AGP Executive Report

Aruba Birdlife Court Fight: Aruba’s government has asked the court to postpone the ABC case for five weeks, with a new hearing set for Thursday, Oct. 15 at 2:00 p.m., but the judge ordered the government to schedule a meeting with ABC within the coming week or risk faster proceedings. Tourism Pressure in Parliament: Parliament unanimously instructed the government to execute tour operators’ requests, while tour guides protested outside Parliament demanding clarity that the case won’t proceed on Thursday. UTV/ATV Dialogue Reset: Prime Minister Mike Eman confirmed the court pause request followed talks with the UTV/ATV sector, aiming to keep jobs and nature protection in one legal framework. Housing & Planning Tension: The Rainbow Warriors Foundation warned that extending the ROPv process without proper consultation is stalling Oranjestad investment and worsening the squeeze between housing and tourism. Local Governance & Oversight: As the new parliamentary year opens, MPs renewed calls for stronger oversight, including focus on education and elderly care, alongside renewed debate over how ministers handle questions and accountability. Community & Culture: Bucuti & Tara expanded its wellness program for residents, and Aruba’s volleyball clubs formed an interim structure to restore continuity and good governance.

Birdlife Court Case: Aruba’s Birdlife Conservation (ABC) lawsuit against the Government has been postponed five weeks, now set for Oct. 15 at 2:00 p.m., after the court ordered the Government to schedule a meeting with ABC within the coming week to push for a practical nature-and-tourism balance. UTV/ATV Rules & Access: The Government says it formally asked the court to pause proceedings after talks with UTV/ATV guides and operators, aiming to keep jobs and protect the environment; meanwhile, tour operators are drafting a “Nature Driving Protocol” and some off-road routes near the Lighthouse remain closed, pressuring tourism businesses. Parliament & Oversight: With the new parliamentary year underway, AVP and PPA leaders renewed calls for stronger oversight and faster answers from ministers, while Parliament also backed a unanimous letter ordering the Government to execute tour-operator requests. Marine Protection: Aruba’s fisheries sector is demanding real scientific data and real consultation before marine protection rules are implemented, warning closures near Malmok, Rio Barriba and Alto Vista hit traditional fishermen hardest. Sports & Community: AVA clubs moved to secure continuity for volleyball with an interim structure, and Bucuti & Tara launched expanded daily wellness experiences for Aruba residents. Economy/Jobs: The Central Bank forecast points to growth that gradually moderates, and AHRA highlighted workplace leadership and elderly-care impacts.

Aruba Economy Watch: The Central Bank forecasts growth slowing from 6.3% (2025) to 3.7% (2026) and 2.3% (2027), with inflation rising to 2.4% in 2026 as higher oil prices feed into fuel, transport and import costs. Tourism Reality Check: Visitor numbers keep climbing, but spending per night grows more slowly—stay-over arrivals hit 1.52 million in 2025 (+6.6%) while tourism spending per night rose only +1.3%. Off-Road Dispute: Government talks with UTV/ATV operators continue on a “Nature Driving Protocol,” while some roads near the Lighthouse are already closed, pressuring businesses and tour routes. Water & Cleanliness: Downtown Oranjestad saw sewage overflow and a strong odor after a blockage near the Royal Plaza area; crews cleared it and pumped remaining water. Local Governance & Planning: Rainbow Warriors warns Aruba’s ROPv spatial plan revision was postponed, saying it deviates from the legal process—while former minister Otmar Oduber argues ROPv should regulate, not justify blanket bans. Parliament & Oversight: Aruba’s 2025–2026 parliamentary year closed amid criticism that public meetings and question hours were largely not held. Fuel Prices: Gasoline up 2 cents and diesel up 17 cents per liter in the Wednesday price adjustment. Sports & Community: Olympic athlete Monica Pimentel OLY completes her internship at the Aruban Olympic Committee.

