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local Monday 15 SepteMber 2025
Fun facts about the ‘Lisinbein’

The ‘Lisinbein’ (Scolopendra populates, which could dis- serious risks in the moist en-
gigantea), also known as the rupt local biodiversity. vironments these centipedes
Giant Centipede, is one of often inhabit. The mother
the largest centipedes in the Its presence can indicate a maintains a clean environ-
world and is found in Aruba. healthy, functioning ecosys- ment for the eggs by care-
Its size and hunting prowess tem. Its sensitivity to environ- fully grooming them, which
make it a fascinating, if often mental changes makes it a helps prevent fungal growth
misunderstood, creature. bioindicator of ecological that could endanger the
balance. brood. This behavior may
Despite its fearsome reputa- continue until the young
tion, it plays a crucial eco- It can reach an impressive centipedes have undergone
logical role that often goes length of up to 30 centime- their first molt, making them
unnoticed: ters (approx. 12 inches) and more capable of indepen-
live for around 5 to 10 years dent survival.
As an apex invertebrate in the wild. Its size and lon-
predator, Scolopendra gevity makes it a significant This form of parental care is
gigantea helps maintain and long-term part of the beneficial in increasing the
balance in the ecosystem. ecosystem. survival rates of offspring, as
Moreover, they themselves the mother’s protection pro-
are a food source for birds A mother’s love vides a safe ‘environment’ No bark, all bite! natural beauty of Aruba by
such as the Crested Caraca- In Scolopendra species, the during their vulnerable de- The lisinbein is known locally keeping the ecosystem in
ra (Warawara) and the Aru- ‘mother’ typically exhibits velopmental stages. It’s a for having a really painful harmony.
ba burrowing owl (Shoco). maternal care by curling fascinating adaptation be- sting. While venomous, the
around her eggs and newly cause it shows a form of care Lisinbein is generally not ag- Editor’s note: Information
It controls populations of hatched young. She stays that resembles more com- gressive toward humans un- and pictures provided by Ms.
smaller invertebrates and coiled around the clutch, plex behaviors observed in less provoked. Its role as a Natasha Silva from the Aruba
even small vertebrates, en- protecting it from preda- vertebrates. guardian of balance in the Conservation Foundation.q
suring that no species over- tors and fungi, which are ecosystem helps protect the

Meet our Aruban trailblazers: Padu Lampe

by Antillean guitarist Julian Coco and Hubert
“Loi” Booi.

In the art world, Padu was also a known painter.
During his youth, he made several painting using
his unique style. In 1939, he participated in an
art exhibit in New York, where he won a bronze
medal for his painting “Typical View of Aruba.”

Padu remained a popular artist within the Dutch
(Oranjestad)—This week we remember one of Antilles and the Caribbean as a pianist, singer,
our most beloved Aruban giant, Juan Chabaya author and painter. Padu Lampe was a local
Lampe—better known as Padu Lampe or Padu artist who became renowned in Venezuela, Co-
del Caribe. As one of the most important and lombia, The U.S. and The Netherlands too. In the
renowned artists in the Aruban cultural sphere, 1950s, he sold no less than 50 thousand copies
Padu’s long career led him to be honored today of his long-playing albums (LPs).
as “the father of culture.”
Padu Lampe was a multifaceted artist, inspired
On April 26th, 1920, Juan Chabaya Lampe “Padu by his interest in parapsychology and super-
Lampe/Padu del Caribe” was born in Nassaus- natural phenomenon. He wrote three books in
traat, Oranjestad. He grew up in a happy musical Papiamento on the subject in 1986, which was
environment, and it is because of this that he published by the Aruban National Printing Press
developed a love for music. Starting from the with sponsorship provided by the Prince Bernhard
age of 12, he was agile in the clarinet, mandolin Funds Netherlands Antilles.
and cuatro. Henry Lampe, his father, was also community.
a well-known pianist and musician. Besides that, Padu passed his exam on “Society
to Advanced Ethical Hypnosis” in 1964 in New Padu will always be in Aruba’s heart, because he
In a publication of the informative seminar, “Ob- Jersey. He received a certificate as a hypno- had composed various special songs dedicated
server”, from august 1st, 1962, Padu’s many mer- technician, which gave him the authority to to the mothers of the island; his song “Sonrisa di
its and friendly personality stood out. It was said practice hypnosis in some states. un baby” (“A baby’s Smile”) has been written
that he was an excellent pianist with a personal in three different languages. Padu also wrote
style and full of surprises. Secondly, though the Over the course of his career, he received many our national anthem “Aruba Dushi Tera”, along
composer was not too familiar with music theory, accolades and awards in Aruba, Curacao, Ven- with Mr. Rufo Wever. This song was approved by
he showed innovations in his compositions. Lastly, ezuela and the Netherlands. the government of Aruba and was named the
Padu was a promoter of Creole music around official anthem of the island in 1976.
the world. Padu del Caribe passed away on November
29th, 2019, at the age of 99 years old. Padu Other songs that have been considered as be-
One of the most important moments in Aruban brought the Aruban culture around the world. ing almost a second anthem for Arubans is the
history, in which he was able to witness first-hand, His legacy will remain ingrained in the Aruban special composition he wrote for his wife Daisy
was the first radio broadcast on the island on cultural history, and he will be known forever Croes called “Abo so”. Daisy later passed away
March 20th, 1954. Here, he was accompanied as one of the most influential trailblazers of our in 1994.q