AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Air Connectivity: Curaçao and Aruba are being positioned as reconstruction and trade hubs after deadly earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia, with Kingdom relations officials pointing to the islands’ strategic location between Europe and northern South America. Local Governance & Execution: Parliamentarian Xiomara Maduro pushed back on claims that Aruba lacks investment money, citing official reports showing large investment budgets went unexecuted—over 105 million florins not realized in 2023-2025—shifting the debate to project preparation and delivery. Integrity & Public Sector: The Aruba Integrity Bureau certified new integrity officers, training Integrity Confidentiality Officers and Internal Investigators to strengthen confidential reporting and independent investigations. Rainy-Season Readiness: Aruba launched its island-wide Cuida Aruba cleanup campaign, while residents also flagged a garbage-filled drainage channel in Hato that could worsen flooding as rains approach. Economy & Business: Aruba’s government reported stronger-than-expected revenues in the first half of 2026, with spending running below budget. Regional Privacy Policy: Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten remain divided on personal data protection rules, despite efforts to harmonize Kingdom standards. Sports & Community: CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics is set to come to The Bahamas for the first time, with Aruba among participating nations. Agribusiness: 297 Farm expanded with a new 1,500 m² cucumber greenhouse, moving from leafy greens into vine crops to boost local food production.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: Aruba’s tourism and regional links get a boost as Curaçao and Aruba are positioned as potential reconstruction and trade hubs after deadly earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela, with officials pointing to the islands’ strategic location and the urgency of economic diversification. Cruise Industry: Carnival Corporation is deepening destination partnerships with summer ship visits across Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, while Norwegian Cruise Line opens bookings for Summer 2028 with more time ashore—both moves that can shape near-term visitor flows. Local Economy & Governance: Aruba’s revenues grew in the first half of 2026 while spending stayed below budget, but Parliamentarian Xiomara Maduro says the real issue is execution capacity, not a lack of investment money—sparking renewed pressure on government delivery. Integrity & Public Sector: The Aruba Integrity Bureau certified new integrity officers, strengthening internal investigation and confidentiality roles. Infrastructure Ahead of Rainy Season: Aruba launched an island-wide Cuida Aruba cleanup and residents also flagged a garbage-filled drainage channel in Hato that could worsen flooding. Business & Community: Oranjestad Investors Group says downtown agreements are still waiting on implementation, including cleanliness, sidewalks and ROPV-related plans.

Island Economy & Finance: Aruba’s government says revenues grew faster than expected in the first half of 2026, while spending stayed below half of the annual budget, with the positive trend also showing up across key public entities. Execution vs. Funding Debate: Parliamentarian Xiomara Maduro pushes back on HOFA-related claims, arguing Aruba does have investment money on paper but repeatedly fails on project preparation and execution, citing large unspent investment figures from 2023–2025. Rainy Season Readiness: Aruba is running an island-wide Cuida Aruba cleanup to clear waste and drainage areas ahead of heavier rainfall, while residents also flag a garbage-filled drainage channel in Hato that could worsen flooding. Local Business & Downtown: The Oranjestad Investors Group met with the responsible minister on downtown issues like cleanliness, sidewalks and ROPV, but says implementation is still lagging. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Curaçao and Aruba are being positioned as reconstruction and logistics hubs after earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela, with the Kingdom also using the UN General Assembly to spotlight climate resilience and financing. Tourism & Air Links: Southwest adds more Caribbean flying capacity (including Aruba in the same March 13 expansion date), while Curaçao prepares new South America connectivity with Aerolíneas Argentinas from Buenos Aires starting Jan. 2027. Sports & Community: CMB renews its three-year partnership with Aruba Beach Tennis, and FAVI launches its 2026 donation campaign to support visually impaired Arubans.

