Every year, Op is Op raffles a “one-minute shopping spree” as a token of appreciation for its clients, in honor of its anniversary. This year, the chain celebrated its 9th anniversary, with a special shopping spree. This time the winner could increase their shopping time by collecting stickers spread around the store, each worth 10 seconds of additional shopping time.

The winner, Jullisa, made excellent use of her time and successfully collected Awg 1,400 worth of products during her spree.

OP=OP is thrilled with the outcome and remains committed to continuously improving its services, introducing new products, and maintaining competitive prices. The public is invited to stop by and see what the stores have to offer.

Additionally, OP=OP extended operating hours to better serve customers: Monday through Saturday from 8:00AM to 8:00PM, and Sundays from 9:00AM to 1:00PM.

OP=OP is excited to share that it launched a customized big shopper bag inspired by the Curaçao soccer team as players head out to the World Cup, a great way for customers to show their support.

Please stay tuned, as more big news is coming soon.

Congratulations Chef Teddy Bouroncle for celebrating Lima Bistro’s 5th anniversary. The chef posted a reel in honor of the occasion with his own voiceover recounting the story of the restaurant’s success and credited it all to his crew.

Teddy has been our Peruvian food ambassador since 2014, determined to introduce us to contemporary Peruvian cooking. Mission accomplished. We speak ‘Peruvian’ fluently, ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, causa, anticucho, mazamorra morada – I am fluent, as you can see.

At the time Teddy told me he was invited to work here when former, award-winning general manager Tom Calame decided to seriously upgrade his F&B operation at the Marriott Aruba Complex. Teddy who worked with Tom previously at the JW Marriott in Lima, accepted the offer and together with his culinary colleagues revolutionized food concepts at his new home hotel, increased food revenues and barraged locals and visitors with exciting gastronomic events, which we miss. They orchestrated pop ups, master series and celebrity chef events, Teddy went on to win the 2015 Iron Chef Aruba Competition, and transitioned from executive chef at the resort to director of F&B. But two years into an intense corporate career he decided to spread his wings. He was going to consult one of his culinary fans, Harbor House developer Alberto Perret Gentil, on the creation of a seafood concept, in Oranjestad, at the Harbor Walk, when the pandemic nixed all plans, personal and professional.

But both Albert and Teddy did not let a good crisis go to waste. Teddy retired from the corporate world, and together with Albert agreed to do ‘something on a smaller scale,’ that would allow Teddy to express his soul.

That’s Lima Bistro, beautifully decorated by Veronica Van Der Dys. Teddy planned on having 50 diners a night, but his popularity soared and the night we were there to honor the June 3rd opening five years ago the place was hopping, both dining room and terrace filled with happy diners.

Teddy explains that as a child his parents had the mindset to always promote the country first. So every vacation they would travel around different parts of Peru and experience the diverse gastronomic influences around that immense country. He also explained that his father’s family is from Arequipa which is the city with the best local gastronomy. In his childhood home, his grandmother was the one who cooked every Sunday, and the entire family would sit around the table to enjoy her hearty meals.

That unforgettable legacy fuels the chef’s passion, supported by his own family, wife, and kids.

Besides being chef/proprietor of the best, one of the most popular restaurants in town, Teddy runs an informal, culinary academy. He teaches his people and shares his vast knowledge with those working in his kitchen. Many of them go on to have solid careers in other addresses, and independent food businesses. He single-handedly raises generations of culinary wizards by virtue of being him.

We caught Teddy with his wife on date night, June 3rd, Lima’s anniversary. Teddy shared he is heading across the pond to Curacao to open ‘something on a smaller scale,’ in Pietermaai, Willemstad, which should be a good reason to visit our neighboring island, before that restaurant becomes a book-six-months-in-advance destination.

Cybersecurity. We are all familiar with the term by now, and realize that cyber threats, AI-driven scams, and digital attacks are increasing worldwide. Cybersecurity is becoming an urgent topic for businesses, governments, and communities, also across the Caribbean.

Because it is a growing priority, Kevin van den Eshof, Managing Director, Tozetta Ethical Hacking organized The Dutch Caribbean Cyber Conference Aruba, last week, with Thesys IT, and main-partners Justspark and Conneqtid.

Last week Thursday the first Aruba edition of the Dutch Caribbean Cyber Conference took place at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino. The event was fully sold out, showing the growing interest and concern around digital safety in the region.

The conference in Aruba followed a successful edition in Curaçao in 2025 and brought together cybersecurity professionals, business leaders and decision makers from across the islands.

Organizer Kevin van den Eshof, runs Tozetta Ethical Hacking, which on its own is an oxymoron, how can hacking be ethical, but apparently, companies hire his services to hack into their systems and report on flaws. Tozetta sneaks in, writes a report and the client fixes vulnerabilities, safety restored.

