Norma Vasquez Croes Passes Away

Lucy Bohorquez, a Colombian national living in Aruba, was vacationing in Bogotá when a powerful earthquake struck Colombia. She shared her firsthand account of the frightening experience with local Aruban outlet Noticiacla, describing the panic that unfolded during the tremor. The earthquake was strong enough to cause widespread alarm across the Colombian capital. Bohorquez's account offers a personal perspective on the disaster as felt by someone with ties to Aruba. Her testimony highlights the anxiety experienced by residents caught off guard during the seismic event. The incident is of local interest in Aruba given the number of Colombian nationals residing on the island who may have family or be traveling in the affected region.

Foundation 131, Aruba's dedicated helpline for children and young people, has recorded a total of 10,481 contacts since its establishment on April 26, 1999. The organization was created to give children and youth in Aruba a safe and accessible channel to ask questions and receive support. The high volume of contacts reflects a significant and ongoing demand among young people for guidance and information. The milestone highlights the foundation's consistent role in the community over the past two-plus decades. The large number of inquiries suggests that many children and teenagers on the island are actively seeking help or information through the service. This figure underscores the importance of maintaining and investing in youth-oriented support infrastructure in Aruba.

Aruba is mourning the passing of Eduardo Ellis, the founder of the renowned Papiamento Restaurant, who died last Friday. Ellis was widely regarded as one of the key figures who helped shape the island's modern gastronomic industry. Papiamento Restaurant became a landmark dining destination in Aruba, celebrated for its authentic local cuisine and cultural identity. His contribution to the culinary scene extended beyond his own establishment, influencing the broader tourism and hospitality sector on the island. The loss is being felt deeply across the community, with tributes recognizing him as a visionary who elevated Aruban food culture to an international level. The excerpt does not specify his exact age at the time of death, though it indicates he passed at an advanced age. His legacy is expected to endure through the restaurant he built and the culinary standards he helped establish.