AGP Executive Report

Aruba Fashion Week: Aruba Fashion Week marks its 10th anniversary with “Winds of Fashion,” a four-day fashion, luxury, lifestyle and wellness event at Tierra del Sol Aruba (Nov. 19–22). Local Arts & Community: Mosaic artist Kristin Dann Conneely and Levy Senior Center students completed 11 permanent mosaic poles for the senior center garden. Sports & Culture: Aruba Judo begins a new, structured future after the Aruba Judo Federation statutes were signed in Oranjestad, bringing clubs together under the Panamerican Judo Confederation and the IJF. Nature & Heritage: Aruba Birdlife Conservation hosts the first International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference (Sept. 7–10) at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar to protect the endemic Shoco. Restoration Spotlight: Restoration work on historic Cas Debrot enters its second phase, aiming for completion in early 2027. Travel & Entertainment Deals: Aruba Discovery launches Deals & Coupons to help locals and visitors find savings on dining, wellness, tours and more. Global Watch: Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas faced a rare shipwide blackout shortly after leaving Coco Cay.

Cruise News: Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas hit a shipwide power outage shortly after leaving Coco Cay, plunging many guests into darkness in staterooms as emergency generators kicked in for limited power. Aruba Fashion: Aruba Fashion Week returns for its 10th anniversary with “Winds of Fashion,” a four-day destination fashion experience at Tierra del Sol Aruba (Nov. 19–22). Local Sports: The Ministry of Sports officially inaugurated new lighting at the RCA soccer field, giving kids and the club a brighter future. Community Arts: Levy Senior Center students and mosaic artist Kristin Conneely completed 11 permanent mosaic poles, adding color to the city garden. Conservation & Culture: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the first International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference (Sept. 7–10) to protect the endemic Shoco. Aruba Events: RunGood Poker Series teams up with the Caribbean Poker Series for a week of poker in Aruba (Sept. 17–23). Heritage Restoration: Restoration work on historic Cas Debrot enters its second phase, with completion targeted for early 2027.

Aruba Fashion Week 10th Anniversary: Aruba Fashion Week is back for its 10th edition, “Winds of Fashion,” running Nov. 19–22 at Tierra del Sol Aruba, spotlighting fashion, luxury, lifestyle and wellness. Sports & Community: The Ministry of Sports officially inaugurated new lighting at the RCA soccer field, giving kids and young players a brighter place to train. Conservation Spotlight: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the First International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference Sept. 7–10 at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar to protect the endemic Shoco, with only about 200 breeding pairs estimated. Culture & Heritage: Monumentsfund Aruba has started the second phase of restoring historic Cas Debrot (Caya Betico Croes 98), aiming to finish in early 2027. Local Arts & Education: DVG launches the “Responsible Owner” school art competition (grades 1–6) to teach kids about caring for dogs and cats, with winners announced Oct. 16. Music Heritage: Stichting ASamBeHo Aruba unveiled a new logo and identity under “Living Heritage,” reaffirming its mission to preserve Aruba’s musical roots.

Caribbean Conservation: Aruba Birdlife Conservation (ABC) is set to host the first International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference, Sept. 7–10 at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, focused on saving the endemic Shoco (only about 200 breeding pairs remain). Sports & Community: Aruba Judo Federation’s new statutes were signed in Oranjestad on Sept. 4, launching a more structured future for grassroots judo with local clubs and regional support. Local Culture & Heritage: Monumentsfund Aruba says the second phase of Cas Debrot restoration has started, with work expected to finish in early 2027 and the foundation moving into its new office space. Fashion Spotlight: Aruba Fashion Week marks its 10th anniversary with “Winds of Fashion,” running Nov. 19–22 at Tierra del Sol Aruba. Music & Identity: Stichting ASamBeHo Aruba unveiled a new logo under “Living Heritage,” aiming to preserve Aruba’s musical tradition for the next generation. Sports Facilities: The Ministry of Sports inaugurated new lighting at the RCA soccer field, giving young players a brighter future. Arts & Learning: DVG launched the “Responsible Owner” school art competition (grades 1–6), with a mural planned for the absolute winner. Entertainment & Travel Deals: Aruba Tourism Authority opened ticket sales for Autentico Pavilion 2026 (Oct. 10–11) and announced Restaurant Week Oct. 3–9.