Island Cleanup & Rain Prep: Aruba kicks off the second Cuida Aruba campaign (Aug. 28–29) with island-wide cleanups, extra waste capacity from Serlimar, and heavy equipment to clear drainage and roadsides ahead of the rainy season. Downtown Business Conditions: The Oranjestad Investors Group met with the responsible minister on cleanliness, sidewalks, and ROPV, saying agreements are in place but still waiting on implementation. Public Works Risk Alert: A Hato drainage channel behind Aruba Bank is again filling with garbage, raising flooding concerns as heavy rains approach. Government Execution Debate: Parliamentarian Xiomara Maduro challenges the HOFA investment narrative, pointing to government reports showing large sums budgeted for investment but poorly executed from 2023–2025. Aruba Finances: Preliminary budget execution figures show stronger-than-expected 2026 revenues and spending below half of the annual budget by end-June. Privacy Rules Across the Kingdom: Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten still differ on personal data protection standards, with lawmakers pushing for further harmonization. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Aruba’s tourism outlook gets a boost from regional flight expansion news, while Southwest hits 100 daily international departures (global context for Caribbean demand). Local Growth in Food Production: 297 Farm expands with a new 1,500 m² cucumber greenhouse, moving from leafy greens into vine crops to strengthen local supply. Sports Sponsorship: Caribbean Mercantile Bank renews its three-year partnership with Aruba Beach Tennis for the Aruba Open. Ferry Project Setback: Aruba–Curaçao passenger ferry plans face delay after Aruba halts a tender for a feasibility study.

Environment & Preparedness: Aruba kicked off the second edition of the Cuida Aruba cleanup on Aug. 28–29, pairing island-wide volunteer cleanups with rainy-season readiness, including expanded waste capacity from Serlimar and Public Works support to clear canals and roadsides; six drop-off sites will run Saturday morning across San Nicolas, Pos Chikito/Burubundo, Barcadera, Santa Cruz, Oranjestad and Tanki Leendert. Governance & Investment Execution: Parliamentarian Xiomara Maduro pushed back on claims that Aruba lacks investment money, citing government implementation reports showing large investment budgets left unexecuted (over 105 million florins not realized from 2023–2025), arguing the real issue is project preparation and execution capacity. Kingdom Privacy Rules: Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten remain on different personal data protection standards despite harmonization efforts, with the issue raised again at the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation and questions planned for the Kingdom government. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Curaçao is set to welcome direct Aerolíneas Argentinas flights from Buenos Aires starting Jan. 2, 2027, boosting South American access; meanwhile, Aruba’s region also sees connectivity shifts as a Curaçao–Aruba ferry feasibility tender was halted, likely pushing timelines beyond end-2027. Local Business & Food Security: 297 Farm expanded with a new 1,500 m² greenhouse for cucumber cultivation, moving from leafy greens into vine crops to strengthen local produce supply.

HOFA Transparency Clash: After Parliament’s recess, MP Shailiny Tromp-Lee says the Government still hasn’t clarified next steps on the Kingdom Law HOFA, warning it could bind Aruba long-term and override constitutional order. MMA Leadership Change: Andres Tromp retires as Aruba’s ABC representative after a decade in MMA, citing health after a stroke and urging a new generation to lead. Tech & Sovereign AI Push: HPE will showcase sovereign AI, hybrid cloud and self-driving networking at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, including its “AI Factory with NVIDIA” and networking built from HPE Aruba and Juniper gear. Tourism & Travel Demand: A new Aruba vacation ownership report highlights how loyalty drives spending beyond rooms, while Hyatt research says 87% of travelers have considered all-inclusives. Inter-island Connectivity Setback: Aruba’s planned Curaçao-Aruba passenger ferry faces delays after the feasibility study tender was halted, pushing timelines toward early 2028. Air Route Growth: Southwest plans to resume Nashville–Montego Bay nonstop in March 2027, and Aerolíneas Argentinas will add Curaçao from Buenos Aires starting Jan. 2, 2027. Local Business & Community: CMB renews its three-year partnership with Aruba Beach Tennis for the Aruba Open. Governance & Accountability: Minister Arthur Dowers receives AFTA’s 2026 six-month report, with independent review finding no material issues. Elder Abuse Warning: The Alzheimer Foundation Aruba calls for zero tolerance on elder abuse, criticizing public health leadership for normalizing mistreatment. San Nicolas Development Pulse: Residents weigh mixed views on progress in San Nicolas after 515 days under AVP-FUTURO, with tourism and visible change at the center.