Off-road & Tourism Pressure: Government and UTV/ATV representatives kept talking this week over access to protected natural areas, with Tour Operators Uni presenting a first draft “Nature Driving Protocol” and a committee planned—meanwhile, roads beyond the Lighthouse are already closed, using boulders, even before the route law is approved, squeezing tourism and other recreation. Waterfront Disruption: Tourists in Oranjestad faced dark wastewater and a strong sewage smell near the waterfront; AWSS traced it to a blockage, cleared it, and pumped out remaining water after overflow near Royal Plaza. Human Smuggling Crackdown: The Public Prosecutor’s Office imposed multiple out-of-court transaction settlements (up to Afl. 15,000) tied to human smuggling and illegal employment, urging landlords and employers to check the rules before renting or hiring. Cost of Living: Fuel prices rise Wednesday: gasoline up 2 cents to Afl. 2.909 per liter; diesel up 17 cents to Afl. 2.863. Economy Watch: Aruba’s Central Bank forecasts growth slowing to 3.7% in 2026 and 2.3% in 2027, with inflation projected to jump to 2.4% in 2026 amid higher oil prices and a continuing labor shortage. Rights & Health: A UN CEDAW review flags gaps affecting women in the Kingdom, including abortion remaining criminal in Aruba, with local estimates of about 750 abortions a year.

Kingdom Security Talks: Justice ministers from Aruba, Curaçao, the Netherlands and St. Maarten met in Curaçao to coordinate on youth crime, drugs, border control, maritime security and illicit financial flows, but a major sticking point remains the legal rules for sharing police and judicial information. New Militia Commanders: Aruba Militia and Curaçao Militia installed new commanders—Glenn Werleman and Ryan Cabenda—marking another step in professionalising the units. Economic Forecast Update: Aruba’s central bank expects growth to keep going but slow: 3.7% in 2026 and 2.3% in 2027, with tourism still important while investment, including hotels, aviation and utilities, takes a bigger role. Tourism Money vs Visitor Counts: Stay-over arrivals rose to 1.515 million in 2025, yet spending per night grew only modestly, and alternative accommodations now account for 39.1% of visitor nights. Inflation Watch: Higher oil prices are a key risk, with a scenario putting 2027 inflation at 4.9%. Housing Pressure: Abandoned properties in San Nicolas remain unused and deteriorating, adding strain as demand for homes continues. Health System Alarm: The nursing union ABV says Horacio Oduber Hospital is in an emergency over a dialysis funding gap and is urging Minister Wyatt-Ras to act while investigations are ongoing. Coast Guard Training Milestone: 16 recruits completed the Junior Coast Guard Crew Member (JBK) program, including the first JBK graduate from St. Eustatius—and she’s a woman.

Hospital Crisis Call: Aruba’s nursing union ABV says Horacio Oduber Hospital is in an emergency, with dialysis costs outpacing income, and urges Minister Wyatt-Ras to act now with temporary legal options. Public Safety & Training: The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard marked a milestone as 16 recruits graduate from the Junior Coast Guard Crew Member (JBK) program, including the first JBK graduate from St. Eustatius—also a woman. Aviation Upgrade: Aruba’s airport fire service received two new Rosenbauer PANTHER 6×6 crash tenders, boosting aircraft rescue capacity at Queen Beatrix International Airport. Housing Pressure: With Aruba’s housing shortage growing, abandoned properties in San Nicolas remain vacant and deteriorating, raising calls to revisit how unused private homes can be put to use. Tourism & Culture: Brazil Cultural Parade drew large crowds with 14 groups, live music and DJs celebrating Aruba’s identity. Sports & Community: Aruba Bank backed the Sweet Devils Softball Team’s 25th anniversary tournament, bringing teams from Aruba and Curaçao together.