Aruba Fashion Week (10th anniversary): “Winds of Fashion” returns for a four-day destination fashion experience at Tierra del Sol Aruba (Nov. 19–22), bringing fashion, luxury, lifestyle and wellness together while spotlighting local creative talent. Cultural Funding: The Dutch Foundation for Literature announced €347,063 for 12 Caribbean literary projects, including Aruba author Olga Buckley’s three-part young readers series and poetry anthology. Historic Restoration: Monumentsfund Aruba has kicked off the second phase of Cas Debrot restoration at Caya Betico Croes 98, with work expected to finish in early 2027. Arts & Music: Stichting ASamBeHo Aruba unveiled a new logo and identity under “Living Heritage,” aiming to preserve the island’s musical roots. Sports & Community: The Ministry of Sports switched on new lighting at the RCA soccer field, while “Movemento Ta Bida” highlighted prevention and daily physical activity in Parliament’s Health Committee. Deals for Locals & Visitors: Aruba Discovery launched Deals & Coupons to help people find and redeem local dining, activities, wellness and shopping offers in one place.

Aruba Fashion Week: The island’s biggest style moment returns for its 10th anniversary, “Winds of Fashion,” a four-day destination fashion experience at Tierra del Sol Aruba (Nov. 19–22), spotlighting fashion, luxury, lifestyle and wellness. Maritime Milestone: The MV Freewinds marked 500,000 safe sea miles without incident on its latest run from Oranjestad to Cartagena—an achievement tied to decades of Caribbean service. Literature Funding: Dutch Foundation for Literature support is flowing into the Kingdom, with Aruba author Olga Buckley receiving backing for a young readers series and poetry anthology, as part of €347,063 for 12 projects across Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and St. Maarten. Heritage Restoration: Restoration work on historic Cas Debrot has entered its second phase, with completion targeted for early 2027 and the Monumentenfonds Aruba set to move into new offices. Local Arts & Culture: Stichting ASamBeHo Aruba unveiled a new logo to preserve and promote Aruba’s musical heritage, while Culture Week (Sept. 19–26) is set to offer free workshops and “train the trainers” sessions at the San Nicolas School of Art. Sports & Community: New lighting was inaugurated at the RCA soccer field, and the “Responsible Owner” school art competition kicks off to teach kids pet care and responsibility. Food & Events: Autentico Pavilion 2026 tickets are now on sale, with Restaurant Week running Oct. 3–9.

Aruba Culture & Heritage: Monumentsfund Aruba has kicked off the second phase of the Cas Debrot restoration at Caya Betico Croes 98, with Hoevertsz ArchiDesign leading the work and a target completion in early 2027, turning the protected monument into a new home for the foundation’s office and rentals below. Local Arts & Community: The University of Aruba welcomed new master’s students at its Master’s Table, focusing on connection and belonging across programs. Kids & Health Awareness: DVG launched the “Responsible Owner” School Art Competition for grades 1–6, with winning paintings set to become class gifts and even a future mural. Sports & Youth: The Ministry of Sports switched on new lighting at the RCA soccer field, giving young players a brighter future. Music & Identity: Stichting ASamBeHo Aruba unveiled its new logo to preserve and pass on Aruba’s musical heritage. Events to Watch: Autentico Pavilion 2026 tickets are now on sale, and Culture Week runs Sept. 19–26 with free workshops aimed at “train the trainers.” Entertainment Beyond Aruba: Aruba is also set to host Caribbean Poker Series Aruba, with major guarantees and live reporting planned.

Caribbean Poker in Aruba: RunGood Poker Series teams up with the Caribbean Poker Series for a week of island action, Sept 17–23, with $175,000 in guarantees and PokerNews live coverage of the $400 RunGood in Aruba Ring Event NLH. Heritage Restoration: The second phase of restoring Cas Debrot at Caya Betico Croes 98 has started, with completion targeted for early 2027 and the Aruba Monuments Foundation set to move in. Sports & Community: New lighting was inaugurated at the RCA soccer field as part of Aruba’s field-improvement push. Culture Week Countdown: Aruba’s Culture Week runs Sept 19–26 with free workshops (dance, theater, singing, crafts, local culinary arts) at San Nicolas School of Art, plus visiting folklore experts. Photography Spotlight: “Lens di mi Wowonan” opens at the National Library in Playa (Sept 1) celebrating 18 years of Aruba’s photo and journalism community, with RBC as long-time sponsor. Music Heritage: Stichting ASamBeHo Aruba unveils a new logo and identity to preserve the island’s musical tradition. Justice Talks (Region): Aruba’s Justice Minister Arthur Dowers meets Curaçao’s governor during Four-Country justice consultations. Tech for Fans: HPE and Tottenham expand their partnership to modernize stadium tech and fan experiences.