Inter-Island Transport: Aruba’s planned Curaçao-Aruba passenger ferry hit a snag after the Aruban government halted the tender for a feasibility study, pushing a hoped-for end-2027 start to no earlier than early 2028. Tourism & Spending: A new Visa card spending snapshot shows 304,308 international visitors (Jan–Jun 2026) spent US$184.9 million in Aruba, led by restaurants/food (US$56.7m), then accommodation (US$44m) and retail (US$39.3m). Timeshare & Tourism Economy: An Aruba Vacation Ownership Report commissioned by ATSA/ATA (University of Aruba surveys) says vacation ownership spans about 16 resorts, 3,500 units and over US$2b in capital investment, generating roughly US$750m in annual direct and indirect activity. Cruise Connectivity: Corendon announced a 14-day Renaissance cruise starting in Aruba on Dec. 3, ending in Curaçao on Dec. 16—adding a fresh boarding option for Aruba-based travelers. Air Links: Southwest will resume Nashville–Montego Bay Saturday service on March 13, 2027, and the wider Caribbean flight network continues to expand. Governance & Trade Oversight: Minister Arthur Dowers received AFTA’s 2026 six-month report, with interim figures independently reviewed by Grant Thornton Aruba. Public Service Logistics: Government announced six waste drop-off locations for Cuida Aruba Day on Aug. 29 to improve efficiency.

Inter-Island Transport: Aruba’s Curaçao ferry plan hit a snag after the Aruban government halted the tender for the feasibility study, pushing a hoped-for end-2027 start to early 2028. Tourism Demand Signals: Visa spending data shows international visitors spent USD 184.9 million in Aruba in Q2 2026 (Jan–Jun), led by restaurants/food (USD 56.7m), with accommodation and retail also strong. Energy Security: RECIP-3 expansion at WEB Aruba adds two Wärtsilä engines for 36 MW of firm capacity, aiming to meet rising demand and reduce power-supply disruption risk. Cruise Connectivity: Corendon will start a 14-day Caribbean cruise from Aruba on Dec. 3, 2026 aboard Renaissance, ending in Curaçao on Dec. 16—creating a new departure option for island travelers. Air Links: Southwest is bringing back its Nashville–Montego Bay nonstop on March 13, 2027, and the wider Caribbean route push includes Saturday service patterns that also connect with Aruba. Governance & Accountability: Minister Arthur Dowers received AFTA’s 2026 six-month report, with independent review finding no material issues with interim reporting standards. Public Service Delivery: DIMAS briefed Dowers on a customer-care service improvement plan and a new job-matching application under the Progress Board.

Tourism & Cruising: Corendon is adding a new Aruba departure option: a 14-day Renaissance cruise starting Dec. 3, 2026 from Aruba and ending Dec. 16 in Curaçao, with stops across the eastern Caribbean—an extra boost for local travel demand and on-island boarding. Cruise Operations: Carnival Cruise Line is testing later hours for Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Conquest, aiming to roll the idea out fleetwide if the response stays strong. Visitor Spending: Visa data for Q2 2026 shows 304,308 foreign Visa cardholders spent USD 184.9 million in Aruba, led by restaurants/food (USD 56.7m), then accommodation (USD 44m) and retail (USD 39.3m). Public Services & Waste: Cuida Aruba’s Aug. 29 cleanup will run from 6 community drop-off points (7am–12pm) to improve truck capacity and reduce delays. Energy Security: RECIP-3 expansion at WEB Aruba adds two Wärtsilä engines for 36 MW of firm capacity, framed as key to meeting rising demand and reducing shortage risk. Governance & Accountability: Fresh criticism targets ministerial transparency and LAR-related information requests, while another item highlights a continuing staffing gap in government operations. Elder Care: Alzheimer Foundation Aruba calls for zero tolerance on elder abuse, rejecting statements that normalize mistreatment. Climate Readiness: Caribbean meteorology groups urge businesses and households to prepare for hotter, drier conditions as El Niño strengthens.

Tourism & Spending: Visa data for Q2 2026 shows 304,308 foreign Visa cardholders from 136 countries spent USD 184.9 million in Aruba, led by restaurants/food (USD 56.7m), then accommodation (USD 44m) and retail (USD 39.3m). Energy Security: Aruba’s RECIP-3 expansion at WEB Aruba adds two Wärtsilä engines for 36 MW of firm capacity, aimed at meeting rising demand and reducing power-shortage risk. Cruise Growth: Corendon will let passengers board in Aruba for a 14-day Renaissance cruise starting Dec. 3, 2026, ending in Curaçao Dec. 16—another boost for local travel options and port activity. Local Preparedness: The Crisis Management Office says it’s strengthening national preparedness, tracking risks across people, infrastructure, the economy and the environment, with cybersecurity now a key focus. Public Accountability: A debate continues over Minister Gerlien Croes’ private-jet trip to Curaçao and whether Parliament should receive related information under LAR guidance. Waste & Community: Cuida Aruba’s Aug. 29 cleanup will run from six waste drop-off points across the island, designed to improve efficiency based on lessons from the first edition. Health Sector: Aruba’s Public Health Inspectorate says IVA 2026 is fully booked, with a “Risky Business” conference focused on healthcare safety and risk management.

