Divi Resort has just presented the foundation with the exceedingly long name, a generous check, which makes up for almost half of the foundation’s annual budget.

The check was handed over at the Aruba Phoenix Resort lobby in the presence of foundation president John Fun, foundation ambassador Gerrit Griffith, President & Chief Operating Officer at Divi Resorts Marco Galaverna, General Managers Ferry Zievinger, Divi Village Golf & Resort, and Pearl Lake, Divi Phoenix, the representative of Divi IMPCT, assistant Financial Controller Ricardo Vrolijk, and local press members.

In 2024, Divi IMPACT Foundation expanded its “$1 A Day Donation Drive,” at four of the company’s resorts under its Community Assistance initiative. The program has been designed to encourage the company’s distinguished guests to donate $1 a day, towards a select local cause in need of assistance. The decision to adopt “Ban Uni Man Pa Cria Nos Muchanan,” was easy. The foundation provides breakfast to 780 school kids, by delivering daily sandwiches to local schools, and the donation of AWG 315,116,96 will be used to feed breakfast to half of those kids during the year. The total cost of the program is about Awg 550.000 a year and by making the donation Divi was able to secure breakfast for 572 of 780 children in this program.

According to John Fun, if another resort introduced the program among its guests, the foundation will be set for a year.

By partnering with BAN UNI MAN PA CRIA NOS MUCHANAN, school children are assured academic learning on a full stomach, keeping them focused in class.

Divi IMPACT

Divi IMPACT is a non-profit organization that was established on September 2, 2010, with the goal to fundraise for a scholarship fund which will be used to assist Divi employees and/or their children who wish to pursue a higher education, whether on island or abroad.

The Foundation’s goal is to inspire and motivate Divi’s company leadership, owners, guests, business partners and employees to donate time, money, and resources to help the community in creating a higher standard of living and to enhance the Divi brand locally, by offering educational assistance for employees and their kids.

Divi IMPACT raises money year-round by deducting small amounts from company employee salaries and by soliciting guests’ donations. IMPACT is investing in schools such as Pius X Elementary, in Dakota, by buying air-conditioners, tablets, e-boards and other educational materials. The foundation stages the annual Alex Nieuwmeyer Memorial Golf Tournament, which also helps its fundraising efforts.

Ban Uni Man Pa Cria Nos Muchana.

John Fun reports that the foundation started in 2002 with the goal of identifying school kids who for various social or economic reasons do not have any breakfast sent from home in the morning. The idea was to provide them with a sandwich and a drink via a network of volunteers. The first volunteer sandwich makers were the hospital employees, and the program grew from there. Fun reiterates that research shows that kids’ concentration and focus improve with breakfast and the group spearheaded by the Horacio Oduber hospital workers, set up a foundation designed to feed those kids under the name: Let’s Join Hands to Raise our Children, or in Papiamento: Ban Uni Man Pa Cria Nos Muchanan  They started with just about 138 elementary school children, and today, more than two decades into the initiative 780 local school children at 40 island-wide schools enjoy a sandwich each morning, courtesy of this grass-root organization.

#BanUniManPaCriaNosMuchanan #DiviResorts #DiviIMPACT

As a fine dining restaurant Windows on Aruba always strives to reinvent itself, after all it’s been 21 years since opening day, food trends change, guests’ taste profiles change, a successful restaurant must continuously tweak its product to attract and satisfy both repeat guests and first-timers.

Windows on Aruba first opened in the clubhouse in 2004, when the golf course, Divi Links, was inaugurated during Prince Albert II of Monaco visit. The opening of the golf course and the clubhouse with two restaurants and a pro-shop was also attended by Dutch Prince Pieter Christiaans and the island’s prime minister at the time, Nelson Oduber among other many dignitaries.

Windows on Aruba with the spectacular views of the signature 9th hole and the beach of Punta Bravo, was conceived as a Continental, European-style eatery by the late managing director Alex Nieuwmeyer. It has over the years fed and entertained many, and has introduced frequent menu changes and updates, celebrity chef dinners, themed tastings, wine pairings, winemaker visits, popular Sunday brunches, and the exciting Friday night brunches, which always draw a fun crowd.

