Willem Rasmijn, The Story of His Life and the Aruban Gold Rush
ORANJESTAD — Recently, Astrid Britten, Director of the National Library of Aruba, received ten copies of the new book ‘Willem Rasmijn: storia di su bida y di e keintura di oro Arubano’ (‘Willem Rasmijn: The Story of His Life and the Aruban Gold Rush’) from author Edgar L. Ras.
Mr. Ras presented the book as a tribute to Aruba's past, a work where history and fiction intersect. The story follows a young man named Willem Rasmijn, who stumbled upon something in arid Aruba that forever changed the island's history. However, the true value of his discovery lay not only in the gold, but also in the memory of a people, the silence of the landscape, and the footsteps of the generations that followed. This book pays tribute to Willem Rasmijn by giving life and a voice to a name that must not be forgotten. With respect, emotion, and authenticity, it takes the reader on a journey of discovery, struggle, dignity, and heritage.
Edgar Ras served in the Aruban Police Force for 42 years. At the police academy, he worked as a teacher and instructor, and he has developed educational materials for police training programs, government agencies, and—more recently—the private sector. Beginning in 2015, he held the position of course and training coordinator, and during his final two years of active service, he served as Deputy Chief of Police.