Page 11 - AHATA

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local Monday 16 June 2025

Blackstone Beach

(Oranjestad)—Named after black sand and is covered you feel up for something dif-
its most recognizable fea- in black smooth stones. Sec- ferent—or if it’s opposite day,
ture, the Blackstone Beach ondly, it lies on the northern visit the Blackstone Beach.
almost represents the op- side of the island, away from
posite of the typical Aru- the white sandy beaches of Blackstone Beach shows the
ban beaches. For one, it has in the southern region. So, if more natural side of Aruba:
the stones that cover the
beaches and the shape of
it has been crafted for thou-
sand years via volcanic erup- to Andicuri Beach. There, you do note that it is not advised
tions, coral reef movements can park your car and take a to swim in the water, as the
and wave activity of the rural 1km hike towards Blackstone current is very strong and
northern part of the island. Beach. can easily stray you further
in the wild ocean. However,
Located further east to the This beach forms part of the you can still enjoy a spec-
Natural Bridge and Andicuri Arikok National Park and is tacular view of the stones
Beach, the Blackstone Beach therefore a site that is pre- and the northern ocean that
is relatively easy to access. served. This is why it is also stretches out in front of the
Once you get passed the relatively untouched by beach and take a picture
Ayo Rock Formation, take commercial influences. De- with your friends or family!q
the Andicuri road leading up spite being called a beach,

Aruba: The island of Aloes

ORANJESTAD – Aloe vera, a succu- States and Europe. The aloin from
lent plant species, is renowned for Aruba and Curaçao was known to
its incredible properties for the skin. be one of the best in the world and
It is widely distributed and usually was more expensive, which meant
grows in tropical, semi-tropical and that at the time, it had significant
arid climates on the planet. But this economic impact, particularly for
plant also had a very prominent the local farmers.
role in the history of Aruba, and its
significance to the island’s econo- However, by the time the oil indus-
my endures to this day. try arrived on Aruba, it changed
the labor market on Aruba, shifting
The leaves of Aloe vera contain a away from agriculture. It would be
good amount of gel which when after World War II that aloe would
used topically, is great for the skin. make a comeback. And eventu-
Traditionally, Arubans use this gel troduced in Aruba around 1840, ally, as science learned about the Images from the archive of the Na-
to treat minor burns and other skin when most of the island’s inhabit- amazing properties of aloe gel, tional Library of Aruba.
ailments, or just to keep skin supple ants were farmers of little means. the industry shifted from produc-
and looking bright and nourished. Dutch Governor Van Raders intro- ing laxative to producing skin care.
Aside from the gel, aloe contains duced the plant after it had been An interesting fact is that in 1951,
a bitter, yellow substance (called introduced in other islands of the the production of Aruban aloe
aloin) which is a gentle but power- Caribbean to cultivate and har- amounted to around 30 percent
ful laxative, and it is also the origin vest the aloe to produce the laxa- of the total global production!
of the industry of aloe in Aruba. tive.
The impact and relevance of
According to the website of Roy- Around 1920, about two-thirds of aloe is visible all around Aruba.
al Aruba Aloe, Aloe vera was in- Aruba was aloe fields, earning our While most homes will have a few
island the nickname “The Island of plants for personal use and deco-
Aloes.” ration, houses are also decorat-
ed with aloe motifs, and at some
Under Commander Jan Helenus point, aloe even featured on post
Ferguson (1866-1871), aloe experi- stamps. Around 1920, about two-
enced a boom, which is why there thirds of Aruba was aloe fields,
is a road named after him, which earning our island the nickname
goes through the aloe fields. In the “The Island of Aloes.” And in 1955,
19th century, Aruba was the main the aloe became a part of Aruba’s
supplier of aloin for laxative, which coat of arms, symbolizing prosper-
was imported abroad to the United ity for the island.q