Kingdom Justice Cooperation: Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands agreed on fresh steps to strengthen law enforcement, youth crime prevention, drug enforcement and emergency response during a four-country justice consultation in Curaçao. Coast Guard Training Milestone: Sixteen new Junior Coast Guard Crew Member (JBK) graduates completed a year of intensive training, with Aruba producing the top graduate and St. Eustatius earning its first-ever JBK graduate—also the first woman from the island to do so. Tourism & Travel Demand: Fall travel to Aruba is up 53.93% as hurricane-season anxiety eases, with more travelers choosing September through November Caribbean trips. Local Health Promotion: Aruba’s Movemento Ta Bida (Movement is Life) shared its prevention and physical-activity push with MPs, including the message that adults should move at least 30 minutes daily. Public Debate on Autonomy: MP Dangui Oduber renewed criticism of the HOFA financial Kingdom Act, arguing Aruba should not hand control to Dutch authorities and calling for clarity on the continuity of the Country Package. Cruise Disruption: Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas suffered a power outage shortly after leaving CocoCay, with emergency systems keeping minimal power while full service returned within about 30 minutes.

Tourism Momentum: Fall travel to Aruba is surging, up 53.93% year-over-year as Caribbean demand climbs and a quieter hurricane season eases travel worries. Local Governance & Autonomy: MP Dangui Oduber renews the fight over Aruba’s HOFA/Rijkswet debate, arguing external financial control undermines autonomy and local accountability. Public Spending Scrutiny: Minister Gerlien Croes’ travel expenses are back under the microscope, with critics questioning transparency and who covers the remaining costs. Health & Prevention: Movemento Ta Bida met with Aruba’s Health Committee to push daily movement and prevention, highlighting a new government subsidy to keep community work going. Tour Sector Access: Minister René Herdé held talks with tour operators over access and alternative routes on the Northeast Coast, with a working group planned for UTV/ATV operators. Security & Training: 16 recruits graduated from the Junior Coast Guard Crew Member Program (JBK), marking a milestone for Sint Eustatius and Aruba. Sports & Community: Aruba Bank backed the Sweet Devils Softball Team’s 25th anniversary tournament. Conservation Spotlight: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host an international Burrowing Owl (Shoco) conference Sept. 7–10 to protect the island’s endemic species.

Health & Lifestyle: AVP’s Movemento Ta Bida shared its push for daily physical activity and prevention with Aruba’s Parliament Health Committee, noting it has started receiving a government subsidy to keep community work going. Tourism & Access: Minister René Herdé met with the tour sector over Northeast Coast access and alternative routes for UTV/ATV operations, with a working group set to continue the dialogue. Heat Safety: AHATA’s Environmental Committee rolled out practical guidance for employers and workers on staying safe during extreme heat, including scheduling, hydration, shade, and warning signs. Sports & Community: Aruba Bank backed the Sweet Devils Softball Team’s 25th Anniversary Cup, bringing teams from Aruba and Curaçao together for multi-day games and celebrations. Coast Guard: 16 recruits completed the 2025 Junior Coast Guard Crew Member Program, marking a historic first for Sint Eustatius and a top graduate from Aruba. Conservation: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the first International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference (Sept. 7–10) to protect the endemic Shoco, with only about 200 breeding pairs estimated. Governance & Finance: CAft says Aruba’s 2027 budget is on track and surplus-compliant, but warns investment levels are too low and the AIOF fund isn’t yet operational. Restoration: Restoration work on historic Cas Debrot has entered its second phase, with completion expected in early 2027.

Health & Prevention: The AVP fraction met Aruba’s Health Committee after Movemento Ta Bida (Movement is Life) shared its push for daily physical activity and prevention, noting it has started receiving a government subsidy to keep its community work going. Tourism Access Talks: Minister René Herdé met a packed tour-sector group on the Northeast Coast, aiming for faster, workable access and alternative routes; a working group will keep discussions going with UTV/ATV operators. Kingdom Coordination: Sint Maarten’s Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell welcomed Kingdom Council colleagues in The Hague, with CAS islands aligning on Country Packages, food security, and public finance oversight. Local Sports Milestone: Aruba Bank backed the Sweet Devils Softball Team’s 25th anniversary “25th Anniversary Cup,” bringing teams from Aruba and Curaçao plus veteran games. Conservation Spotlight: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the first International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference (Sept 7–10) to protect the endemic Shoco, with only about 200 breeding pairs estimated. Security & Tech: HPE Aruba Networking issued a patch for ArubaOS-CX after two unauthenticated paths could lead to remote code execution—admins are urged to act quickly. Coast Guard Training: 16 recruits completed the Junior Coast Guard Crew Member Program, including a historic Sint Eustatius woman graduate.

