This is a relevant topic for anybody interested in the cost of living on the ABC islands where so much of our essential daily needs are imported by ocean freight from abroad. The ABC islands, in the Southern portion of the Caribbean represent a longer and more expensive ocean freight loop, than for example the Puerto Rico, Jamaica, St. Maarten, Miami loops.

I once drove a diesel car, Hyundai Santa Fe, it felt study and undefeated, a giant, running on Awg 1, per liter.

I bought it at the time, because it was cheap to fuel, and my environmental education was incomplete.

Anyway, that was at least 21 years ago.

What happened to diesel oil prices in 2026. Why has diesel oil become so expensive?

My friends in the know tell me that for the cost of living on the ABC islands the price of diesel oil is a very major determinant.

Most of us already know that Venezuelan crude oils are fantastically suited to produce diesel, they are heavy and sticky. Most U.S. shale crude oils are not suitable, neither is the crude flowing out from Guyana. But Venezuela is perfectly positioned to supply the world with gook, but the shortage plays into the geopolitical situation, and as a result diesel oil is in short supply worldwide.

Good news, Kerosene, aviation fuel supply is steady, and the Gasoline supply OK, but diesel oil is scarce everywhere in the world including in Russia and China.

UNFORTUNATELY, diesel oil supply determines the islands’ cost of living, as a very major determinant.

WHY? Diesel oil is by far the most important inland and ocean-based freight fuel, also still very important in electric power generation in many markets. My experts don’t think renewable energies have managed to make a dent in inland and ocean-based freight energy requirements.

According to them, diesel oil prices are influenced by several factors, and the cost of crude oil is only part of the story. Diesel is a refined fuel used by trucks, ships, construction equipment, generators, and many other industries. When the cost of producing or transporting it rises, consumers and businesses feel the impact.

The conflicts in the Middle East have disrupted oil production, refineries, and shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for oil transportation, has faced serious disruption. Russia’s reduced diesel exports have also tightened the international market. Consequently, while crude oil is available, the world is short of finished diesel oil that comes out of refineries. Why? Armed conflict damages? Maintenance issues? The Weather?

While diesel oil production is low, the demand is high because it is essential for transporting food and other goods, agriculture, construction, and shipping. The demand was supposed to reduce with renewable energy, but that did not happen. As supplies become tighter, buyers compete for the available fuel, pushing prices higher.

I understand that while diesel is chemically simpler to produce, the refining process is more intensive due to the need for modern fuel standards, so combine the geopolitical tensions, disrupted supplies, limited refining capacity, and strong demand, and voila, you got to pay almost Awg 2.90 at the pump, almost as much as gasoline. And it seems that it will stay that way for a while, until refineries recover, and supplies replenished.

($6 a gallon in the USA, $6.50 here)

Aruba should be proud of the 9th annual Art Fair – it was a spectacular week of events and exhibitions. Especially surprising the number of artists and artisans taking part, most of the women.

Up until the 80s, we only had male artists, nowadays, specifically, after the global pandemic, more women find time to develop and practice an artistic expression.

Note to the gods of creativity: about sculpture. Only few artists presented sculptures, the brilliant Ad Rekkers among them. with mini black & white figurines, in his booth on main street. Ceramics also tackled small sculptures, namely Helen Hoes, showing her outstanding coral ceramics and fossilized works, in sculptures and wall art at Artisa Gallery. This is a job opportunity: Aruba needs a resident sculptor to open a studio and teach.

The theme of the Art Fair, Nature × Mankind, called for an exploration of the relationship between people and the natural world, considering sustainability, coexistence, and humanity’s impact on the environment.

Two of the Contemporary Art locations, the library and the old Hulpbestuurkantoor, placed that relationship front and center. The galleries and booths on the street related mostly to the beauty of nature handling the clash lightly.

Exploring the tension between Nature & Mankind, Pensioni Crastino & Studio Possible Future, Natalie Bisse, and Buus de Hoop with “An exploration into the heart of Spaans Lagoon.” The public was asked to walk slowly, in a gauntlet of dry leaves, funky smells, and rocks, to reflect upon being in the world. I could not find anything about these artists, anywhere, so the best I can do is guess their gardens are squeaky clean, as they collected all the debris for their installation. On the upper floor Ruben Alexani Matevosyan delivered a very esoteric display, I was not the only one to understand nothing.

The library on the other hand had a CHILLING installation by artist “Tinkerbell” about the mess at Isla Refinery. The artist also displayed several of her paintings, painted in oil. In her video, the old Shell refinery is a dump, with an asphalt lake. Tinkerbell draws attention to pollution, and poisoning of the world by video, paintings, and a newspaper.

