AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Culture: Aruba’s Ayo Rock Formations are drawing attention for their giant boulders and Indigenous rock art, with 458 depictions logged across 33 sites—an “otherworldly” counterpoint to the usual postcard Aruba. Parliament & Staffing: Parliament’s Secretariat says 2025-2026 operations were strained by staff shortages from turnover, retirement, and maternity leave, even as regional cooperation continued. Maritime Heritage: MANA highlights 20+ years of underwater archaeology work, including new multibeam seabed surveys with Inkfish LLC and long-running ties with Dutch heritage partners. Local Justice: A judge pushed an Arspa vs. Refineria di Aruba payment dispute toward talks, with a Sept. 30 deadline for whether an agreement is reached. Mental Health Policy: MP Hendrik Tevreden questions why Aruba’s mental health survey starts at age 18, pointing to youth data showing worry and loneliness well before that age. Cybersecurity: FortiGate FortiOS flaws are being actively exploited to deploy custom Node.js malware, per threat researchers. Off-Road Rules: Aruba and UTV/ATV operators keep negotiating a “Nature Driving Protocol” to manage vehicles in protected areas. Health Services: Aruba’s nursing union ABV warns Horacio Oduber Hospital’s dialysis department is in an emergency financial situation and urges immediate government action. Economy & Work: The Centrale Bank flags labor shortages as a growth constraint and notes the rise of alternative accommodations reshaping tourism demand and jobs. Education & Language: Fundacion Lanta Papiamento delivered a Papiamento book with QR-linked audio to secondary Papiamento teachers, supporting classroom use. Kingdom Security: Justice ministers from Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands agreed on cooperation steps against drugs and youth crime, but still disagree on how police and judicial information should be shared.

Parliament Staffing Strain: Parliament Secretariat President Sarah Wescot-Williams says turnover, retirement and maternity leave stretched the Secretariat “thin” during the 2025-2026 year, even as regional cooperation continued. Aruba Underwater Heritage: Aruba’s underwater archaeology push has built for over 20 years, with MANA researchers documenting sites and partnering with Inkfish LLC for multibeam seabed surveys. Courtroom Deadline for Unpaid Work: A judge in the Arspa vs. Refineria di Aruba dispute sent parties to negotiate; by Sept. 30, 2026, they must report whether an agreement is reached or a verdict date will be set. Mental Health Policy Timing: MP Hendrik Tevreden backs a national mental health and suicide prevention plan but questions why the national survey starts only at age 18. Marine Protection vs. Fishermen: Aruba’s fisheries sector warns marine protection rules are being implemented without enough scientific data or consultation, threatening traditional livelihoods. Tourism Accommodation Shift: Aruba’s visitor nights increasingly go to alternative accommodations, with short-term rentals reaching 39.1% in 2025. Cybersecurity Watch: A week of major security reporting highlights active FortiGate exploitation and other attacks targeting networks and credentials.

Courtroom Update: A judge in Aruba heard Arspa’s case against Refineria di Aruba (RDA) over unpaid work worth about 14 million florins, and sent both sides to negotiate; by Sept. 30, 2026, the court will need word on whether a concrete deal is reached, or a ruling date will be set. Mental Health Policy: MP Hendrik Tevreden backs Aruba’s push for a National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan, but questions why the national survey starts only at age 18, pointing to youth data showing worry, loneliness, and sadness well before adulthood. Cybersecurity: Researchers warn attackers are actively exploiting FortiGate FortiOS flaws to deploy custom Node.js malware, turning compromised devices into long-term footholds. Public Health Pressure: Aruba’s nursing union ABV says Horacio Oduber Hospital is in an emergency, citing a growing dialysis deficit and urging ministerial action while investigations drag on. Nature & Transport Rules: Government talks with UTV/ATV operators continue on a “Nature Driving Protocol” to manage vehicle behavior in protected areas. Local Conservation Science: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host an international Burrowing Owl conference (Sept. 7–10) focused on protecting the Shoco, with estimates of only ~200 breeding pairs left.