With the rapid rise of AI popularity and capabilities, online fraud, and ransomware attacks are devastating companies who are all digital dependent. Even the Aruba hospital became a victim, several years ago, and we hear about unfortunate security breaches every day. Organizations are facing new challenges all the time, and many companies are becoming more aware that cybersecurity is no longer only an IT issue, but something that affects operations, reputation, finances, and customer trust.

The conference sounded like a giant sales pitch for ethical cyber hacking, but I did not mind because the threat is real, and how would you otherwise develop resilience?

Speaker Marylin Spagnol De Kort opened the conference with a few remarks. She did not introduce herself nor her qualifications. She did not tell us anything we did not know.

Another speaker by the name of Rene Poot, from Justpark, a conference partner, talked about phishing attacks and how gullible we all are. He recommended weekly probes, because every 11 seconds a ransom attack occurs, and because 56.5% of mail is spam. Without effective spam filters we are costing our companies an average of $1,140 per person, per year, and advanced filters can catch 99.9% of spam.

According to the conference ransomware pay outs totaled 1,5 Billion in 2025

The companies participating in the conference offered Security Awareness Programs, Phishing Simulators, Repeated Simulators, and Continued Training on Realistic Scenarios. They sell support and advanced technical solutions.

All I can say is that the conference raised awareness, I won’t be surprised if it recruited a few clients here and scared me to perhaps charge my passwords.

More information:

Event: Dutch Caribbean Cyber Conference Aruba 2026

The Dutch Caribbean Cyber Conference Aruba was organized by Tozetta, Thesys IT.

Main-partners of the conference, Justspark and Conneqtid.

Kevin van den Eshof, Managing Director – Tozetta Ethical Hacking

kevin@tozetta.com, +5999 66 234 74

We have a Prime Minister who already demonstrated during his previous administration why leadership at the top is so important. That government was not without controversy, with scandals involving ministers such as Paul Croes and Benny Sevinger. Yet the Prime Minister often appeared more focused on international representation, attending events abroad, spending time with Dutch officials, participating at the United Nations, and acting as a public relations ambassador for Aruba.

In my view, a Prime Minister should be more than a representative abroad. A Prime Minister must be a leader who provides direction, oversight, and accountability at home. Too often, it appears that ministers and departments are left to operate independently, each doing what they believe is right without sufficient coordination, supervision, or strategic guidance.

When the Prime Minister is on the island, we see attention given to matters such as tree-planting ceremonies or ensuring that dumpers are available in certain locations. While these may be worthwhile initiatives, Aruba already has institutions and public servants responsible for such operational matters.

The primary responsibility of a Prime Minister is to lead the government, guide ministers, establish priorities, and ensure that public institutions function effectively and cohesively. Leadership is not about managing day-to-day operational details. It is about setting a clear vision, demanding accountability, and steering the country in the right direction.

The challenges facing Aruba today are not primarily abroad. They are here on the island. That is where leadership, guidance, and attention are needed most.

The above was written by a very astute reader. And he is 100% correct, especially now that the country is divided over the HOFA issue – the Kingdom-level financial supervision law for Aruba.

People feel strongly about it from behind party lines, green for, yellow against.

Now more that ever our prime minister should focus all his energy on lobbying among his coalition members for them to vote the party line.

Early indications pointed out that the coalition might lose two votes, and only secure nine, out of the eleven majority.

The Prime Minister must now throw his weight around to make sure all noses are pointed in the same direction.

It would reflect badly on his leadership and have negative consequences for the island if just nine fingers are raised, instead of eleven.

If the coalition cannot agree on topics of outmost importance, distrust and social fragmentation follow – the scenario described by the Prime Minister speech in his recent speech at Vrije Universiteit, in Amsterdam.

Unfortunately, as the saying goes, one can lead a horse to the water, but one cannot make him drink.

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino celebrated the grand opening of The Westerly, ushering in a refined expression of elevated island hospitality for the iconic Palm Beach resort. The debut marks a significant evolution of the property, introducing a more intimate guest experience that blends contemporary design, personalized service and dynamic public spaces with Aruba’s natural beauty. The milestone was commemorated with an event attended by ownership, Hilton leadership, government officials and key project partners.

Named for Aruba’s natural compass, the east-to-west trade winds that shape the island’s character and beauty, The Westerly introduces a new level of sophistication to the destination. Blending the intimacy of a boutique hotel with the expansive amenities of Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, The Westerly offers a refined and elevated guest experience through a seamless balance of privacy, personalized service and immersive island experiences for leisure and business travelers alike.

Set against the backdrop of Aruba’s iconic Palm Beach sunsets, the opening marks a continued commitment to the resort’s evolution and underscores Hilton’s broader growth strategy across the Caribbean and Latin America, a strategic region for the company’s growth and development.

