Celebrating 20 years of autonomy, island defining itself economically, socially and culturally

Last year, 2006, marked the 20th anniversary of Aruba’s succession from the Netherlands Antilles and its establishment as a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The young country is in its nation building stage, defining itself economically, politically, and socially. The evidence of its evolution of self-definition has permeated every layer of society and every sector of the economy. Aruba has always been a stable country. Unlike other Caribbean islands, it never had slavery. Famous for its aloe and, for a time, its gold, Aruba was the wealthiest island in the Netherlands Antilles and in the Caribbean.

Its economy is predominately tourist related. Government officials and the private sector are working hard to encourage the growth of a Free Trade Zone and to develop Aruba’s potential for becoming a transshipment point. The oil refinery is also an important economic engine.

Aruba’s biggest asset is its people. A true multicultural melting pot, 64 nationalities and people of different religions live happily and peacefully together. Many joke that if peoples in conflict, such as Israel and Palestine, or Turkey and Greece were brought to the island, they would learn to live together.

Don’t be surprised to hear an Aruban child start a conversation in Dutch, throw in some Papiamento words, continue in English and end it in Spanish. It is truly a remarkable attribute and one Arubans are finally learning to capitalize on.

Due to strong economic growth and the construction boom, there is practically no unemployment. The demand for labor has been so high that Aruba has had to import people. The situation has now reached a critical mass and immigration is becoming an issue, one of Aruba’s first great and difficult battles as a nation, and one that is facing many countries around the world.

Economically speaking
Like a fledgling from the nest, Aruba is stretching her wings and learning from trial and error. Rob Henriquez, President of the Central Bank, is a soft spoken, hard hitting economist that has the nation’s best interests at heart.

He warns that politicians need to redirect fiscal policy within the numerical limits of sound and responsible macro economic developments. Numerical limits, fiscal transparency and accountability with regards to public finance will require new legal structures in order to maintain economic sustainability. He also noted that there needs to be an increase in labor productivity.

Henriquez feels that the current policy of continuing to expand tourism numbers could be very detrimental to the country. The Chamber of Commerce echoes that sentiment. Edwin Roos, President of the Chamber stated, "We are against new hotels, not against upgrading existing properties and replacing lesser hotels, but we need to diversify and look into niche markets. We don’t want to be a victim of our success."

To resolve some of its fiscal issues, Henriquez, economists at the Central Bank and business leaders all emphasize economic diversification. They see opportunities in non-labor intensive industries such as: universities, establishing more IT industries and, establishing company headquarters for Latin America in the Free Zone in Aruba, and expanding tourism into niche markets, like medical tourism.

According to Robert Juca Filho, Chairman and CEO of Atlas Capital, a venture capital firm, Aruba’s Free Zone has excellent potential for enriching the economic diversification on the island.
Citing recent political and social changes and violence in Latin America, he stated, "The Free Zone is ideal for establishing headquarters for places in Latin America because it is safe for families."

Sustainable tourism and self-actualization
Tourism is a major economic force on the island and Aruba is actively marketing new tourism products to a global market. The recent addition of Jet Blue’s direct daily flights from New York, increased interest from additional cruise ship companies, and new investors in the sector are evidence that the marketing is working.
Myrna Jansen-Feliciano, Managing Director, Aruba Tourism Authority, explained that tourism has an important role to play in nation building and that sustainability is the key. "Sustainability means that you have to develop tourism and use it as means to remain a healthy social and economic environment. The money you earn should help people to progress and to have a high standard of living."

"Aruba is much more than sun, sand and sea." Interested in diversifying within the sector, she wants to promote the history and culture of Aruba, making it a global center for international arts expositions and enabling Aruba to promote its own art and cultural expression. "We want tourists to discover the soul of the island." "Tourism has made us more aware of our own identity, of appreciating our own language and of valuing our own culture. We are building on that process," she explained.

Aruba is certainly a tourist favorite. It receives over 2 million visitors per year, 600,000 of which are cruise ship passengers. According to Kathleen Rojer, Executive Director, Aruba Cruise Tourism, the top three things that tourists enjoy about Aruba are the beaches, unique natural attributes and the hospitality of the people. "We are a safe, cosmopolitan island that has a variety of something for everyone."

Social and Educational development
Education is the cornerstone to any progressive society. On the island, Arubans have access to universal education for grade school and high school but until recently continuing studies for college and graduate school and specialized studies meant leaving the country.

Currently, both the private sector and the government are working to improve educational opportunities at home, allowing greater access to higher education for more Arubans. Interestingly, Roos noted that over one half of students currently studying are over 40.

The University of Aruba, started in 1988, has expanded existing programs and established new ones such as hotel and tourism management, which was instituted last year. Glen Thodé, Attorney and Professor at the University of Aruba, noted that the university is modernizing its curriculum in the law school.

Additionally, Xavier University, School of Medicine has been established in Oranjestad, providing opportunities for studying medicine to Arubans and international students alike. Aruba is also advancing socially. Women are gaining prominence in leadership positions in legal, financial and tourism related professions. They are also assuming governmental responsibilities as exemplified by the increased presence of women senators and ministers.

Looking toward the future
Aruba is a modern, progressive, diverse and interesting country. It is also very safe. Rolando Bernadina, Chief of Police, stated: "Aruba is the number one safest island in Caribbean." As the island continues to define itself and build its nation, there is one thing that is sure not to change.

"Thirty years ago we had a slogan, ‘one happy island’. We didn’t create the slogan and then people lived it out. People were living the slogan and that is how it became a reality," said Jansen-Feliciano. The island’s new slogan is ‘Bonbini’ or ‘Welcome’ and it embodies the true spirit of the Aruban people.