Page 18 - AHATA

Saturday 5 March 2022 locAl
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Consumer confidence more pessimistic in the fourth quarter of 2021

Results for the fourth quarter of 2021

As the new COVID-19 variant, Omi- economy to take an additional 2
cron, was causing a new wave of years to fully recover from the CO-
infections, consumers became VID-19 crisis (Q3-2021: 56 percent).
more pessimistic, as consumer
confidence index fell by 0.8 index The number of respondents (66
point to 94.1 in the fourth quarter of percent) reporting that buying
2021 (Chart 1). a car was not suitable remained
practically the same (Q3-2021: 67
By the end of the fourth quarter, percent), while a slightly higher
top of mind consumer concerns number (67 percent) indicated
were: (i) worsening of the govern- that taking out a loan was not ap-
ment financial position (7 percent- propriate (Q3-2021: 65 percent). A
age points more compared to the marginally smaller number of re-
previous quarter (Q3-2021: 54 per- spondents (60 percent) reported
cent)), while (ii) 32 percent expect- that taking out a mortgage was
ed worse economic conditions, unsuitable (Q3-2021: 61 percent).
i.e., 7 percentage points more About 51 percent stated that go-
compared to previous quarter cent). However, only 56 percent of Both the present situation and the ing on vacation was not appropri-
(Q3-2021: 25 percent). Noteworthy respondents indicated that they future expectation index fell, i.e., ate (Q3-2021: 56 percent). Conse-
is that 51 percent of respondents were concerned about their per- by, respectively, 1.6 index points quently, the consumer purchasing
still thought that finding a new job sonal health, which is 10 percent- to 93.4 and 1.0 index point to 96.1 habit index stood at 93.9 in the
would be difficult, i.e., 4 percent- age points less compared to previ- in the fourth quarter of 2021. More fourth quarter of 2021, down from
age points more compared to ous quarter (Q3-2021: 66 percent). respondents reported (60 percent) 94.1 in the previous quarter.q
previous quarter (Q3-2021: 47 per- that they expected the Aruban

Attractions and Sightseeing locations in Aruba

ORANJESTAD — There are enough sightseeing couraged an extremely diverse culture and is can be visited daily. Just make sure you park
locations on the island to fill up a month-long the reason almost all Arubans speak more than safely in the event you wish to stop for pictures
vacation. Aruba's beaches are a big attrac- 1 or 2 languages. Each of the 8 bright royal blue at this location.
tion, and although it’s great to spend long days horses is unique and carries its own name and
just relaxing on the beach and listening to the personality. Pictured above is the mare Sinfo- Bubali Bird Sanctuary
ocean, there are also plenty of opportunities to rosa, but you can also find Saturnina, Escapia, Watch more than 80 species of migratory birds
get to know Aruba's most attractive sights, his- Rosalina, Eufrosina, Ambrosio, Bonifacia, and from the Bubali watch tower, overlooking their
torical and natural attractions, and museums. Celestina. The sculptures embody strength, no- resting and breeding area. The observation
Check out these attractions you don’t want to bility, grace, beauty and freedom. They rep- tower allows birdwatchers to get a true birds'
miss! resent the historical moment where the horses eye view. Migratory birds, looking for lush veg-
jumped from the ship decks into the Caribbean etation in which to nest, find an oasis within the
Blue Horses in Downtown, Oranjestad and swam to the Aruban Bay. Bubali Bird Sanctuary. The nearby water treat-
This series of 8 sculptures were created by na- When you visit Aruba be sure to explore down- ment facility empties into two inter-connected
tive Aruban artist Osaira Muyale. She named town Oranjestad and try to find all 8! man-made bird ponds. Birds that inhabit the
the project Paarden Baai, which translates to sanctuary include herons, egrets, gulls, skim-
“Horse Bay”. The statues were installed in 2015 The Lourdes Grotto mers, coots, ducks and more. Located within
and pay homage to the rich history of Aruba’s Named in commemoration of the famous walking distance of the Palm Beach resorts,
horse trading industry. In the 17th Century Aru- French religious landmark, was created under the Bubali Bird Sanctuary offers some unique
ba was used by many countries (Europe, South the guidance of a priest named "Erkamp" and bird watching opportunities. You can’t miss it
America, Caribbean islands, and the Mediter- parishioners in the year 1958. The grotto, a shrine as it is located just in front of the historical Old
ranean) as a trading post. The most popular built into the rocks is located in Seroe Preto, just Dutch Windmill. Make sure to bring your cam-
being cattle and horse trading. Horses were off the main road to San Nicolas. era as many of these birds will randomly fly by
once the most important sources of livelihood A statue of the Virgin Mary, weighing 700 kilos, the observation tower giving a little show. This
for Aruba. was hoisted into place in the grotto. Every year, is a great place to bring kids for a unique and
For 4 centuries the horse and cattle trade ran on February 11 (feast of Lady of Lourdes), a pro- possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be so
strong. At any given time Aruba was home to cession leaves from the St. Theresita church in close to the untamed.
herds of thousands of horses that roamed the San Nicolas to the grotto, where a mass is per- The happiest island in the Caribbean is so much
island. Aruba being the perfect trading post en- formed. The grotto is located road-side and more than just sun, sand and sea.q