, and acting on them.

It all boils down to GOA having hundreds of millions in extra income, but the roads are still a mess.

Seráfina, the luxury boutique at the highly awarded, adults-only Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, continues to shine as a premier shopping destination in Aruba, recently welcoming resort guests and local residents for an exclusive ALIITA fine jewelry trunk show that blended international design, personal storytelling and effortless island elegance.

The intimate event showcased an expanded collection from ALIITA, the internationally recognized fine jewelry brand celebrated for its minimalist aesthetic, playful symbolism, and meaningful craftsmanship. Adding to the allure, ALIITA’s founder and designer, Cynthia Vilchez Castiglionoi, attended in person, offering guests a rare opportunity to connect directly with the creative vision behind each piece.

Meaningful fine jewelry with a special connection to Aruba

Handcrafted in Italy, ALIITA fine jewelry is internationally admired for its clean lines, vibrant natural stones, and playful yet sophisticated design. The brand’s name, meaning “important object” in the Wayuu language, reflects its philosophy that jewelry is more than adornment. It is a personal expression and a lasting memory.

That sense of meaning is deepened by ALIITA’s connection to Aruba, as the brand’s founder and designer proudly has Aruban roots through her mother. Hosting the trunk show at Seráfina at Bucuti & Tara felt like a meaningful return, allowing attendees to experience the collection through a deeply personal and destination-driven lens.

From global boutiques to this intimate setting on Eagle Beach, ALIITA’s presence in Aruba offered a rare opportunity to discover timeless pieces that capture the spirit of the island. At Seráfina, each design becomes a beautiful reminder of Aruba, romance and moments meant to be remembered long after the journey ends.

Seráfina boutique at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

Nestled within the serene setting of Bucuti & Tara, Seráfina offers a carefully curated selection of luxury fashion, accessories and fine jewelry from sought-after local and international designers.

Seráfina further brings Aruba into the spotlight through exclusive collaborations with local artists, including a custom-designed foulard scarf by Aruban artist Ryon Dijkhoff that is also worn by some Bucuti Associates. Inspired by the island’s landscapes and Bucuti & Tara’s signature tranquility, the piece embodies the boutique’s dedication to offering guests meaningful keepsakes that are deeply connected to Aruba.

Like the resort, the boutique is adults-only and is open to guests and locals, alike. Seráfina reflects the resort’s commitment to refined elegance, authenticity and personalized experiences.

This past holiday season, La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino celebrated the magic of Christmas, and its own 35th anniversary —a milestone made possible by dedicated associates. 

To honor its incredible team, management surprised every associate with a festive Christmas Basket filled with joy and appreciation.  

A big thank you to the Christmas Basket Committee for bringing the holiday spirit to life in the most magical way—complete with Mr. & Mrs. Santa and their cheerful elves delivering happiness across the resort.  

With generous Christmas basket, tradition, togetherness, and the people who make the resort unforgettable came together for much-appreciated holiday cheer.  

One of the highlights of the season was the tastiest tradition, the annual Ham Distribution Event, a heartfelt way to thank every associate for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.  

From festive music to smiling faces at the Associates Entrance, the spirit of gratitude filled the air as each team member received their Christmas ham with pride and joy. 

This simple gesture reflects how much the resort values its family members — and how meaningful it is to enter the holiday season together.  

A warm thank you to all those who helped organize this festive moment, keeping tradition alive and creating a cheerful holiday ambiance for all. 

This year’s Christmas Party was more than a celebration—it was a beautiful chapter in La Cabana’s thirty-five-year story. As the evening unfolded, colleagues gathered as family members honoring the people and moments that shaped what the resort stands for today. 

Three most distinguished thirty-five-year honorees, Nimfa, Susan and Hector, arrived at the party in great style in a white stretch limousine. Their dedication has sustained the resort since the very beginning. Their presence is always the reminder how far the resort has come since these early days. Their passion has embodied genuine hospitality through the years. 

The evening continued with applause and excitement as the resort announced their winners for the year:  

Associate of the Year: Stephanie Maduro – F&B 

1st Runner-Up: Frangeline Lugo – Front Office 

Supervisor of the Year: Adriana Danje – F&B 

Leader of the Year: Sandro Herold – F&B 

Team of the Year: Our amazing Banquet Team 

Each name represented dedication, heart, and the spirit that keeps La Cabana thriving. 

General Manager, Joe Najjar, shared heartfelt words—reflecting on a successful year of renovation and the pride of reaching the 35th anniversary milestone. With flutes of bubbly raised, associates and management toasted to growth, resilience, and the bright future ahead.

The evening featured delicious food, joyful dancing to the music of Tsunami and DJ Metropolis, highlighted by an unforgettable performance by Ataniro, who took the celebration to the next level.

It was a magical evening—one that honored the resort’s past, celebrated its present, and inspired all guests to write the next chapter together.