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LOCAL Wednesday 4 March 2026

New appearance of famous anchor in

Seroe Colorado raises questions on social

(Oranjestad)—On Sunday, the anchor is dedicated. A Prime Minister Mike Eman
several posts surfaced on user — son of Charles Brouns pointed out that Euson is an
social media from both locals Jr. — added that one of his artist of great importance to
and tourists showing that the father’s goals was to put the island, although many
anchor located at the en- a spotlight on San Nicolas. may not know his story and
trance of Colony — famous After the refinery closed in the impact he had on our
for its red color — is currently 1986, it was clear that an- culture. “He is an artist who
undergoing maintenance other economic pillar would has won more international
and has been painted blue to be needed in the district, and awards than any other Aru-
represent the flag of Aruba. so the red anchor monument ban. His music is part of the
became a well-known site soul of Aruba,” he indicated.
When the photos surfaced, for locals and tourists alike.
many in the comments be- Editor’s note: Some photos
gan asking questions about As for the change in ap- are by Hilario Doncker and Nancy Gallagher on Face- book. q
what this development could pearance, however, it could
mean, with some expressing not be verified whether the
concern about whether the anchor will be painted red
color the anchor was famous again, and according to
for would be permanently Doncker, there will appar-
removed. ently be a press conference
before March 18 to address
Many noted that the change this topic.
is meant to commemorate
40 years of Aruba’s Status San Nicolas preparing to
Aparte, which will be cele- celebrate 40 years of Status
brated this month together Aparte
with Anthem and Flag Day.
According to some com- The new appearance of the
ments, the anchor will get anchor is not the only de-
its red paint back after March velopment taking place in
18. the district of San Nicolas in
recent weeks.
According to Mr. Hilario
Doncker — a well-known The government announced
voice in the Aruban com- in a public statement yester-
munity — explaining on day the latest cultural de-
Facebook, the blue color is velopments taking place in
indeed for the celebration of preparation for celebrating
40 years of Status Aparte, as 40 years of Status Aparte and
well as the fact that this year 50 years of the Anthem and
Charlie’s Bar is celebrating Flag. This includes a new mu-
85 years of existence. ral dedicated to local artist
Julio Bernardo Euson, who
He further explained that in represented Aruba interna-
2005 he painted the anchor tionally and received recog-
red because it was the fa- nition on the global stage.
vorite color of his late father,
Charles Brouns Jr., to whom According to the statement,
this year marks an ideal mo-
ment to give recognition
to local talent that carries
Aruba’s name with pride on
the world stage. The mural
is located on the Chocolate
City building and forms part
of a broader cultural envi-
ronment, the statement said,
which will include exhibitions
and activities highlighting Eu-
son’s legacy.