The strength of a business is always measured by its ability to adapt and reinvent itself.

This time Windows on Aruba pivoted toward American-Italian cuisine. Most Americans adore pasta dishes, and they had to travel to Palm Beach to find them. Now with Windows on Aruba speaking fluent Italian, they will just have to roll out of bed and make a reservation.

There is a lot of Italian to pick from at the high-rises, but Divi Resorts, all four of them, in the low-rise area needed its own Italian to please hundreds of guests staying at Divi All Inclusive, Tamrijn All Inclusive, Dutch Village and Divi Village & Golf Resort.

Open for dinner for locals and guests, Tuesday to Saturday, Friday is Brunch Night, the restaurant enjoys stylish decor, and intimate lighting for an elegant ambiance. The new bucket chairs are super comfortable paired with new butcher block tables. The service is gracious, as always, the music ambient, it all contributes nicely to the chic-chill feel.

Guests staying at Divi Village & Golf Resort may now opt for the Signature-All-Inclusive package, which includes all bars and restaurants, with Windows on Aruba among them. That new offer introduced in February 2025, includes the fully renovated SeaBreeze Restaurant, Mulligan’s, Bar Tapas, the Tiki Bar & Grill, the Coffee Corner, and the Infinity Pool Bar & Grill.

Guests with a colossal love of life may opt for the MEGA-All-Inclusive, which includes all bars and restaurants from both sides of the street, at all four resorts. Wow.

The new Cucina Italiana menu takes off with signature Italian cocktails & wines. Aperol Spritz and Negroni join the popular Breakfast Martini and Mai Tai.

(We found some interesting original creations on the drink menu: Papaya Colada, Scotch & Coco, Coco Cunucu Mojito.)

The restaurant’s breadbasket offers Ciabatta and Focaccia accompanied by butter, olive tapenade and balsamic vinegar.

Appetizers feature Bruschetta al Pomodoro, Antipasto Misto, and Arancini, the popular Sicilian rice fritters paired with Pomodoro sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma over fresh arugula. More favorites include Carpaccio di Manzo, Calamari Fritti, and Scampi Arrostiti.

Classic Italian soups, Minestrone and Pasta e Fagioli join the Rucola salad as an appetizer suggestion.

There are eight pasta dishes to choose from, each of them more tempting than the next.

In the mood for Spaghetti alla Bolognese, or Fettuccine Alfredo? They are listed for $24 at Windows on Aruba which is very reasonable.

For main dishes, the selection is very satisfying with Veal Marsala, Baked Branzino, Veal Scallopini, and the all American favorite, an Italian-American original, Chicken alla Parmigiana.

Osso Buco at $38 must be the most reasonable beef shank on Aruba. Beef tenderloin, sirloin, the menu covers all choices and likes.

You may add a side of meat balls to just about anything for $14.

And leave room for dessert — Tiramisu della Nonna, Vanilla Panne Cotta with berries or the amazing pistachio and chocolate cannoli, drizzled with red fruit coulis.

The wine list starring excellent Italian wines perfected over centuries, reflecting culture and tradition, will surprise you, from fun sparkling to reds and whites, they pair beautifully with whatever you would like to eat.

We were recommended Santa Margherita Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, the Italo Cescon Artigiano del Vino, Pinot Grigio 2021, and the fantastic Monte Piazzo Sergo Alighieri Valpolicella Classico Superiore, 2019.

The clubhouse offers ample parking, allowing patrons to just park their cars, catch the elevator to the second floor, then sit back & relax.

Executive Chef Torres, his kitchen brigade, supported by two new Italian food specialists, and the dining room service staff deliver tasteful cuisine in a beautiful setup, presenting a most-enjoyable dining experience.

For reservations call 523-5017, let the magic of Windows on Aruba set the scene for an unforgettable evening.

