Page 6 - AHATA

a8 local
Tuesday 24 sepTember 2024
Aruba: The island of Aloes

and its significance to the
island’s economy endures
to this day.

The leaves of Aloe vera
contain a good amount of
gel which when used topi-
cally, is great for the skin.
Traditionally, Arubans use
this gel to treat minor burns
and other skin ailments,
or just to keep skin supple
and looking bright and
nourished. Aside from the
gel, aloe contains a bitter,
yellow substance (called
aloin) which is a gentle but
powerful laxative, and it is
also the origin of the indus-
try of aloe in Aruba.
means. Dutch Governor ba, it changed the labor
According to the website
ORANJESTAD – Aloe vera, a ally grows in tropical, semi- of Royal Aruba Aloe, Aloe Van Raders introduced the market on Aruba, shifting
away from agriculture. It
plant after it had been in-
succulent plant species, is tropical and arid climates vera was introduced in
renowned for its incredible on the planet. But this plant Aruba around 1840, when troduced in other islands of would be after World War
the Caribbean to cultivate II that aloe would make a
properties for the skin. It is also had a very prominent most of the island’s inhab-
widely distributed and usu- role in the history of Aruba, itants were farmers of little and harvest the aloe to comeback. And eventu-
produce the laxative. ally, as science learned
about the amazing proper-
Around 1920, about two- ties of aloe gel, the indus-
thirds of Aruba was aloe try shifted from producing
fields, earning our island laxative to producing skin
the nickname “The Island care. An interesting fact is
of Aloes.” that in 1951, the production
of Aruban aloe amounted
Under Commander Jan to around 30 percent of the
Helenus Ferguson (1866- total global production!
1871), aloe experienced a
boom, which is why there The impact and relevance
is a road named after him, of aloe is visible all around
which goes through the Aruba. While most homes
aloe fields. In the 19th cen- will have a few plants for
tury, Aruba was the main personal use and decora-
supplier of aloin for laxa- tion, houses are also deco-
tive, which was imported rated with aloe motifs, and
abroad to the United at some point, aloe even
States and Europe. The al- featured on post stamps.
oin from Aruba and Cura- Around 1920, about two-
çao was known to be one thirds of Aruba was aloe
of the best in the world and fields, earning our island the
was more expensive, which nickname “The Island of Al-
meant that at the time, it oes.” And in 1955, the aloe
had significant economic became a part of Aruba’s
impact, particularly for the coat of arms, symbolizing
local farmers. prosperity for the island.q

However, by the time the Images from the archive of
oil industry arrived on Aru- the National Library of Aruba.