Cruise & Tourism Momentum: Corendon is adding a new 14-day Renaissance cruise that starts in Aruba on Dec. 3, 2026 and ends in Curaçao on Dec. 16, with strong demand cited for boarding from the island. Visitor Spending Snapshot: Visa card data for Jan–Jun 2026 shows 304,308 cardholders from 136 countries spent USD 184.9 million in Aruba, led by restaurants/food (USD 56.7m), accommodation (USD 44m) and retail (USD 39.3m). Energy Security Upgrade: Aruba’s RECIP-3 expansion at WEB Aruba adds two Wärtsilä engines for 36 MW of firm capacity, aiming to reduce shortage risk as demand rises. Government Capacity Pressure: Sint Maarten’s PM Mercelina says General Affairs is short about 200 workers (255 filled vs. ~455 needed), raising questions about execution capacity. Eldercare Accountability Debate: An Alzheimer Foundation Aruba leader renews calls for investigation after criticism over elder abuse and neglect in care facilities. Public Health Focus: Aruba’s Public Health Inspectorate says IVA 2026 is fully booked, with a “Risky Business” conference on healthcare safety and risk management. Climate Readiness: Caribbean meteorology groups urge governments and businesses to prepare for hotter, drier conditions as El Niño strengthens. Local Business & Community: Aruba Bank’s “POV: MEGA WEEK” kicks off Aug. 29 with car and motorcycle deals plus a Golden Car selfie promotion. Politics & Services: PPA leaders again flag Censo appointment backlogs and alleged illegal permit-slot sales, while MP Dangui Oduber criticizes education underfunding despite a stated surplus.

Government Capacity Crunch: Sint Maarten’s PM Luc Mercelina says Aruba’s Kingdom-style governance machinery is short by nearly 200 workers, with General Affairs needing about 455 positions but filling only around 255, raising alarms about delayed execution and reform delivery. Elder Care Under Fire: Alzheimer Foundation Aruba and its “No Excuse for Elder Abuse” campaign condemn what they call dismissive remarks on nursing-home abuse, demanding an immediate investigation and stronger protections for seniors. Energy Security Upgrade: Aruba’s RECIP-3 expansion at WEB Aruba hands over two new Wärtsilä engines adding 36 MW of firm capacity, framed as essential for tourism, schools, hospitals, and business continuity. Tourism Momentum: June 2026 shows stay-over arrivals up 13.4% to 143,343, with South America surging and cruise activity also strong. Cruise Market Moves: Corendon launches a 14-day Aruba-to-Curaçao sailing in December, while Carnival Horizon hosts local children for a tourism-and-cruise learning day. Social & Jobs Support: DAS reports progress from its “In The Picture” workforce re-entry program, with 19 participants returning to work and a new edition starting Aug. 24. Policy Pressure in Parliament: MPs renew calls over education funding gaps, Censo appointment backlogs, and unresolved permit/regularization timelines.

Energy Security: Aruba’s RECIP-3 power expansion at WEB Aruba adds two Wärtsilä engines for 36 MW of firm capacity, aimed at meeting rising demand and lowering the risk of shortages. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Corendon will run a 14-day Caribbean cruise from Aruba (Dec. 3, 2026) ending in Curaçao, while Southwest plans Saturday-only nonstop service between Nashville and Aruba starting March 2027. Cruise Momentum: Carnival Horizon hosted more than 60 children for a cruising education day with Aruba Ports and the Tourism Authority. Local Governance & Services: PPA leaders renewed pressure over Censo appointment delays and alleged illegal sales, and also demanded proof of a waste-management contract tied to ATA funds. Education Funding: MP Dangui Oduber says Aruba’s schools need urgent repairs and argues the government has a 700 million florin surplus but no money for education. Workforce Support: DAS reported results from its “In The Picture” program, with 19 participants returning to work. Business Climate: Local merchants warn of a structural backlog at D.O.W. permit responses, hurting businesses trying to open. Healthcare: Aruba’s Public Health Inspectorate says IVA 2026 is fully booked as it tackles healthcare quality and risk management. Tourism Performance: June 2026 arrivals rose 13.4% to 143,343, with South America surging.