Sports & Community: Aruba Bank is backing local softball again, sponsoring the Sweet Devils’ 25th Anniversary Cup with teams from Aruba and Curaçao and special veteran games. Tourism & Transport: Minister René Herdé met with Noordoostkust tour operators over access and alternative routes for UTV/ATV operations, with a working group set to keep the dialogue moving toward a balanced solution. Kingdom Diplomacy: Sint Maarten’s Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita Arrindell says the Kingdom Council of Ministers meeting in The Hague focused on closer CAS cooperation, including Country Package progress and food security. Politics & Autonomy: MP Eduard Pieters is pressing for clarity on the continuity of Aruba’s Country Package after Dutch questions in Parliament, warning uncertainty is not enough. Public Safety & Training: 16 recruits graduated from the Junior Coast Guard Crew Member Program (JBK), including a historic first Sint Eustatius graduate. Environment & Wildlife: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the first International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference (Sept 7–10) to protect the endemic Shoco. Heritage Restoration: Restoration work on historic Cas Debrot (Caya Betico Croes 98) has entered its second phase, aiming for completion in early 2027. International Spotlight: The MV Freewinds logged 500,000 safe sea miles on its Aruba-to-Cartagena voyage.

Coast Guard Training Milestone: 16 recruits from the 2025 Junior Coast Guard Crew Member Program (JBK) graduated after more than a year of training, representing Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten—plus a historic first for Sint Eustatius, including the first woman to complete the program. Heat Safety Push: AHATA’s Environmental Committee shared practical guidance for employers and workers on protecting people during extreme heat, including smarter scheduling, water access, shaded breaks and recognizing warning signs. Fashion Week Returns: Aruba Fashion Week marks its 10th anniversary with “Winds of Fashion,” a four-day event from Nov. 19–22 at Tierra del Sol Aruba. Tourism Tensions: Tour operators say route and nature-protection standstills are putting about 800–1,000 jobs at risk, calling for regulation through dialogue instead of unilateral decisions. Budget & Autonomy Debate: Aruba’s 2027 budget is delivered on time and projected to run surpluses, but CAft warns investment is too low, while MPs argue the HOFA Rijkswet debate goes to Aruba’s autonomy. Heritage Restoration: Restoration work for historic Cas Debrot in Oranjestad has entered its second phase, with completion targeted for early 2027. Travel & Aviation: The Netherlands will examine Aruba’s proposal for European airport preclearance, building on Aruba’s existing U.S. preclearance setup. Maritime News: The MV Freewinds reached 500,000 safe sea miles during its voyage from Oranjestad to Cartagena. Local Sports & Culture: Aruba Bank backed the Sweet Devils Softball Team’s 25th anniversary cup, and Dutch Foundation for Literature funding totals €347,063 for 12 literary projects across the Kingdom.

Maritime Milestone: The MV Freewinds has logged 500,000 safe sea miles on its latest run from Oranjestad to Cartagena, a decades-long safety record tied to passenger retreats and humanitarian work. Public Finance Watch: Aruba’s 2027 budget is projected to post a surplus and cut debt, but the CAft says investment is too low—especially since the AIOF fund isn’t yet operational, leaving spending plans unclear. Heritage Restoration: Restoration work has begun on historic Cas Debrot in Oranjestad, with completion targeted for early 2027 and funding via the Netherlands’ National Restoration Fund and Aruba Bank. Cyber Security: HPE says ArubaOS-CX needs urgent patching after it found two separate unauthenticated remote code execution paths in the same bulletin. Tourism Jobs Under Pressure: MPs warn route and nature-protection standstills are putting hundreds of tour workers’ livelihoods at risk, calling for regulation through dialogue and enforcement. Culture & Reading: Dutch Foundation for Literature grants total €347,063 for 12 projects across Aruba and the region, including an Aruban author’s youth series. Travel Connectivity: The Netherlands will examine Aruba’s proposal for European-style airport preclearance, building on existing U.S. preclearance. Sports: Aissee Gumbs has signed with FC Groningen Vrouwen, bringing more European experience to Aruba’s women’s national team.