Stan Kuiperi presented a thought-provoking study of our sand, White Gold, he calls it, taken from several beaches. He contemplates the Man VS Sand effect and asks us where Aruba would be without its beaches, among other relevant questions. It is visibly noticeable that our sugar fine white sand yellows the more it meets humanity. Stan pledged to return his sand to where it came from.

An impressive corner of the library exhibit was dedicated to Perpectiva Invisibel photographs taken by FAVI clients, people with limited or impaired vision. The initiative teaches photography through touch, sound, lights, and partial memory, rather than sight. Powerful.

Artist Andre Henderson was painting, live, an oversize panel, at the entrance to the library depicting a scene from the transport of an African across the ocean in a Portuguese galleon, to become a trade commodity in the Americas. The man in the design is struggling to hold on to the mast, having been thrown overboard to drown in the ocean. Henderson worked on his Nature x Mankind canvas during both Art Fair nights.

Artisa Gallery

Artisa displayed a rich variety of established and new artists. One of the earliest local female artists, Belinda de Veer, showed an evocative three-piece mixed media work, titled I Got My Mind Set. She has been introspective and enigmatic throughout her career. Peter Van Den Heuvel’s work depicts his unbridled dreams. There is always a deep and moving message behind his whimsical and delightful compositions. Vanessa Paulina’s canvases are beyond charming. The curly kid hugging the chicken, Friend are Not Food, is captivating and moving, the essence of the Art Fair message. An entire wall is dedicated to Armando Goedgedrag, with his signature local flora and fauna coming to life under his brushes. I believe we saw Indra Zievinger’s biggest Art Fair collection to date, she is a multi-colorist, with a lush outlook on nature. I do not remember in which gallery I saw the works of Yahaira Maduro and Erica Moran both bold, colorful powerhouses, Erica more realistic than Yahaira, but equally impactful. Natascha de la Fuente trapped a crab in a discarded Heineken can, on the beach, perfectly presenting the Art Fair’s theme.

Gallery 21

Jean Cherouny’s work is on display up the street at the gallery housing art and artesania. Her work focuses on color and movement. She is a prolific rollerblade painter, also immensely helpful at the Artisa foundation, helping to set up events and exhibitions, on team Bolivar.

It looked like Armando had some competition in the form of a younger equally talented Goedgedrag. Sylvanio’s work is more focused on people. Also at the gallery Diana Hopman Betjes’ lyrical, delicate collages reusing old maps, stamps, and atlases to create irresistible pieces. Rani Varde’s ceramic vases and bowls, Anita Hugen woman in green foliage, Alejandra Vellejo’s mixed media driftwood, and Donna Lee Oduber Lejuez’s mosaic and millefiori are all stunning. Donna also had a booth on the main street with some more of her magical pieces. She is a former photographer turned super-crafter. Carmen Mesa Restrepo ingenious local 3D photo-framed-landscapes celebrate the old and new contrasts around us.

I visited on Saturday; the place was buzzing. The Art Fair did not reach visitors, but the local responded nicely. We had a delicious Astoria Prosecco and a freshly fried Johnny Cake, there was music and dancing at every twist and turn.

Kudos to the organization. With more than 100 participants I may have left some out, but more tomorrow.

The First International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference, unfolded last week at Joia by Iberostar on Eagle Beach.

The conference was organized by Aruba Birdlife Conservation, ABC, in collaboration with the resort. It brought together international researchers, conservationists, educators, tourism-sector stakeholders, and ZERO GOA representatives.

The Prime Minister of Aruba withdrew his ceremonial opening role, under pressure from the ATV/UTV groups who are in open dispute with the conservationists.

The four-day gathering included guests from the United States, Brazil, Venezuela, India, and Aruba. The first three days focused on presentations and discussions while the last day included field activities.

The conference focused on scientific research and practical conservation of burrowing owls, with particular attention to Aruba’s shoco.

By now you know that the shoco, Aruba’s endemic burrowing owl, Athene Cunicularia Arubensis, is one of the island’s most distinctive and vulnerable native species. The conference dedicated to the owl was particularly relevant to Aruba’s conservation efforts, especially because its habitat is under pressure from development.

The day I visited, the conference was showing an unedited documentary, raw footage from an artificial burrow located at Happy Cadushi Nature Reserve, an undisclosed location. The documentary, really a docu-drama, was six years in the making, showing footage never seen before from a shoco cam.

The footage showed several pairs, over time, and their immense efforts to raise a family faced by many challenges, from free roaming cats, wara waras, boas and mite infestations.