Local Deals & Discovery: Aruba Discovery just launched its Deals & Coupons platform, bundling offers from restaurants, activities, wellness spots, shops and more—unlock online and redeem locally. Music Heritage: Stichting ASamBeHo Aruba unveiled a new logo and visual identity to keep Aruba’s musical legacy “living heritage.” Sports Upgrade: The Ministry of Sports inaugurated new lighting at the RCA soccer field, giving the club a brighter future for training and matches. Food Festival Tickets: Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival ticket sales are now open for The Pavilion in Oranjestad (Oct 10–11), with Restaurant Week running Oct 3–9. Fashion Spotlight: Aruba Fashion Week 2026 marks its 10-year milestone with “Winds of Fashion,” celebrating the island as part of the runway story. Culture Week Countdown: Aruba’s Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Foundation announced Culture Week (Sept 19–26) with free workshops and a “train the trainers” focus at San Nicolas School of Art. Photography & Journalism: “Lens di mi Wowonan” opens Sept 1 at the National Library, featuring 16 photographers and 200 sports-focused portraits, with RBC as long-time sponsor. Integrity in Government: Bureau for Integrity Aruba certified new Integrity Trust Persons and Internal Investigators, expanding support for public employees. Downtown Oranjestad: Demolition has started for Single One Residences at Caya Betico Croes 74, aiming to bring more life back to Main Street.

Aruba Culture Week Countdown: Aruba’s Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Foundation is gearing up for Culture Week (Sept 19–26) with free workshops and a “train the trainers” focus, plus guest folklore experts from Curaçao and Bonaire and a heritage dance highlight. Photography & Identity Spotlight: “Lens di mi Wowonan” opens Sept 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the National Library, celebrating 18 years of Aruban photography and journalism with 16 photographers and 200 sports-focused portraits, backed by RBC for 18 consecutive years. Fashion on Island Time: Aruba Fashion Week 2026 marks its 10-year milestone with “Winds of Fashion,” using the island’s scenery and multicultural mix as part of the runway story. Local Deals, Easier Plans: Aruba Discovery launched Deals & Coupons to help visitors find and redeem offers from restaurants, wellness, stores, sports venues and more—right in one place. Integrity in Action: Bureau for Integrity Aruba certified new Integrity Trust Persons and Internal Investigators, expanding support for employees who raise integrity concerns. Art Fashion 2026: Art Fashion returns with “Nature Meets Mankind,” featuring nine designers and a new venue for a more immersive fashion-art experience.

Stadium Tech & Fan Experience: HPE is expanding its long-running partnership with Tottenham Hotspur, upgrading Stadium tech for ticketless entry, cashless payments, mobile apps, digital wayfinding, and high-density connectivity. Aruba Fashion Week 2026: The island’s runway celebration marks its 10-year milestone, with Aruba itself taking center stage in a destination-driven “Winds of Fashion” showcase. Local Deals: Aruba Discovery launched a Deals & Coupons section to help visitors find and redeem offers from restaurants, activities, wellness, stores, and sports venues—without endless scrolling. Culture Week Countdown: Aruba’s Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Foundation is gearing up for Culture Week (Sept 19–26) with free workshops, lectures, and folklore guests from sister islands, plus a “train the trainers” focus. Art & Photography: “Lens di mi Wowonan” opens at the National Library on Sept 1 (7:00 p.m.), featuring 16 photographers and 200 sports-focused portraits, with RBC as long-time sponsor. Integrity in Government: Bureau for Integrity Aruba certified new Integrity Trust Persons and Internal Investigators, expanding support for public employees. Consumer Credit Update: The Central Bank reminds residents that new maximum cost rules for consumer loans take effect from Aug 1, 2026.

Photography & Press Culture: “Lens di mi Wowonan” opens at the National Library of Aruba on September 1 (7:00 p.m.), celebrating 18 years of portraits and sports-focused visual storytelling, with RBC Royal Bank as long-time sponsor and special recognition for key pillars of Aruba’s photography and journalism. Integrity in Government: The Bureau for Integrity Aruba (BIA) certified new Integrity Trust Persons and Internal Investigators, expanding support for public employees and strengthening how integrity concerns are handled. Community & Local Life: Bureau City Inspector calls out ongoing trash and illegal dumping, reminding residents that owning land doesn’t mean you can turn it into dumps. Arts & Fashion: Art Fashion 2026 returns with “Nature Meets Mankind,” featuring local and international designers and a new venue for a fresh runway experience. Sports & Clean Play: The Aruban Olympic Committee will host an international anti-doping conference on September 6 under “Fair Play Clean Future.” Food Festival: Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival is set for October 3–11, with Restaurant Week and a downtown street-party finale.

