Plaza Hubert "Lio" Booi Reopens with a Beautiful Ceremony

The event was attended by the family of Mr. Hubert Booi, the Minister of Culture, the Director of the Department of Culture Aruba, cultural partners, and special guests, who all paid tribute to the iconic figure Hubert Q. (Lio) Booi (1919). He is remembered as the co-composer of Aruba’s national anthem Aruba Dushi Tera and as the first director of the Institute of Culture Aruba.

Hubert "Lio" Booi was a poet, painter, and tireless cultural advocate with a deep love for the Papiamento language. Through poetry, plays, and song lyrics, he enriched and defended Aruba’s cultural identity. He dedicated his life to cultivating the spirit of the Aruban people and advancing cultural education on the island. His enduring legacy lives on in his works and in the love for local culture that he nurtured throughout his life.

The program opened with a solemn rendition of the national anthem, led by Mrs. Maybellyne Arends-Croes and performed by the Melange choir. The first address was delivered by Drs. Siegfried Dumfries, Director of the DCA, who welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude for the support shown during the DCA’s 47 years of service. He emphasized the department’s honor in contributing to Aruba’s cultural development.

This was followed by remarks from the Minister of General Affairs, Culture, Environment, and Nature, Mr. Michiel Eman, who reflected on the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural identity.

One of the most moving moments of the evening was “Deep Ode to Hubert ‘Lio’ Booi: Who He Is”, a multidisciplinary performance directed by Jhon Freddy Montoya and narrated by Rachel Kraaijvanger. The tribute combined dance, poetry, painting, and music, featuring Adriana Cereste, Munye Oduber, Lizienne Maldonado, Antonieta Ras Booi, Hubert Ras, Hubert Thiel, the Rosea Cultural Dance Group, and Dabariuba Foundation.

The central highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the relief dedicated to Hubert "Lio" Booi, in the presence of the DCA Director, the Minister of Culture, University of Aruba Rector Mrs. Sue Ann Lee, his daughter Antonieta Ras Booi, and other family members and guests. Special recognition was given to artist Martiza Erasmus, who created the relief in 2003. Following recent renovations at the University, the relief was now ceremoniously re-inaugurated.

The audience was then treated to a musical performance directed by teacher Johnny Scharbaay, featuring live music by Rignald "Papito" Rafael, Humphrey Solognier, Mario Middendorp, Robert Thiel, and the Melange choir, with participation by Antonieta Ras Booi.

The Department of Culture Aruba expressed its sincere gratitude to the University of Aruba, the Rosea Cultural Dance Group, and all artists and collaborators who contributed to the evening’s high-quality cultural program. Thanks were also extended to the guests and community members who joined the celebration.

The evening concluded in an atmosphere of music and fellowship, marking not only the reopening of Plaza Hubert "Lio" Booi but also a dignified celebration of 47 years of DCA’s ongoing commitment to honor and preserve Aruba’s cultural heritage.