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LOCAL Friday 10 OctOber 2025
Aruba: The island of Aloes

ORANJESTAD – Aloe vera, a is great for the skin. Tradition- the island’s inhabitants were
succulent plant species, is ally, Arubans use this gel to farmers of little means. Dutch
renowned for its incredible treat minor burns and other Governor Van Raders intro-
properties for the skin. It is skin ailments, or just to keep duced the plant after it had
widely distributed and usu- skin supple and looking bright been introduced in other
ally grows in tropical, semi- and nourished. Aside from islands of the Caribbean to
tropical and arid climates on the gel, aloe contains a bit- cultivate and harvest the
the planet. But this plant also ter, yellow substance (called aloe to produce the laxative.
had a very prominent role in aloin) which is a gentle but Around 1920, about two-
the history of Aruba, and its powerful laxative, and it is thirds of Aruba was aloe
significance to the island’s also the origin of the industry fields, earning our island the which is why there is a road ing laxative to producing skin
economy endures to this day. of aloe in Aruba. nickname “The Island of Al- named after him, which goes care. An interesting fact is
According to the website of oes.” through the aloe fields. In the that in 1951, the production
The leaves of Aloe vera con- Royal Aruba Aloe, Aloe vera Under Commander Jan Hele- 19th century, Aruba was the of Aruban aloe amounted
tain a good amount of gel was introduced in Aruba nus Ferguson (1866-1871), main supplier of aloin for to around 30 percent of the
which when used topically, around 1840, when most of aloe experienced a boom, laxative, which was imported total global production!
abroad to the United States The impact and relevance
and Europe. The aloin from of aloe is visible all around
MIG-ESP: Aruba and Curaçao was Aruba. While most homes
known to be one of the best will have a few plants for
Thermal Coating That in the world and was more personal use and decoration,
expensive, which meant that houses are also decorated
Slashes Energy Costs at the time, it had significant with aloe motifs, and at some
point, aloe even featured on
economic impact, particular-
and Keeps Mold Away ly for the local farmers. post stamps. Around 1920,
However, by the time the oil about two-thirds of Aruba
industry arrived on Aruba, was aloe fields, earning our
Tara Eco Supplies, Aruba’s leading distributor it changed the labor mar- island the nickname “The Is-
of eco-conscious products, is proud to offer ket on Aruba, shifting away land of Aloes.” And in 1955,
MIG-ESP, a next-generation thermal coating from agriculture. It would be the aloe became a part of
that dramatically reduces energy consumption after World War II that aloe Aruba’s coat of arms, sym-
and prevents mold growth in residential and would make a comeback. bolizing prosperity for the
commercial buildings. And eventually, as science island.q
learned about the amazing
Developed by German manufacturer Material properties of aloe gel, the in- Images from the archive of
Innovative Gesellschaft mbH (MIG), MIG-ESP is and Marriott Stellaris have experienced dustry shifted from produc- the National Library of Aruba.
a breathable, high-performance coating that the benefits.
applies like paint—but performs like insulation. Notably, even a limited application Rock stacking and its
It reflects thermal radiation (UV and infrared shows impact.Coating only the roof
rays) and moisture, keeping buildings cooler, produced impressive results: 4.7°C
drier, and far more energy-efficient. reduction in peak temperature and harmful effects
2.2°C drop in average daily heat. Each
Key Benefits of MIG-ESP Unique Formula: degree Celsius corresponds to 6-10%
• Energy Efficiency: Reduces interior tem- reduction in energy bill.
peratures by up to 9°C, which means up
to 40% lower energy bills What Clients Are Saying
• Mold & Mildew Elimination: Maintains dry, “You can really feel the difference
neutral-temperature surfaces to eliminate with MIG-ESP Interior. In one office, it’s
mold growth in humid environments cold and clammy; in the MIG-coated
• Moisture Control: Repels external moisture one, it’s dry, comfortable, and just feels
while allowing trapped humidity to evapo- better to be in.” — Jairzinho Theodora,
rate Construction & Maintenance Engineer,
• Versatility: Adheres to cement, metal, ce- Aruba Queen Beatrix Airport “Applying
ramic tiles, drywall, and shingles, making MIG-ESP® Exterior to our towers has no- (Oranjestad)—Through a stacking” also occurs near
it suitable for both interiors and exteriors, ticeably brightened their appearance. Facebook post, the organi- Arikok National Park. Al-
including walls and roofs. The light-reflective properties enhance zation Aruba Birdlife Conser- though this activity is not il-
• LEED-certified, non-toxic, fire-resistant, and the visual appeal and contribute to a vation has raised an alarm legal in Aruba, it may be time
covered by a 10-year warranty on both more comfortable indoor environment. about the phenomenon of for park authorities to impose
thermal performance and color brilliance Using MIG-ESP® Exterior aligns with our “rock stacking” reaching stricter regulations on this ac-
commitment to eco-friendly practices the area of Baby Beach and tivity.
Proven Results in Aruba and Beyond by improving energy efficiency and re- warned about the dangers Tourists often believe that the
MIG-ESP has been commercially available ducing CO emissions.” — Lennart de Bie, it poses, especially for chil- meaning behind this activ-
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since 2017, and was first introduced to Aruba Interim General Manager, Hilton Aruba dren. ity is making a wish, but they
in 2022 at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort—a certi- do not realize its negative
fied carbon-neutral property. At Bucuti & Tara About Tara Eco Supplies As known, “rock stacking” impact.
Beach Resort, MIG-ESP was applied to a hotel Tara Eco Supplies is committed to bring- is not illegal in Aruba, but its
wing alongside an AC upgrade, resulting in 20% ing innovative, sustainable technolo- impact on nature is harmful Aruba Birdlife Conservation’s
energy savings in the coated wing. gies to Aruba and the Caribbean. The as the stones form part of the post not only raises alarms
“Buildings coated with MIG-ESP show remark- company specializes in solutions that natural habitat of small ani- about the activity but also
able energy savings and a tangible difference in reduce environmental impact while mal species living in Aruba’s now that this phenomenon
comfort levels—even in peak heat,” said Ewald improving comfort. wilderness. Experts warn that has reached Baby Beach,
Biemans, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Owner For more information, visit our store “rock stacking” could even some of the stacked stone
& CEO. “It’s one of the smartest investments located at Bushiri 24, contact us at lead certain species to ex- towers are up to 1.7 meters
property owners can make today.” +297 583 9646, send an email to tinction. high, which can be very
Since then, clients including Hilton Aruba, Am- manager@taraeco.com, or explore our dangerous, especially for
sterdam Manor, Aruba Queen Beatrix Airport, website at www.taraeco.com.
In Aruba, much of the “rock children. q