Fundacion Lanta Papiamento: 'They Don't Want to Know!

In an interview with Mas Noticia, Joyce Pereira of Fundacion Lanta Papiamento says that Aruba's education system has still not broken free from its deep-rooted Dutch colonial framework. Pereira, who represents a foundation dedicated to elevating the Papiamento language, argues that Dutch doctrine continues to dominate the structure and philosophy of Aruban schooling. The concern reflects a broader cultural debate on the island about language identity and educational sovereignty. Fundacion Lanta Papiamento has been advocating for greater recognition and use of Papiamento in formal education. The persistence of Dutch-centric policies is seen by advocates as a barrier to fully embracing Aruban cultural identity in the classroom. This issue carries significant implications for younger generations and the long-term preservation of Papiamento as a living, institutional language on the island.

Aruba-based news outlet Noticiacla has announced the launch of an official WhatsApp channel, allowing readers to receive top news updates directly on their phones at no cost. The service is designed to deliver the most important stories and latest developments straight to subscribers via WhatsApp. The announcement was made from Oranjestad, Aruba's capital, and is aimed at all existing and new Noticiacla readers. The move reflects a broader regional trend of Caribbean media outlets expanding onto mobile messaging platforms to reach wider audiences. By using WhatsApp — one of the most widely used communication apps in the Caribbean — Noticiacla aims to make news more accessible and immediate. Readers are encouraged to follow the official channel to stay informed without any subscription fees.

Aruba's national health insurer AZV has formally rejected accusations made by Ricardo Croes and the SIKI Foundation during a recent press conference, where they alleged the insurer was effectively 'condemning' a patient by denying necessary medical care abroad. AZV clarified that coverage for medical treatment outside of Aruba is subject to specific eligibility criteria and is not arbitrary. The insurer emphasized that decisions are made based on established medical and administrative guidelines, not personal judgment. The dispute highlights ongoing tension between patient advocacy groups and AZV over access to specialized care that is unavailable on the island. Cases involving care abroad are particularly sensitive in Aruba, as patients often depend on AZV approval to access life-saving treatments in the Netherlands or other countries. AZV's public rebuttal signals the insurer's intent to defend its procedures amid growing public scrutiny.