#WindowsonAruba #DiviAllInclusive #DiviLinks

Over the weekend a leak developed, according to social media reports. The leak implied that Mike de Meza, owes the tax department, DIMP, a six zero figure and as such will not be eligible to serve in government. He has already been sworn in as a parliamentarian, so in principle he can go on, on the benches of the coalition, but that pales in comparison to his desire.

The leak was reported by members of the opposition. Of course.

For those who were away, a short summary, and I am not sure I have knowledge of all the details. Our tax department insists that the candidate for the job of Minister of Energy, Infrastructure, and Telecommunication did not show fiscally responsible behavior in the past, even though the 5-year statute of limitations on old tax claims has lapsed and even though he reportedly owes no significant amount of tax now.

While it is normal that one is granted the opportunity to pay outstanding taxes poco poco under these circumstances, the candidate disagrees with the tax department’s characterization and wants his political party, AVP, to take his side in the discussion with the governor, who is a final authority in the matter.

The public is not clear on where discussions between the governor and the prime minister stand and why there is no decision on the next step, yet. But we guess that the prime minister is going to talk to the governor again, today, to explain the de Meza position, about his tax issues, supported by arguments from his tax lawyer.

We heard from the candidate and the candidate’s lawyer, before the holiday, that he is considering legal action even though chances of success may not be great. He is also considering becoming an independent member of parliament if he is not appointed minister.

One of my friends, who never took part in politics but has always worked for politicians, explains that politicians, must be risk takers, they cannot be risk adverse. De Meza threatened to withdraw from his party and become independent, but he may also convince another parliamentarian to join him and form a minority block. It stands to reason he would solicit the support of another parliamentarian with a strong base among St Nicolas voters. Sevinger.

She might get cold feet though. With two seats in parliament de Meza/Sevinger can be kingmakers and gain much more influence and power.

But it might shorten Sevinger’s political career over time, if she gives up her cushy position within AVP, one of nine. AVP will probably put her under immense pressure NOT to fall for that de Meza offer, promising, she would be able to also appear on the AVP slate at the next election, in 2028.

Meanwhile:

The former prime minister, EWC, does not rest on her laurels. She goes on photo safaris, takes art classes, and looks especially cute and well put together on social media, taking full advantage of her down time, as retired prime minister.

She looks excellent.

It reminds me of a well-tested strategy, when you get dumped by a boyfriend, make sure you look better than ever, lose weight, do your hair and nails, don’t settle for less than HOT, so the miserable jerk can feel bad about dumping you!!

Jazz Expo on the square at Kultura Café

Save the Date, April 30th, bring your own chair, and anything else you would need between 6:30pm and 11pm. Café Kultura is open for refreshments, it also serves dinner. We are inviting you to take part in Jam Jazz Appreciation Month, 2025.

The event is FREE of charge. See you in San Nicolas.

The motor behind the annual musical feast is Carlos Bislip, since last year, director of Scol di Musica, Rufo Wever, which prides itself on almost 600 students. More about that later!

The Jazz Expo program features Caribbean Combo, an ensemble starring the school’s students. In addition to students on drums, percussion, bass and piano, the group will introduce trumpet player Roderick Albus, alto sax player Anthony Lubbers, and guitarist Freddy Franken, all three professional island musicians, supporting the school project.

The program also includes musician Lidrick Solognier and his group. He is a composer, arranger, gleaning his themes from local folkloric music, drawing inspiration from Tambu, the islands’ Afro-Caribbean traditional sound, originating in the era of slavery as a form of community resistance. Singer Pearl ‘Watra’ Dumfries will perform with the group.

A total of five vocalists will contribute to the Jazz Vocal, featured on the program supported by famed local musicians Ivan Quandus, Johnny Scharbaay and Freddie Franken.

Carlos Bislip and Friends flavored with drums, bass, minor percussion, congas, piano, accordion and trumpet round up the line up for JAM 2025.