Tourism & Development Politics: PPA leaders Eduard Pieters and candidate Rigoberto Santiago are pushing a long-term vision for San Nicolaas, arguing Aruba needs nation-building that outlasts election promises, with economist Suzette Dumfries’ “Dumfries Plan 2030” framed as a non-partisan roadmap focused on human development and social infrastructure. Local Governance & Transparency: MP Dangui Oduber renewed pressure on government transparency, including calls to release the LAR advice, and criticized missed opportunities to revive the oil sector. Education Funding Pressure: Oduber and Minister Gerlien Croes both spotlight school infrastructure strain—Croes says three schools need over 13 million florins in urgent repairs, while critics point to a 700 million florin surplus with insufficient education priority. Permits & Business Climate: Local merchants warn of a structural backlog at D.O.W., with permit responses taking over a year, while PPA also alleges an illegal market around Censo appointment access. Healthcare & Workforce: Aruba’s Public Health Inspectorate is gearing up for IVA 2026 on healthcare quality and risk management, and DAS reports progress from its “In The Picture” program helping clients return to work. Tourism Numbers & Air Connectivity: June 2026 tourism data shows stay-over arrivals up 13.4% year-on-year, and new airline capacity plans (including Southwest’s Nashville-Aruba nonstop in 2027) underline growing demand. Circular Economy: The Compost Alliance is moving toward operations, aiming to turn hospitality organic waste into compost.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: Aruba’s tourism keeps climbing: June 2026 delivered 143,343 stay-over arrivals (+13.4% y/y) and 845,501 arrivals in the first half (+10.9%), with South America surging as the U.S. remains the biggest source market. Travel Deals: Divi Resorts launched a Caribbean Summer Blowout with up to 40% off (code BLOWOUT26) for stays through Dec. 20, 2026, including Aruba properties. Airline Expansion: Southwest will add Saturday-only nonstop service between Nashville and Aruba starting March 2027, boosting direct U.S. access. Local Business & Permits: Local merchants are alarmed by Department of Public Works permit backlogs, with businesses waiting over a year for responses, and calls for staffing and clear output numbers. Public Finance & Governance: In Sint Maarten, a “Jasmine” corruption case ended with convictions tied to fraud and money laundering connected to government projects. Education Funding Pressure: MPs say schools are in dire need of repairs and funding, pointing to a 700 million florin surplus but urgent maintenance gaps. Workforce Support: Aruba’s DAS reported results from its “In The Picture” program, with 19 participants returning to work and a new edition starting Aug. 24. Healthcare Quality: The Aruba Public Health Inspectorate is preparing IVA 2026, a full conference on healthcare safety and risk management.

Corruption & procurement: A Sint Maarten court convicted the last suspects in the “Jasmine” corruption probe, sentencing a former VROMI cabinet chief (16 months, with part suspended) and her partner for fraud and money laundering tied to irregular government project payments. Education funding pressure: Aruba’s education sector is facing urgent repair needs and political heat, with MPs saying the government has a large surplus but schools still start without proper attention and resources. Immigration administration & permits: Aruba’s Censo registration backlog is again under fire, with claims of long delays and an alleged illegal appointment market; meanwhile, Justice Minister Arthur Dowers urged people in the “Hunto pa Progreso” temporary permit phase not to wait as first permits expire end of October. Local business & red tape: The Local Merchants of Aruba warned that D.O.W. permit responses are taking over a year, calling it a structural problem that blocks new openings. Tourism & growth: Aruba reported June 2026 tourism strength—stay-over arrivals up 13.4%—with South America showing notable momentum. Aviation connectivity: Southwest plans Saturday-only nonstop service between Nashville and Aruba starting March 2027, while TUI fly Netherlands will expand Caribbean capacity from April 2027 and WestJet boosts winter sun routes. Healthcare sector: Aruba’s Public Health Inspectorate confirmed a full registration for its IVA 2026 Quality of Healthcare Conference focused on risk management and safety. Waste & circular economy: The Compost Alliance is moving into its operational phase, aiming to turn hospitality organic waste into compost.