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local Tuesday 17 June 2025
Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig visits Aruba

Early Saturday morning, in tive plants, the government nesses, schools, and tourists
a symbolic act at Arikok aims to restore the natural to take part in rescuing our
National Park, Miss Universe landscape, strengthen bio- ecosystem. Accelerated
2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig diversity, prevent erosion, development over recent
from Denmark, accom- and create a more resilient decades has cost 70% of
panied by Prime Minister and sustainable environ- Aruba’s vegetation, and
Mike Eman, planted a na- ment. Reforestation is also now is the time to act and
tive Calbas tree as part of a vital step in combating change course.
Aruba’s ambitious national climate change and helps Tyson Lopez, director of
reforestation plan. protect our natural resourc- ACF, went into more detail
es for future generations. about how Aruba’s ecosys-
Natasha Silva of the Aruba tems are interconnected
Conservation Foundation The presence of Miss Uni- and the important con-
(ACF) explained that the verse brings significant in- servation work the Aruba
Calbas tree is one of 70 ternational attention to the Conservation Foundation is
native species in Aruba. effort, emphasizing that the doing.
Restoring Aruba’s vegeta- fight for environmental pro-
tion requires planting spe- tection transcends borders. The presence of Miss Uni-
cific trees in specific areas The symbolic act demon- verse brings significant in-
to create ecological bal- strates how a shared goal ternational attention to
ance. Each native tree can unite people and the effort and underscores
plays a role in maintaining strengthen the force for that the fight to protect our
the surrounding ecosystem, sustainability and the hon- environment transcends
and each one supports the oring of our natural world. borders. The symbolic act
existence of others. highlights how a shared
The national reforestation goal can unite people and
Reforestation is crucial for plan will be an intensive ef- strengthen the push for sus-
Aruba’s ecological future. fort, with a civic call to the tainability and honoring our
With the introduction of na- community, NGOs, busi- natural environment.q

Place names in San Nicolas and their origins

(Oranjestad)--If you’re ever taking a tour of community and be greeted with red soiled within this area includes the Wind Mills and the
Aruba, San Nicolas would definitely be on your hills by the coast. This is Sero Colorado. Named Quadirikiri Cave. The origin of this name is part
itinerary. From relaxing on the white, sandy after the 30-meter, deep red, limestone hill, historical and speculation, as there are slight
beaches of Baby and Roger’s Beach, to ex- “Sero Colorado” translates to “Colored Hill”. deviations from what actually happened.
ploring the prehistoric caves of Quadirikiri and Sero Colorado has deep historical ties with the
Fontein, you are taking in a full view of what San once-thriving phosphate industry in the area. In 1829, Pieter Lampe was a planter and the
Nicolas has to offer. But did you know that you Matter of fact, there are still underground shafts person responsible for governing this remote
are also passing through areas whose names and passages deep in Sero Colorado from the area. As the story goes, Pieter was well known
have historical origins? Here are a few place time of phosphate mining. In 1958, the refinery and beloved for his kindness and good treat-
names in San Nicolas and their origin story. at the time, Lago, adopted this name for the ment of his employees, and was therefore also
residential section of its employees. called Vader Piet (Father Piet). However, he
Sero Colorado was tragically murdered—some speculate at
On your way to Baby or Roger’s Beach, you’ll Vader Piet the hands of a slave. For his work and good
pass by the famous Red Anchor at what was Another well visited area, Vader Piet is located heart, the area was named after him.
once the entrance to the Colony residential in the Arikok National Park. Recognizable sites
San Nicolas
Of course we can’t forget San Nicolas itself.
Much like Vader Piet, the origin of the name
San Nicolas has so far two different accounts.
In the literal sense, “San Nicolas” translates to
“Saint Nicolas”, leading many to believe that
this district was named after a Spanish saint.
Though one account does support this with
the theory that the district was named after
the saint by Spanish colonizers, the other ac-
count is much less divine, but does refer to an
influential figure in the area.

Nicolaas van der Biest was a successful land-
owner during the time of the phosphate boom
in late 19th century Aruba. Back then, land-
owners (most, if not all of them men) were re-
ferred to as “Shon” by their subordinates. So,
the district was originally named after Shon
Nicolaas. Over time, the name evolved into
what is now San Nicolas. q

Source: “Aruba: Short History” by Dr. J. Hartog.