European Travel Boost: The Netherlands says it will examine Aruba’s proposal for European-style airport preclearance, building on Aruba’s existing U.S. preclearance setup and aiming for faster EU travel. Tourism Jobs at Risk: MPs and tour operators warn that route and nature-protection disputes are paralyzing the excursion sector, putting about 800–1,000 workers’ livelihoods on the line and calling for regulation through dialogue. Healthcare Pressure: Aruba’s hospital crisis is back in the spotlight as MPs accuse the Public Health minister of silence while care deteriorates and suppliers reportedly refuse medicine deliveries. Heritage Restoration: Monumentsfund Aruba has kicked off the second phase of restoring Cas Debrot, with completion targeted for early 2027. Sports & Community: New lighting was inaugurated at the RCA soccer field, while Aruba’s women’s national team player Aissee Gumbs signed with FC Groningen Vrouwen. Sustainable Beaches: Aruba introduced the fully electric Bebot Beach Cleaner for places larger diesel machines can’t reach. Aruba in the News Beyond: Aruba’s justice minister met Curaçao’s governor during Kingdom justice talks, and Curaçao is pushing UN efforts for climate financing for small islands.

Justice & Kingdom Cooperation: Aruba Justice Minister Arthur Dowers met Curaçao Governor Mauritsz de Kort during the Four-Country Judicial Consultation (JVO), focusing on cooperation in justice and law enforcement, including legal profession and notarial services. Climate & UN Diplomacy: Curaçao will push at the UN High-Level Week in New York (Sept. 21–27) for better climate financing and stronger recognition of small island vulnerabilities, with Aruba, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands in the delegation. Local Health: St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) is inviting parents in Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten to take part in an RSV prevention survey as part of the RSV Roadmap Project. EU Funding Push: The Netherlands is urging Curaçao and other Dutch Caribbean territories to submit projects for EU support, especially in energy, digital, maritime and waste management—and to gain easier access to EU funding. Aruba Tourism & Culture: Tickets are now on sale for Autentico Pavilion 2026, while Aruba prepares for Culture Week (Sept. 19–26) with free workshops and a “train the trainers” focus. Environment & Sports: A new fully electric Bebot beach-cleaning machine was introduced at Eagle Beach, and new lighting was inaugurated at the RCA soccer field.

Beach & Environment: Aruba is rolling out more sustainable cleaning, with a new fully electric Bebot Beach Cleaner put to work at Eagle Beach, while residents are still being urged to take responsibility after trash was spotted at Mangel Halto-Spaanse Lagoen. Sports & Community: The Ministry of Sports officially inaugurated new lighting at the RCA soccer field, giving kids a brighter place to play and marking another milestone for the club’s long history. Tourism & Food: Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival ticket sales are now open for The Pavilion in Oranjestad, plus Restaurant Week runs Oct. 3–9. Local Life & Infrastructure: A pilot project is testing a new street-cleaning approach in Oranjestad’s city center, and a roundabout near the Police Station is again drawing complaints for potholes. Culture & Learning: Aruba’s Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Foundation is gearing up for Culture Week (Sept. 19–26) with free workshops and a “train the trainers” focus. Governance & Justice: Susanne Smit-Colenbrander was sworn in as a judge of the Joint Court of Justice, and Aruba’s financial supervisors say the island is leading on clearer oversight of government-owned companies.