Page 10 - aruba-today-20220114

Friday 14 January 2022 locAl
A10

A peek into Aruba’s past and how it has

shaped the unique island we know today

Indians may have come to
the island after fleeing at-
tacks from the Carib Indi-
ans, who are indigenous to
the northern part of South
America. The Caquetio In-
dians were still on the island
when it was discovered by
ORANJESTAD — Aruba’s areas known today as Mal- Spanish explorers.
rich, multicultural past is mok and Palm Beach.
reflected in our cuisine, In the beginning of the Ce- The Spanish
architecture, artwork, tra- ramic period, 1000 - 1515 In 1499, Spanish explorer
ditions, and warm, friendly AD, these Indians estab- Alonso de Ojeda discov-
people. What began as a lished five large villages ered Aruba, kicking off the
fishing outpost for Amerin- and started producing colonization of the island
dians has changed hands corn and yucca. Scaled- by the Spanish. Due to the 1845.
between the Spanish and down versions of two of relatively low rainfall on the The Dutch
Dutch throughout the cen- these Amerindian villages, island, the colonizers did Because of Aruba’s strate- Status Aparte
turies, and is now a diverse as well as a representation not believe that Aruba was gic location, the Dutch oc- Aruba seceded from the
constituent country of the of an Amerindian dwell- a good place for planta- cupied the island in 1636 Netherlands Antilles in 1986,
Kingdom of the Nether- ing, can be seen at the tions or crop growing. In in order to protect their a victory much fought for
lands. Archaeological Museum 1513, the Spaniards en- salt supply from the South by political activist and lo-
of Aruba. The museum also slaved many of the Caque- American mainland while cal hero Betico Croes. In this
First Inhabitants houses the remains of ce- tio Indians and sent them to also ensuring a naval base process of “Status Aparte,”
The first known inhabit- ramic urns, coarse pottery, Hispaniola to work on plan- in the Caribbean during Aruba obtained a separate
ants of the island of Aruba and jewelry made by the tations and in mines. Some their Eighty Years’ War with status as an autonomous
were the Caiquetio Indians Caquetios, with some of Indians returned to Aruba Spain. The Dutch recruited country in the Kingdom of
of the Arawak tribe from the artifact fragments dat- in 1515 and were recruited the Caquetio people to the Netherlands. Initially,
Venezuela. During the Pre- ing back to 1000 AD. as laborers for cattle and build farms and raise cat- the plan for Aruba was to
Ceramic period, 2500 BC - Rock drawings and carv- horse breeding opera- tle for meat that would be become fully independent.
1000 AD, this seminomadic ings created by the Caque- tions. Approximately nine sold and shipped to other However, in 1990, Aruba
tribe fished, hunted, and tios have withstood the test years after Alonso de Oje- islands. During the Napo- decided to indefinitely
gathered food, depend- of time, and you can see da landed on Aruba, the leonic Wars, the British in- postpone this plan, and
ing mostly on the sea for them for yourself at Fontein Spanish Crown appointed vaded and took control of in 1995, the petition for full
survival. They created tools Cave in Arikok National him as the first governor of Aruba, but the Netherlands independence was com-
out of roughly flaked stones Park and at the Ayo Rock the island. Aruba stayed took it back in 1816. Aruba pletely repealed.q
and shells, and lived in small Formation. These paintings under Spanish control for officially became part of
family groups in the coastal suggest that the Caquetio 137 years. the Netherlands Antilles in Source: aruba.com

More than $100,000 in Cash Prizes!
The Casino at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba has ended its amazing campaign

Mega Win $100,000 Cash Giveaway 2021

PALM BEACH — The Casino at points for both slot machines and
The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba ended table games and receive cash
its amazing campaign for 2021: redemption from slot machine
Mega Win $100,000 Cash Give- points, while accumulated table
away on December 31st, 2021, comps can be redeemed towards
where they raffled $100,000 in enjoying the hotel’s celebrated
cash prizes amongst their visitors. amenities, including complimen-
It was a very successful campaign tary rooms nights, dining, and spa.
and the winners were extremely The Casino at The Ritz-Carlton,
excited to welcome the New Year Aruba is known as the island’s
2022 with amazing cash prizes. luxury casino where guests enjoy

• 2 x $15,000 cash at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is very exceptional personalized service,
This campaign started in October • 2 x $10,000 cash pleased to see the enthusiasm of a great selection of table games
2021 where all members of The • 2 x $7,500 cash all its loyal members and sends and state-of-the-art slot machines
Casino at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba • 1 x $5,000 cash congratulations to all the lucky for a casino experience like no
could participate in this cam- • 2 x $2,500 cash winners. other.
paign. A total of 20 finalists were • 10 x slot credit prizes of a For more information about the El-
selected through the raffle tickets total of $7,500 Additionally, The Casino at The evate Tier Program and other pro-
in the raffle box and also through Ritz-Carlton, Aruba offers a motions, visit us at
the Top Player Points Race pro- The lucky winner of the first prize thoughtfully-tiered player reward The Casino at The Ritz-Carlton,
motion. The amount of $100.000 in was a local member and most of program called ‘Elevate’, featur- Aruba VIP Desk or call us at 527-
cash prizes was divided as follows: the cash prizes were won by lo- ing exclusive benefits and events 2276/ 527-2277 and we will be de-
• 1 x $25,000 cash cal members as well. The Casino for members. Members can earn lighted to assist you.q