We held our breath: will papa owl hunt enough to provide mama owl with sufficient kill to feed the babies?

The presentation reviewed the challenging process of setting the shoco cam up, by a technically inclined man who devoted six years to babysitting the screen monitoring the burrow, preventing disaster, repeatedly. Based on that experience, the burrows now have an alternative escape route, to fend against incoming snakes.

You could hear a pin drop in the room.

All eyes were on the screen, and the survival of the fittest.

Birds on the island struggle with loss of habitat and nesting areas through urban development; They suffer vehicle strikes; and struggle to survive free-roaming dogs and cats, random poisoning and in general human disturbances.

Correct me if I am wrong, but reports estimate that approximately 200 breeding pairs remain on the island. Iberostar properties, both Joia Resort and Tierra del Sol Golf Course, contributed to that and their involvement goes beyond providing a conference venue. The resort has been developing a biodiversity and responsible-tourism program in partnership with ABC. I became a shoco ambassador by attention a workshop at the resort and I appreciate their Shoco Boulevard, home of shoco pirata.

The International School of Aruba and the Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino are also hosting artificial burrows on their properties.

The new wellness program offers 1–6 experiences daily, from Beach Pilates and Tai Chi to meditation, sound healing and wellness rituals, available for US$30 per class with Bucuti & Tara’s special Dollar-to-Florin promotion for locals.

 A new way to experience wellness has arrived on Eagle Beach, and Aruba residents are invited to be part of it.

On Monday, September 7th Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort unveils its most extensive wellness program yet, from 1 to 6 guided wellness experiences offered every day. The expanded schedule gives locals even more opportunities to prioritize their wellbeing, with experiences ranging from Restorative Yoga and Aromatherapy Workshop to Dance Yoga Flow, mindful ceremonies, Chakra Alignment and interactive wellness sessions.

The newly elevated wellness experiences are available for US$30 per class. Bucuti & Tara is also continuing its special Dollar-to-Florin promotion for Aruba residents, making it even more accessible for the local community to experience the resort’s expanding wellness program and incorporate more intentional moments of movement, mindfulness, and wellbeing into everyday life.

“We have always believed wellness is much more than visiting a spa or joining a yoga class,” said Crescenzia Biemans, Managing Director of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. “True wellness is regenerative. It restores not only the individual, but also our connection with each other, with nature, with the local community, and with ourselves. As we expand our wellness program, it is important to us that our local community can be part of this journey and experience these moments of movement, restoration and connection right here in Aruba.”

With 1 to 6 wellness experiences available daily, the expanded schedule makes it possible to choose an experience that suits different interests, energy levels and wellness goals.

The program brings together Bucuti & Tara’s wellness specialists and local instructors for a diverse collection of experiences:

Some experiences energize the body through movement, mobility and strength. Others create space for stillness, mindfulness and connection through meditation, sound, ceremonies and small-group gatherings.

Together, the expanded schedule allows participants to make wellness their own, whether that means starting the morning moving on Eagle Beach, improving strength and mobility, discovering a new mindfulness practice or simply creating time to slow down and reset.

The transformation goes beyond adding more classes to the schedule.

Bucuti & Tara has reimagined each session as a more complete wellness experience, beginning from the moment participants arrive.

Each experience opens with a thoughtfully selected beverage designed to complement the session ahead. Following the experience, refreshing cold towels and locally sourced herbal teas create a gentle transition from movement or mindfulness into restoration.

These added touches turn a traditional one-hour class into an opportunity to disconnect from the day’s routine, reconnect with oneself and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings of Eagle Beach.

The expanded classes are part of a much larger wellness vision taking shape at Bucuti & Tara.

Also launching this September are new private wellness retreats tailored to different life moments and individual wellbeing aspirations. Expecting parents can celebrate a babymoon through floating meditation, mindful rituals and restorative treatments, while couples can reconnect through private breathwork, couples yoga and bespoke wellness experiences.

Across the resort, this same philosophy extends to Purun Spa, the 24-hour Fitness Center and health-conscious dining at Elements Restaurant. It can also be found in the locally inspired cuisine of Terra by Jeremy Ford, wellness and lifestyle products at Seráfina Boutique, and access to specialized medical wellness services through carefully selected local partners.

This new chapter is only the beginning.

Future developments will continue expanding the resort’s wellness facilities, spa experiences and immersive, regenerative nature-based programming centered around the Bucuti Tara – GMC Nature Preserve, the resort’s 32-acre conservation area.

Planned experiences include guided meditation in nature, contemplative nature walks and sound healing surrounded by native landscapes, along with opportunities that deepen participants’ connection with Aruba’s unique flora, fauna and natural environment.

