Celia Kusmus Earns Bachelor of Science Degree From FAS SISSTEM Program

Lloyd Hickinson, 62, was released from custody on Wednesday afternoon after a judge ordered his release following his detention at Happy Days Care Foundation in Aruba. Hickinson had been held after allegedly assaulting another resident at the care facility. Despite the judge's decision to free him, no institution or facility on the island has been willing to accept or house him. This leaves Hickinson in a precarious situation — legally free but without a place to go. The case raises serious questions about Aruba's capacity to manage elderly or vulnerable individuals who pose a risk to others in care settings. The lack of institutional support highlights a broader gap in the island's social services infrastructure.

The Aruban government, together with the Department of Public Health, has issued a public health advisory ahead of Dia Nacional pa Cuida Aruba — National Care for Aruba Day — a community-wide environmental clean-up event. Authorities are calling on all participants to take precautions to protect their health and personal safety during the activities. The advisory reflects official concern that large-scale outdoor clean-up efforts can expose volunteers to physical risks such as heat exhaustion, cuts, and contact with hazardous materials. The Department of Public Health plays a central role in coordinating health guidance for mass participation events on the island. National Care for Aruba Day is an established civic initiative that mobilizes residents across the island to clean and maintain public spaces. Officials want to ensure the event's community spirit is not overshadowed by preventable health incidents. No specific health incidents have been reported in connection with this year's event.

On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Celia Kusmus successfully defended her thesis and earned a Bachelor of Science degree through the SISSTEM program in Sustainable Engineering at the Faculty of Applied Science (FAS) in Aruba. The SISSTEM program focuses on science, technology, and sustainable engineering disciplines, preparing graduates for careers in technical and environmental fields. Kusmus's successful thesis defense marks the culmination of her undergraduate studies and represents a significant personal and academic achievement. Her graduation highlights Aruba's ongoing investment in homegrown expertise in sustainable engineering, a field of growing importance for island nations facing environmental and energy challenges. The milestone is a positive development for the island's scientific and technical education sector.