Under the auspices of the UN and the Smithsonian Institute, the full month of April became Jazz Awareness month, globally. Jazz is celebrated worldwide for its groundbreaking effect on all music genres. Talented musicians and jazz enthusiasts from around the world come together to celebrate Jazz’s legacy, also in Aruba. While the genre was born in the 20th century in the USA, influenced by the abstract art movement, it can trace its true roots to New Orleans, from where it spread to the world.

Aruba is not left out. Under the baton of maestro of Carlos Bislip, local musicians, and artists, gather to put on a spectacular show in honor of the distinguished music genre.

Carlos started jazz promotion is 2006, and has consistently, except for the pandemic year, run a successful program. It is the longest running program in Aruba, and it always involves young musicians, in fact many of those appearing for the first time in the jazz expo, go on to study music, professionally.

Carlos explains that the music leans heavily on its African and African-Caribbean history, and because New Orleans was blessed with many Europeans piano players, mostly French, their music became creolized, influenced by the genres played by the ancestors of slaves, giving birth to Jazz, that maintained the color and the rhythm of its origins.

Jazz is a common denominator, Carlo adds, and it was officially recognized as such in 2011, for the connections it makes around the world bridging cultures and people. We started in a small room at Cas di Cultura, now we fill the square each year, Carlos concludes, who has been with the school since 1985.

And now the most burning question: Where will the music school go, when Cas Di Culture renovates, and it has to move out? The school needs about 1,000 square meters of space with good acoustics and easy access. The question hangs in the air, so far, no solution.

#VibrationPR #Scoldimusica #CarlosBislik #jazzexpo #kulturacafe

I have to quote Marco Rubio today because it applies to tourism, and this is what he said this week: “Visiting America is not an entitlement. It is a privilege extended to those who respect our laws and values. And, as secretary of state, I will never forget that. U.S. law lays out clear rules about who can and cannot come to the United States. The State Department’s consular officers are required to apply these rules to each of the millions of visa applicants around the world each year. … We expect — and the law requires — all visa holders to demonstrate their eligibility every day their visa is valid. This includes respecting our laws, behaving appropriately according to their visa type, and continuing to meet these standards throughout their stay in our country.”

I am sure you are aware that Canadian tourism to the USA is down, so is European. Why? A mix of protest and shock, how instead of being grateful that we want to spend our hard-earned money there, the state secretary wants to lecture us on what we can and cannot do, some critics said that the White House has effectively launched a “war on tourism.”

Incidentally, a report by Goldman Sachs estimates that in the worst-case scenario, reduced travel income would reach almost $90 billion, in the USA.

We have been doing something similar in Aruba for the past few years, even before the pandemic we came up rules: My Promise to Aruba.

This is what the Aruba.com website says: The people of Aruba kindly request that our visitors consider themselves not just tourists or travelers, but guests of our island. Being a responsible guest here is about living the spirit of Masha Danki and showing respect – not just for the Aruban people but for the land and marine animals that call our One Happy Island home.

I guess it is a sign of the times, we must lecture visitors even before they arrive here.

I agree with the Aruba Tourism Authority’s decision to ask our guests to care about us, our nature, and our marine animals, I agree we must ask our guests to be responsible, BUT…. there is always a but, it must start with us. Us showing respect and being responsible islanders.

Ban Serio.

I do not want to publish a long list of peeves, nor outline all the annoyances, irritants and irresponsibilities resulting from locals having a hard time following rules. You know what I mean.

The other day I asked readers what they thought about the flea market at the Alto Vista church, considered by many a sacred place of worship. Some readers agreed it was disrespectful, but some wanted me to live and let leave, stop complaining, let locals make a buck.

I will leave it at that. When you demand respect, you must give respect, first, and it starts with tour guides and taxi drivers and all those in immediate contact with guests, outside the resorts. It starts with responsible pet ownership and taking litter home with you from the beach.

I visited the Arashi camping sites, they look like fun, locals really put in the effort to set up, I will let you know if they exercised the same care for cleanup.