“This launch is only the beginning,” added Biemans. “Our vision is to become one of the world’s leading wellness destinations by continually creating experiences that restore people, celebrate Aruba’s unique character, and leave a lasting positive impact on the destination we call home.”

With wellness, romance and sustainability forming the three pillars of the Bucuti & Tara experience, the resort continues expanding the ways both visitors and the local community can experience meaningful wellbeing in Aruba.

To explore the wellness schedule and learn more, visit Bucuti.com.

Check out the Aruba Port Authority website, cruise schedule in December:

Cruises ship in December

We are looking at 65 cruise calls, three and four ships a day, just five days of rest in between.

(September 20 calls; October 29; November 51.)

How much is too much?!

I went to visit APA to ask. Read on.

Remember? AHATA organized a session at the Hyatt Regency recently, focusing on how to fix tourism. The event started with a presentation by international destination management expert, Doug Lansky, a repeat visitor to the island – he was here twice before.

In 2015, Lansky was keynote speaker at World Tourism Day, and this is what I wrote: Doug Lansky’s entertaining speech, warned us against over-crowding, and recommended growing our tourist product to maximum comfort capacity. Though not a scientific term, everyone in the audience understood what he meant, as he pointed our noses in the right direction.

Then in 2020, just before the pandemic, Lansky visited again, as a guest of the AHATA General Assembly, and I wrote a blog titled: Kiss Cruise Ships Goodbye, inspired by his words of wisdom.

This is what I wrote: Lansky stated that cruise tourism represents about 50% of all Caribbean tourists but results in just 8% of tourist revenue. The message was clear: They are not spending. His research shows that over 80% of a cruise ship passenger’s discretionary spend is on board. The cruise ships companies hog all the cash, declining to share it with the destination. So, while they do not spend any money on shore, they require services in the form of water/fuel, trash removal, and en route harm the ocean with oily bilge water and sediment that damages reefs and water clarity. And just think about their emissions, that equals to 1 million cars per day. According to Lansky, they are more trouble than they are worth it, they want everything for free and the legend that cruise passengers fall in love with Aruba and return as overnight tourism, is indeed just a legend. Then Lansky asked: Can we earn more without cruise ships?

Lansky was back again in week, with the exact same message only more radical because by now we are suffering from the effect of overcrowding and congestion.

Apparently, Lansky has enjoyed a fantastic career travelling around the globe repeating the exact same message. He built a career on delivering a single cautionary note, but Aruba did not listen.

Following above I asked for an audience at APA perhaps I could hear from management the flip side of the story.

It took a while, but I got there.

At the end of a friendly meeting APA’s executives promised to send me materials defending their strategies, but I did not get anything. Nothing arrived in the mail.

So I feel compelled to tell you that APA is a business, and it is thinking about maximizing its revenues and our level of comfort is far from their hearts.

This is not a personal goal, this is a GOA owned company, following the minister’s guidelines. Management obeys orders, it doesn’t want to get fired.

They told me APA cannot turn down ANY request from a cruise company wishing to visit the island. So it continuously says YES.

Curiously, when it comes to high end yachts and smaller luxury liners, APA warns operators we have no limos and no top tier amenities to service their distinguished clients, thus discouraging the visit.

They told me that 12.000 passenger a day is the cap. Their maximum comfort capacity.

Cruise ships, according to APA, are the most environmentally friendly floating hotels. Companies invest fortunes to recycle everything, use innovative technologies and energy, causing as little harm to the environment as possible.

I was also told they are thinking of renovating big time, including the building across the street, already redesigned nicely, and repurposed by architect Orlando Hoevertsz. APA will relocate its headquarters from its current “old” location to the totally overhauled former DOW building,

No, they will not open the gate leading to Weststraat, under request from that area’s developers. They will upgrade the Welcome Plaza instead – why should they accommodate competitors.

To their defense about downtown congestion, which is not their fault, they stated that car importation grew 30% in recent months, there are increased numbers of vehicles imported to Aruba – we saw one of those giant floating boxes containing cars glide into the harbor as we were talking.

So business as usual at APA.

They will accommodate as many ships as they can.

They have expenses.

APA NV is established in 1981 and has recently celebrated its 45th anniversary at a glitzy party at Gasparito Aruban Estate. It is a limited liability company whose shares are 100% owned by the Government of Aruba. Employing approximately 90 staffers.

I did not get to speak about the so-called Port City Oranjestad, a proposed transformation of the former cargo-port area near the cruise terminal though a master plan that I have NOT seen, was approved by GOA in February 2019