Aruba Refinery Launches International Bid to Demolish Two Smokestacks

The Telecommunications Workers Union (STT) has issued an ultimatum to the Supervisory Board (Raad van Commissarissen) of SETAR N.V., Aruba's state-owned telecom company, demanding urgent clarity on the future of current director Ir. Roland Croes. The union is pressing the board to extend Croes' contract by two years or face union action. STT is escalating pressure amid what appears to be uncertainty or silence from the board regarding Croes' position. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between labor representation and management oversight at one of Aruba's most critical public utilities. A failure to respond to the union's demands could trigger formal labor action, potentially disrupting operations at SETAR. The outcome of this standoff carries significance for SETAR employees and the broader Aruban public that depends on the company's services.

The Aruba Real Estate Summit 2026 concluded successfully after two days of programming focused on constructive dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration within the island's real estate sector. The event brought together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, and real estate professionals to align on shared goals and priorities. The summit was designed to elevate professionalism and foster stronger working relationships across the industry. Participants engaged in discussions aimed at addressing current challenges and opportunities in Aruba's real estate market. The two-day format allowed for in-depth conversations that organizers described as both inspiring and productive. The summit is seen as a significant step toward greater coordination between public and private actors shaping Aruba's property landscape. Its successful conclusion signals growing momentum for a more structured and professionally governed real estate sector on the island.

Aruba's Fair Trade Authority (AFTA) will begin a series of informational sessions next week aimed at the local business community, focusing on consumer protection legislation. The sessions are designed to help Aruban businesses understand their obligations and responsibilities under existing consumer protection laws. AFTA is taking a proactive educational approach, signaling an intent to improve compliance across the business sector rather than relying solely on enforcement. The initiative reflects growing institutional efforts in Aruba to strengthen fair trade practices and protect consumers from potential market abuses. By targeting businesses directly, AFTA hopes to foster a culture of transparency and legal awareness within the commercial landscape. The timing and specific venues for the sessions have not been detailed in the available excerpt, but the rollout is confirmed to begin in the coming week.