Aruba Conservation: Aruba Birdlife Conservation (ABC) 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 and threats ranging from habitat loss to vehicle strikes and free-roaming dogs. Local Environment & Fisheries: Aruba’s fishing sector is pushing back on marine protection rules, saying decisions are being made without solid scientific data or real consultation, harming traditional fishermen and access to key areas. Off-Road Vehicle Rules: Government talks with the UTV/ATV sector continue over a proposed “Nature Driving Protocol,” aiming to regulate driving and behavior in protected natural areas while keeping solutions practical for businesses. Kingdom Justice Cooperation: Justice ministers from Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands agreed on steps against youth crime and organized crime, but a key dispute remains over how police and judicial information can be shared. Cybersecurity: Researchers warn attackers are actively exploiting FortiGate FortiOS flaws to deploy a custom Node.js remote access trojan, turning exposed devices into long-term footholds. Tourism & Economy: Aruba’s labor shortage remains a constraint, with foreign workers increasingly essential, while alternative accommodations keep growing as a share of visitor nights. Education & Culture: Fundacion Lanta Papiamento handed Papiamento books (with audio via QR codes) to Papiamento teachers to support classroom learning.

Cybersecurity: ArubaOS-CX switch users got a serious patch alert as HPE Aruba Networking published a bulletin fixing 24 vulnerabilities, including two separate unauthenticated remote code execution paths tied to CVE-2026-73749 (CVSS 9.8), urging urgent admin action. Public Safety & Justice: Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands agreed on new cooperation steps against drugs and youth crime after the JVO meeting in Curaçao, but a key dispute remains over how police and judicial information can be shared. Environment & Local Livelihoods: Aruba’s fishing sector is pushing back on marine protection rules, saying decisions are being made without solid scientific data and without real consultation with fishermen. Tourism & Economy: Aruba’s tourism mix is shifting as alternative accommodations (including short-term rentals) reached 39.1% of visitor nights in 2025, up from 36.7% in 2024, while labor shortages remain a growing constraint. Nature Protection Rules: Government talks with the UTV/ATV sector continue as Tour Operators Uni drafts a “Nature Driving Protocol” to regulate vehicle behavior in protected areas. Education & Inclusion: Dornasol Elementary School started a one-year autism and behavior training program for teachers and assistants, in partnership with Windesheim University and IPA. Conservation Science: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the first International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference (Sept 7–10) focused on protecting the endemic Shoco, with about 200 breeding pairs estimated. Maritime Milestone: The MV Freewinds completed 500,000 safe sea miles on its voyage from Oranjestad to Cartagena, highlighting long-running safety and environmental stewardship. Arts & Community: Sunshine Awards announced nominees and plans for its 38th annual celebration in Sint Maarten on Oct. 17, 2026 under the theme “Black Inventions.”

Cybersecurity in Aruba: HPE Aruba Networking issued an ArubaOS-CX bulletin after researchers found two separate unauthenticated paths to full remote code execution on CX-series switches, including a critical buffer-overflow flaw (CVE-2026-73749, 9.8/10), urging urgent admin patching. Local Tech & Safety: Aruba’s UTV/ATV talks with government continue as Tour Operators Uni presents a first draft “Nature Driving Protocol” to regulate vehicle control and behavior in protected natural areas, with a broad sector committee planned. Marine Protection & Data: Aruba’s fisheries sector says marine protection rules are being pushed without solid scientific data or real consultation, warning closures near Malmok, Rio Barriba and Alto Vista are hurting traditional fishermen. Conservation Science: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the first International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference (Sept 7–10) to protect the endemic Shoco, with only about 200 breeding pairs estimated. Education Support: Dornasol Elementary School started a one-year autism and behavior training program for teachers and assistants, in partnership with Windesheim University and IPA. Kingdom Justice Cooperation: Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands agreed on steps against youth crime and organized crime, but a key dispute remains over the legal framework for sharing police information.

Tourism & Taxes: Curaçao’s Advisory Council warns a proposed Tourist Entry Tax could lock government finances even tighter to visitor numbers, citing rising projected receipts while wage/income tax projections fall. Marine Policy & Science: Aruba’s fishing sector says marine protection rules are being rolled out without solid scientific data or real consultation, arguing closures near Malmok, Rio Barriba and Alto Vista threaten livelihoods. Nature Access Rules: Aruba’s government and UTV/ATV operators keep negotiating a “Nature Driving Protocol,” aiming to regulate driving and behavior in protected areas via a broad committee. Cybersecurity: FortiGate FortiOS/ FortiSwitchManager users face active exploitation of a critical FortiOS flaw (CVE-2025-25249) to deploy custom Node.js malware. Kingdom Justice Cooperation: Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands agree on steps against drugs and youth crime, but still disagree on how police information should be shared. Public Health (RSV): Parents are being surveyed for RSV prevention planning across Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten. Local Science & Conservation: Aruba Birdlife Conservation launches an international Burrowing Owl (Shoco) conference to turn research into protection. Education & Inclusion: Dornasol Elementary starts specialized autism and behavior training for teachers and assistants.

