Chef Jermain de Rozario sells out successful events at Window on Aruba

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Happy Holidays

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Happy Holidays

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What a beautiful morning!

We are living in paradise.

Last night’s dinner with friends was an extraordinary experience, orchestrated to perfection then just before midnight as we were ready to kiss and hug and shower each other with blessings, my phone dinged 60 times.

Sixty messages came in on my phone, not WhatsApp, not messenger.

The earliest was from October 12th, 2022.

I guess Setar purged its guts, at almost midnight, emptied its pipes, dumped the blockage.

I am hereby apologizing to anyone who sent me a message and never got a reply.

No, I did not ghost you, did not burn bridges, I just did not get the dispatch.

Setar, the gift that keeps on giving.

May the holiday bring you joy!

The year has come to an end. Another year is starting. Some things will change, some will stay the same.

One of my friends told me she was trying to get a work permit deposit back from DIMAS/DIMP since July, and finally this week she received the slip authorizing the refund. So some things will stay the same.

I hear that FCCA is really taking the housing crunch seriously building student apartments around town, and in other locations. So some things will change, and those with a total annual income under Awg 30.000, are exempt from AZV payments.

In the past few weeks, we witnessed the former Minister of Tourism and Health investing all his energy and emotional resources in shaming our current Minister of Education, Youth, Innovation, Sport, and Kingdom Affairs. He is joined by our former Prime Minister who is an expert at sticking the knife, nonchalantly, then turning it.

I hope the current minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector is Teflon coated. Growing a thick skin is inevitable.

Dear members of the opposition: In the new year, I would like to see your immense talent and energy invested in us, in parliament, come up with good, common-sense suggestions, and mostly make sure the rules you make up are followed because that is our Achilles heel, the follow up, the enforcement.

Use your intellectual gifts for good and serve as role models because no young woman or man would ever aspire to get into politics, witnessing the torture you inflict on legitimate government heirs, who won their chairs from you.

Let go.

Your turn will come, you will return victorious because that’s how it works, we flip flop between green and yellow endlessly, but for now allow the new kids on the block to do their thing, without venomous interjection.

The opposition has a vital role to play in a democratic, parliamentary system. Of course you could question government, but you should also provide alternative policies, represent diverse views, examine proposed legislation, and prepare to be back, not by shaming your opponent, but by growing your good reputation and at the same time upholding constitutional principles.

We need young people in politics, please don’t discourage those who try, don’t scare them away.

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Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort set the holiday season aglow, continuing its tradition of heartfelt appreciation with the return of its private Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at Do It Center exclusively for its Bucuti Associates. The annual celebration honors the dedicated team whose professionalism, warmth, and genuine care define the guest experience. This year’s gathering was a meaningful moment to recognize the people whose commitment has earned the resort the trust of travelers worldwide and travel’s highest accolades.

On the evening of Dec. 19, Bucuti Associates arrived at Aruba’s treasured retailer Do-It Center to find the store opened exclusively for them, aisles stocked for the season and special savings prepared in their honor. Bucuti & Tara’s approach allows for staff to shape their own celebration of the season. All 178 team members enjoyed a AFL. 300 shopping spree, with BAV members receiving an additional AFL. 100, choosing from groceries, home supplies and essentials that would make their holidays brighter.

A festive atmosphere filled the night with music, dancing and community spirit as local performers delivered lively entertainment, turning the evening into a true celebration of joy and gratitude.

“We are delighted to host this event again for the globally celebrated Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort,” shared Lisanne Coffy of Do-It Center’s marketing team. “Seeing Bucuti Associates enjoy this well-deserved evening where they are lavished with care is truly rewarding. Bucuti & Tara’s commitment to celebrating their team is inspiring, and we are honored to be part of it.”

Joining these accolades are top honors from Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes and Travel + Leisure. All are earned through thousands of guest reviews and reflect the resort’s consistent ability to delight the world’s most discerning travelers. That excellence, leadership says, begins and ends with its exceptional staff.

Ewald Biemans, the owner and founder of the resort, who established it 38 years ago with a visionary commitment to staff-centric hospitality, continues to champion a culture of genuine care. Today, he shares this leadership approach with his legacy, granddaughter Crescenzia Biemans, Managing Director of Bucuti & Tara.

“Our Bucuti Associates are the reason we stand among the best hotels in the world,” Crescenzia said. “Their dedication, professionalism and heart are woven into every guest experience. This shopping night is one way we show our gratitude because our success is truly their success.”

General Manager Rik van der Berg shared, “With 61% of our team having been with us for more than a decade, we are more than colleagues, we are a family. Celebrations like this serve as a reminder of how valued and essential each staff member is to Bucuti & Tara’s story.”