Aurora Funeral Home Announces Passing of Jeanemarc van der Biezen

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.

Aruba's Public Health Department (DVG) has taken note of international reports regarding the deaths of three people in Venezuela's Anzoátegui state due to Hantavirus, following confirmation by Venezuelan health authorities. The DVG is closely monitoring the situation but has stated that Aruba currently faces no risk from the outbreak. Hantavirus is a potentially fatal disease typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. The department's proactive response reflects standard public health protocol for tracking infectious disease outbreaks in neighboring countries. Given Aruba's geographic proximity to Venezuela and regular movement of people between the two, authorities are maintaining vigilance. No cases have been reported on the island, and the DVG is expected to continue issuing updates as the situation in Venezuela develops.

On Thursday afternoon, a report was received in Aruba that a man over the age of 50 had fallen badly down a flight of stairs and was unresponsive. The man was reported to be experiencing pain in his hip and lower back following the fall. Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene upon receiving the call. The unresponsiveness of the victim raised immediate concern about the severity of his injuries. Falls down stairs can result in serious trauma, particularly for individuals over 50, who are at greater risk for fractures and spinal injuries. The situation prompted a swift emergency response to assess and stabilize the victim. Further details about his condition or the specific location of the incident were not included in the initial report.