Page 10 - AHATA

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LOCAL Friday 16 February 2024

The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and its history

(Oranjestad)—The Bushiri- India Company. Under the
bana Gold Mill Ruins is one leadership of Mr. Paulus At the same time, the Aru-
of the most visited places Printz, a three-year search ban government took im-
by tourists on the island, was conducted on Aruba, mediate actions, and in-
as it lies along the north- to no avail. Though they formed Curacao that gold
ern coast line near the mini found some gold, it was was found. At first, every-
pool and on the way to the enough to motivate a fur- one could look for gold,
Natural Bridge. Despite its ther search, and the assign- as long as they sold it to
seemingly plain appear- ment was discontinued by the government. However,
ance, this ruin represents Printz himself. after some time, the gov-
one of the most important ernment decided to im-
histories of the island: The It wasn’t until 100 years lat- plement stricter rules and
Aruban Gold Rush. er, in 1824, when a young banned local search par-
boy found a lump of gold ties.
Built in 1872 by English com- while out herding his fa-
pany Aruba Island Gold ther’s sheep. His father took Over the years, concession-
Mining Company Ltd, the it to a local merchant who holding had seen different and letting the dust be
gold mill at Bushiribana then sold the lump for $70. companies from around blown away by the strong The gold mill itself had a
was constructed in the Unbeknownst to the boy the world, all of which used northeast wind, leaving short life-span: only 10 years
area where most gold was and his father, they quite primitive methods to dig clumps of gold behind. The in service, but its structure
found by locals. The story literally struck gold, and and carve out gold from next step was melting the remained relatively solid till
of gold on Aruba actually as word got out, a gold the rocks. Aruba Island gold and letting it attach this day, and is now a his-
dates back to 1725, when fever spread among the Gold Mining Company Ltd. to quicksilver in order to torical remnant.
a first exploration for gold locals who started search- was no different, but used obtain pure gold. All these
on the island was commis- ing for more gold. About 25 a unique method that in- processes were done at Sources: Etnia Nativa &
sioned by the Dutch West pounds worth was found. volved grinding the rocks the Bushiribana Gold Mill. goldmineranch.com.

Aruba Tourism Authority honors loyal visitors at

Costa Linda Beach Resort!

The Aruba Tourism Author- were respectively honored visiting Aruba)
ity recently had the great with a certificate acknowl- The honor certification is Top reasons for returning to
pleasure of recognizing edging their years of visits, presented on behalf of The honorees were: Aruba provided by the Da-
Goodwill Ambassadors of loyalty, and love for the the Minister of Tourism as Goodwill Ambassadors Ed- vidson’s were:
Aruba. These Ambassadors island of Aruba. a token of appreciation ward & Adeline Davidson Aruba’s hospitality
and to say “Masha Danki” from Florida, United States. Aruba’s great weather &
to guests who have visited culture
Aruba 10, 20, or 35 years or Ms. Marouska Heyliger Aruba’s awesome beach-
more consecutively. representing the Aruba es
Tourism Authority, and staff Aruba’s wonderful locals
The three honoring levels members of theCosta Lin- “Aruba’s snorkeling experi-
are as follows: da Beach Resort bestowed ence is always the best”
Distinguished Visitor (10) the certificateto the honor- On behalf of the Aruba
years consecutively visiting ees, presented them with Tourism Authority, we
Aruba) memorable gifts, and also would like to express our
Goodwill Ambassador (20) thanked them for choosing sincere gratitude and ap-
years consecutively visiting Aruba as their best-loved preciation to the honorees
Aruba) vacation destination, as for their continued visits to
Emerald Ambassador their home-away-from- the “One Happy Island”.
(35>years consecutively home.