News and Business news from Aruba

First wave of Swine Flu vaccinations ends Friday 21 December 2009
ORANJESTAD - Health officials announced yesterday morning that Friday, December 18 will be the last opportunity for island residents to obtain their free H1N1 Flu virus vaccinations until the program continues with the second wave of vaccinations beginning well in the middle of January. Head Epidemiologist Maribelle Tromp reminded the public that Aruba has obtained 35,000 doses of H1N1 virus immunizations, but only 1367 individuals have taken advantage of the free vaccinations being offered daily until December 18. Today and tomorrow, Wednesday, December 16 will be the last time the shots will be offered at three locations in the late afternoon and evening, to accommodate most working schedules, announced Sharlene Koolman of the Department of Contagious Diseases.

Formation Mike Eman-cabinet official 5 October 2009
ORANJESTAD — AVP-leader Mike Eman submitted his list of ministers to Governor Fredis Refunjol yesterday afternoon, which was sooner than many people expected. The Governor had appointed him as the person charged with forming the new government and requested him to form a cabinet that arranges for a 'social and governmental climate during the coming years, which is targeted on cooperation and social cohesion'.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Adventure of the Seas abandons Aruba 30 September 2009
ORANJESTAD — The cruise ship Adventure of the Seas from Royal Caribbean will not be visiting the harbor of Oranjestad after April 20th, 2010. The ship, with a capacity of more than 3000 passengers, will be cruising in Europe. Various media have announced this. Alfonso Becloud, director of the Aruba Ports Authority (APA) confirms that the route of Adventure has been changed and that the ship will no longer be visiting Aruba as of the end of April. The cruise schedule, which can be viewed on the website of APA, also confirms the departure of the Adventure of the Seas

AHATA announces Hepple as its new President and CEO 30 September 2009
Oranjestad-- Sept. 21, 2009 -- The Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA) and its board of directors is proud to announce the addition of James Richard Hepple as AHATA's next President and CEO. James Hepple is a distinguished tourism professional who holds ample experience in the Caribbean region, and who will undoubtedly prove a valuable asset in the development of programs for AHATA members and in the further promotion of the destination of Aruba.

Celebration week of the Wit Gele Kruis Aruba culminates 10 September 2009
PALM BEACH - The White Yellow Cross Foundation commemorated 50 years of community service this week with a number of festivities taking place at the Radisson Aruba Resort Casino & Spa. A daytime activity included a "muchila creativo" under the direction of Joan Danies, an interactive presentation in the Grand Caribbean Ballroom outlining all services rendered by the White Yellow Cross to members of the community, kids, the elderly and the infirm.

Terrific opening of CILO 10 September 2009
ORANJESTAD - `Tout everybody' was there at the grand opening of the City Lounge, CILO in short. The marina-view restaurant at the Renaissance Marketplace was packed with friends, business relations and colleagues last Sunday evening; they came to wish the owners of the gorgeous new place well. As more and more people poured in, the jazz festival's top act Anacaona started playing on a stage outside.