Marine Protection vs. Livelihoods: Aruba’s fishing sector is pushing back on how marine protection rules are being rolled out, saying Parliament is moving without solid scientific data and without real consultation, with closures near Malmok, Rio Barriba and Alto Vista forcing traditional (often elderly) fishermen to travel farther and lose access to customary fishing grounds. Off-Road Access Talks: Government and UTV/ATV operators continue negotiating a “Nature Driving Protocol,” aiming to regulate vehicle behavior in protected areas and set up a broadly represented committee to keep discussions practical. Shoco Conservation Conference: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the first International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference (Sept 7–10) focused on protecting the endemic Shoco, with habitat loss and vehicle strikes cited as major threats. Cybersecurity Update: ArubaOS-CX is getting urgent patches after HPE reported multiple vulnerabilities, including unauthenticated remote code execution paths, urging administrators to act quickly. Public Health Survey: St. Maarten Medical Center is collecting parents’ views for an RSV prevention roadmap across Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten, linking local preferences with regional medical research.

Community Science: A new piece argues that “community science” still matters because volunteer natural history observations underpin large-scale bird and conservation monitoring. Local Conservation: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the First International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference (Sept 7–10) to protect the endemic Shoco, with only about 200 breeding pairs estimated. Education & Inclusion: Dornasol Elementary School begins a year-long autism and behavior training program for teachers and assistants, in partnership with Windesheim and IPA. Tourism & Nature Access: Aruba’s government and UTV/ATV operators keep negotiating a “Nature Driving Protocol,” aiming to regulate vehicle behavior in protected areas while protecting businesses and workers. Papiamento Culture: Fundacion Lanta Papiamento delivered a new Papiamento book with QR-linked audio to Papiamento teachers for classroom use. Health & Public Services: ABV says Horacio Oduber Hospital is in an emergency financial situation and urges Minister Wyatt-Ras to act now, not wait for investigations. Security & Tech: ArubaOS-CX patches are highlighted after HPE disclosed multiple unauthenticated remote code execution paths, stressing urgent admin action. Economy & Tourism: Aruba’s tourism shift continues as alternative accommodations reached 39.1% of visitor nights in 2025, up from 36.7% in 2024. Maritime Milestone: MV Freewinds marks 500,000 safe sea miles during its voyage from Oranjestad to Cartagena.

Off-Road Rules in the Making: Aruba’s government and the UTV/ATV sector kept talking this week, with Tour Operators Uni presenting a preliminary “Nature Driving Protocol” to control vehicle behavior in protected natural areas and a committee planned for broader sector representation. Papiamento in Classrooms: Fundacion Lanta Papiamento handed Papiamento teachers copies of a youth-and-adult book, “Ata Compa Nanzi atrobe,” which includes QR codes for audio stories hosted on the Aruba Collection. Kingdom Justice Cooperation: Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands agreed on steps against drugs, youth crime and organized crime, including a planned academic conference, but still disagree on the legal framework for sharing police information. Cybersecurity Alert: Researchers report active exploitation of FortiGate FortiOS/FortiSwitchManager FortiGate firewalls to deploy a custom Node.js malware toolchain via a critical FortiOS heap overflow. Tourism Tech for Aruba: Aruba introduced the fully electric Bebot Beach Cleaner at Eagle Beach to reduce emissions and reach areas bigger diesel machines can’t. Health Survey for RSV: St. Maarten Medical Center is collecting parent and expecting-parent input for an RSV prevention survey across Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten. Education Support: Dornasol Elementary School began a specialized one-year autism and behavior training program for teachers and assistants. Maritime Milestone: The MV Freewinds logged 500,000 safe sea miles during its voyage from Oranjestad to Cartagena.

