Plaza Comercio marks the beginning of Oranjestad's revitalization.
ORANJESTAD - On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, in the presence of the Governor of Aruba, H.E. Alfonso Boekhoudt, several ministers and members of parliament, and some special guests, a ceremony took place at Plaza Comercio where they officially unveiled the new Plaza located at the corner of Wilhelminastraat and Columbusstraat.
For this special occasion, Minister of Economic Affairs, Communication, and Sustainable Development, Mr. Geoffrey Wever, gave an optimistic speech about the future of Oranjestad and presented plans for the second phase of improvements to lighting, parking, and accessibility in Oranjestad. The goal of the vision is to revitalize the city center and inject new life into the core of Oranjestad. The government plays a role in facilitating commerce by supporting entrepreneurs and their commercial goals to have a solid foundation to thrive.
Plaza Comercio, located in the heart of Oranjestad, is ready to become the culinary center where tourists and residents can enjoy and discover the vibrant cultural part of Oranjestad. Oranjestad is celebrating its 200th anniversary, so there is a lot of history. The location and design of Plaza Comercio will contribute to the economic growth of this area by promoting existing restaurants and attracting more commerce, such as shops, boutiques, and cultural spaces that can become a tourist attraction and where residents can enjoy. Plaza Comercio contributes to the ambition to position Oranjestad as the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
During this special ceremony, the government paid tribute to two individuals who have significantly contributed to the development of Oranjestad, namely Mr. Bruno Justiniano "Brenchie" Arends and Mr. Angel Botta, whose contributions have helped shape the cultural and commercial identity of Oranjestad.
The inauguration of Plaza Comercio is not only a physical achievement but also a symbol of the collective aspiration to revitalize and redefine the city center as a place of commerce, culture, and community.