“Hilton has a long-standing legacy of creating exceptional stays in the world’s most sought-after destinations, and the opening of The Westerly at Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino represents an exciting addition to our portfolio,” said Chris Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton. “This debut reflects our continued focus on delivering elevated, experience-driven hospitality for today’s traveler, while building on the strength and momentum of our growth across the Caribbean and Latin America.”

“As Hilton’s flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts continues to evolve for today’s traveler, creating stays that bring people together for iconic gatherings, celebrations and shared experiences,” said Leonard Gooz, global brand leader, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “The Westerly embodies this renewed vision, placing guests at the heart of Aruba’s culture and vibrant energy – delivering an intimate, boutique‑style stay, seamlessly paired with the robust property amenities and signature service of Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino.”

“The Westerly reflects the future of hospitality – thoughtful design, elevated comfort, and a deeper connection to place. What truly sets this property apart is our exceptional Aruban team, whose genuine warmth and dedication bring the experience to life,” said Milton Berlinski, managing partner, Reverence Capital and managing director, Aruba Growth Fund. “The Westerly further strengthens Aruba’s position in the luxury market catering to the most discerning travelers, while creating meaningful opportunities through jobs, economic growth, and sustained local investment.”

“Through The Westerly, we are proud to have created what is today Aruba’s most refined and distinctive hospitality tower, home to the island’s only rooftop terrace experience, Terrace on 10,” said Rene Kan, managing director, Aruba Growth Fund. “The Westerly and our existing property mark the first resort in Aruba developed entirely with local financing, a milestone that reflects our Aruban ownership and our long-term belief in Aruba, its people, and its future.”

Ushering in a New Era of Island Hospitality

Situated directly on Palm Beach, The Westerly features 161 oversized guest rooms and suites with balconies, including ocean front accommodations with expansive terraces and select adults-only swim-up options. Each space is designed to showcase sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea while delivering a sense of comfort, sophistication, and place.

Designed by Jeffrey Beers International in collaboration with SB Architects, The Westerly’s interiors reflect a contemporary interpretation of mid-century design, blending natural materials, warm textures, and locally inspired details. Seamless indoor-outdoor living, bespoke furnishings, and curated in-room amenities create a residential feel that invites guests to fully unwind.

Guests of The Westerly enjoy an elevated arrival experience, including private check-in and dedicated concierge service, along with priority access to premium resort offerings such as eforea spa treatments and enhanced beach and pool experiences. In-room touches include wellness-focused amenities such as Best Rest Bar, featuring sleep masks and calming pillow spray, locally inspired products, and personalized offerings designed to reflect the spirit of Aruba.

To further enhance their stay, guests can add access to The Westerly’s crown jewel, the new Terrace on 10, a unique adults-only rooftop experience with panoramic ocean views, locally inspired cuisine, and expertly crafted cocktails. The dynamic space transitions from tranquil daytime relaxation – with wellness programming such as Pilates and guided breathwork – to vibrant evening energy with live entertainment and social experiences.

Set within the 15-acre Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino property, The Westerly provides guests with full access to the resort’s renowned dining, wellness, and entertainment offerings, while maintaining a distinct sense of exclusivity and retreat.

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino was the first luxury resort in Aruba and remains an icon in both the destination and the hospitality industry. The resort offers 358 spacious guest rooms and suites, in addition to the accommodations at The Westerly. The resort recently debuted a renovated eforea spa offering a relaxing escape just steps away from the ocean, boasting unique treatments and standout amenities like cold plunge pools and a tranquil relaxation space.

Guests can enjoy eight dining options, from casual beachside snacks to lobby libations and signature beachfront dining at the brand-new Shore Club restaurant, located just steps away from Aruba’s iconic Palm Beach offering an elevated menu of internationally inspired cuisine and signature cocktails. Just steps from the sand, the spacious sun deck has been thoughtfully designed with stylish touches that add a casual chic vibe. Perched above the restaurant, Shore Club’s exclusive rooftop boasts panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the sparkling white sands of Palm Beach. Additional options include Sunset Bar, where the original “Aruba Ariba” cocktail was created, Sunset Grille, a prime steakhouse and the resort’s signature restaurant.

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino is also the only resort on the island to offer three distinct rooftop experiences, including Terrace on 10 at The Westerly, Shore Club’s sunset rooftop, and the iconic Palm Beach Club. Groups can take advantage of over 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including the 8,100 square foot Grand Morris Lapidus Ballroom – designed to serve as the background for iconic events and gatherings Hilton Hotels & Resorts is known for. Guests can also try their luck at the Las Vegas-style casino, featuring a live poker room.

With its official debut, The Westerly establishes a new benchmark for premium travel in Aruba, inviting travelers to experience a fresh perspective on island hospitality.

For more information or reservations at The Westerly, visit thewesterly.com. For more information about Hilton Hotels & Resorts, visit Stories from Hilton.