Photography & Press Day: “Lens di mi Wowonan” opens at the National Library of Aruba on September 1 (7:00 p.m.), celebrating 18 years of Aruban visual storytelling with 16 photographers and 200 sports-focused portraits, plus special recognition for four local pillars of photography and journalism. Banking Support: RBC sponsors the exhibition for 18 consecutive years, reaffirming its long-running role as main sponsor. Community Media: Aruba Airport Authority marks Press Day by hosting a relaxed gathering for local journalists—games, prizes, and time to connect beyond the newsroom. Culture & Language: Día Nacional de Uruguay celebrations in The Hague spotlight Spanish as a shared diplomatic thread, while Aruba’s own cultural calendar keeps rolling. Integrity in Government: Bureau for Integrity Aruba certifies new Integrity Trust Persons and Internal Investigators, expanding confidential support and investigation capacity for public employees. Downtown Oranjestad: Demolition begins for Single One Residences at Caya Betico Croes 74, aiming to bring more everyday life back to Main Street. Sports & Health: Aruba Sport Unie announces its Sport Expo and Sports Olympiad for September, and the Aruban Olympic Committee prepares an international anti-doping conference on September 6. Art & Fashion: Art Fashion 2026 returns with “Nature Meets Mankind,” moving to a new venue and featuring designers with eco-minded materials and performance elements. Upcoming Food Event: Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival is set for October 3–11, blending Restaurant Week with a downtown street-party finale.

AI & Tech: Think unveiled Think Fabric, a unified bare-metal AI compute platform aimed at boosting efficiency by tackling cooling, density, GPU use, and infrastructure costs—set to be shown at LEAP 2026. Integrity in Government: Aruba’s Bureau for Integrity (BIA) certified new Integrity Trust Persons and Internal Investigators, expanding confidential support and investigation capacity across government services. Downtown Oranjestad: Demolition has started for Single One Residences at Caya Betico Croes 74, a 30-apartment mixed-use project that could bring more everyday life back to Main Street. Culture & Heritage: Chico Harms Foundation kicks off Brazil Day celebrations with the Reina Folklore 2026 pageant, while a Curaçao-led REPAIR project explores how colonial history still shapes culture and education across the ABC islands. Community & Environment: Bureau City Inspector Maikel Gomes renewed calls to stop illegal dumping, stressing that land ownership doesn’t allow turning plots into trash sites. Sports & Events: Aruba Activo returns Sept. 27 with a full day of activities and music, and Art Fashion 2026 debuts its “Nature Meets Mankind” concept ahead of its runway showcase. Arts & Travel: Aruba Art Fair lights up San Nicolas Sept. 11–13, turning the “Sunrise City” into a street-level gallery with live art and performances.

Integrity & Governance: Minister of Justice Arthur Dowers attended the Aruba Integrity Bureau’s certification ceremony, where public employees were trained as Integrity Confidentiality Officers and Internal Investigators—roles built on trust, confidentiality, and independent integrity checks. Sports & Clean Play: The Aruban Olympic Committee announced an international anti-doping conference on September 6, inviting athletes and support teams to learn how to protect clean sport. Community Fitness: Aruba Sport Unie gears up for Sport Expo (Sept 12) and the ASU Sports Olympiad as part of its 85-year celebrations, with federations and activities for all ages. Fashion & Art: Art Fashion 2026 returns with “Nature Meets Mankind,” featuring local and international designers and a new venue—plus an eco-minded recycled-material theme. Local Culture on Stage: Zjeitu launches “Zjeitu Den Bo Cura,” a live session celebrating cultural brotherhood between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao through music. Tourism Messaging: Aruba Tourism Authority hosted a media morning ahead of Press Day, stressing journalism’s role in responsible tourism dialogue. Aruba in the Spotlight (Sports): Jamaica’s 27-member rifle team is competing in Aruba at the Pan American Handgun Championship, aiming for podium finishes. Arts Calendar: The Aruba Art Fair (Sept 11–13) lights up San Nicolas as a three-day open-air showcase of art, murals, and live performances.

Integrity & Governance: Justice Minister Arthur Dowers attended a certification ceremony by the Aruba Integrity Bureau, training new Integrity Confidentiality Officers and Internal Investigators to strengthen trust, confidentiality, and independent integrity checks. Sports & Community: Aruba Sport Unie kicks off September with a Sport Expo and ASU Sports Olympiad (Sept 12), celebrating sports history and opening the door to more island-wide participation. Anti-Doping Focus: The Aruban Olympic Committee will host an international anti-doping conference on Sept 6, aiming to educate athletes and support teams on clean, safe sport. Health & Inclusion: FAVI launched its 2026 Donation Campaign, calling on the community to support services for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. Arts & Fashion: Art Fashion 2026 returns with “Nature Meets Mankind,” featuring local and international designers and a new venue, while the Aruba Art Fair (Sept 11–13) turns San Nicolas into a three-day open-air gallery. Culture & Heritage: Zjeitu group and the Aruba Tourism Authority team up for “Zjeitu Den Bo Cura,” a live session celebrating musical brotherhood across Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Astronomy: Aruba Astro Research International says a partial lunar eclipse will be visible from the island late Aug into Aug 28.