King's Day: A celebration of unity, joy, and reflection.

The protocol ceremony took place in an atmosphere of joy mixed with reflection, marking the farewell of a great spiritual leader, Pope Francis.

Prime Minister Mike Eman gave a speech in which he expressed that today, we live with two simultaneous deep feelings: joy to celebrate our king and sadness for the farewell of a Pope whose spiritual guidance has illuminated the whole world. The speech emphasized the common root between celebration and farewell: faith in our creator, community unity, and commitment to care for and guide the most vulnerable. The message reinforced the values that keep our people in good relations with the Royal Family.

The Prime Minister concluded his message with an appeal to celebrate with joy, humility, and gratitude, recognizing our responsibility as a united community, both in Aruba and in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. "Let's celebrate with joy in our hearts, but also with honor and dignity for our Pope, whom we say goodbye to today, with the sense that everything that gives merit to him today is what our creator gave us on this world to give us guidance and a moral compass to walk the best path for our peoples.

During the ceremony, time was taken to honor our outstanding young people in sports and our community for their remarkable contribution. Governor Felipe B. Tromp handed over the Youth Cup to these young people and leaders who guided these young people. This is a tribute to the future of Aruba, which we must invest in. The young Richard Tromp, 18 years old, received the Youth Cup Governor Felipe B. Tromp in 2025. In the category of pre-youth prize, that is, eight to twelve years, the incentive prize goes to Melaiska Woodley. In the youth category, four young people receive the incentive award: Phelan Tromp and Rashid Ruiz of Grupo Scout San Dominico, Christianne Semerel of Grupo Scout Santanero, and Jaylan Ridderstaat of Grupo Scout St. Paul Michael. Because Kailen Wouters could not be present last year, he received the 2024 pre-youth category incentive award during this year's ceremony.

Following the cultural events, the premier participated in the parade of scouting organizations, which stood for our youth, discipline, and future hope, alongside S.E. Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt and other visitors.