Tourism & Conservation: Tour Operators Uni and Aruba’s Government continued talks with a preliminary draft of the “Nature Driving Protocol,” focused on regulating motor vehicles and behavior near protected natural areas, with the goal of balanced rules that keep Aruba’s nature first. Cybersecurity: Researchers report active exploitation of FortiGate FortiOS/FortiSwitchManager CVE-2025-25249 to deploy a custom Node.js remote access trojan, turning exposed devices into long-term footholds. Public Safety & Justice: Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands agreed on new cooperation steps on drugs, youth crime and crisis response, but a key dispute remains over the legal framework for sharing police information. Health & Services: The Aruban nursing union ABV says Horacio Oduber Hospital is in an emergency financial situation, urging Minister Wyatt-Ras to intervene now while investigations drag on. Economy & Work: Aruba’s labor shortage is worsening, and the Centrale Bank points to foreign workers as increasingly essential to sustain tourism and growth. Tourism Tech & Sustainability: Aruba introduced the fully electric Bebot Beach Cleaner at Eagle Beach to reduce emissions and reach areas big diesel machines can’t. Education & Community: University of Aruba celebrated its 15th Student Ambassador Awards, spotlighting leadership and community-building beyond grades. Maritime Milestone: The MV Freewinds logged 500,000 safe sea miles on its Aruba-to-Cartagena voyage.

Mobile Connectivity Watch: A new Broadband Genie study comparing 3,446 SIM-only plans across 234 markets puts the UK at 46th for average mobile broadband cost, at about $0.27 per 1GB—though the report warns results aren’t weighted for economy size or network performance. Local Education & Community: The University of Aruba held its 15th Student Ambassador Awards, spotlighting student leadership, service, and community impact across multiple programs. Health System Pressure: The Aruban Bond of Employees in Nursing Institutions (ABV) says Horacio Oduber Hospital is in an emergency financial situation, urging Minister Wyatt-Ras to intervene now rather than wait for investigations. Sustainability on the Beach: Aruba introduced the fully electric Bebot Beach Cleaner at Eagle Beach to reach areas big diesel machines can’t, cutting emissions while keeping beaches maintained. Conservation Spotlight: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the first International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference (Sept 7–10) focused on protecting the endemic Shoco, with local and international experts. Cybersecurity Update: HPE Aruba Networking published patches for ArubaOS-CX, including two unauthenticated remote code execution paths, urging admins to act quickly. Public Safety & Justice Cooperation: Justice ministers from Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands agreed on steps to strengthen cooperation on drugs, youth crime, and crisis response. RSV Prevention Research: St. Maarten Medical Center is running a new RSV survey for parents across Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten to shape future prevention strategies. Tech in Aruba’s Ecosystem: A University of Aruba–linked autism training program at Dornasol Elementary School is expanding teacher skills with support from Windesheim University and IPA.

Hospital Finance Crisis: Aruba’s ABV union says Horacio Oduber Hospital is in an emergency, citing a recurring Afl. 8.2M/2 weeks income versus Afl. 9M/2 weeks costs, and urges Minister Wyatt-Ras to use legal powers for a temporary fix while investigations drag on. Governance Pressure: Sint Maarten’s URSM MP Sjamira Roseburg warns “No more temporary fixes,” demanding projects and services move from paper to implementation amid pressure on electricity, food prices, healthcare, and public services. Cybersecurity Roundup: A weekly recap flags active threats and fresh patches, including N-able hotfixes for severe N-central flaws that could bypass authentication and enable remote code execution. Cruise Power Disruption: Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas briefly lost shipwide power for about 30 minutes after leaving CocoCay, leaving some cabins dark while emergency lighting stayed on. Kingdom Justice Cooperation: Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands’ justice ministers align on drug enforcement, youth-crime prevention, and crisis response, including a planned academic conference. Aruba Tech & Research: Aruba’s Bebot electric beach-cleaning robot debuts at Eagle Beach, and Inkfish’s R/V Hydra continues mapping Aruba’s waters with local archaeologists and ecologists supporting surveys and eDNA work. Security at Airports: U.S. CBP expands Enhanced Passenger Processing with facial comparison at Bermuda’s L.F. Wade, and notes availability at other preclearance sites including Aruba. Education Support: Dornasol Elementary School starts a one-year autism and behavior training program for teachers and assistants, with specialization tracks via Windesheim University and Aruba’s pedagogical institute.

ArubaOS-CX Security Update: HPE Aruba Networking patched 24 vulnerabilities in ArubaOS-CX, including two separate unauthenticated remote code execution paths (CVE-2026-73749, CVSS 9.8), urging admins to act fast. Local Tech for Cleaner Beaches: Aruba introduced the fully electric Bebot Beach Cleaner at Eagle Beach, aiming to reach areas big diesel machines can’t while cutting emissions. Wildlife Conservation in Aruba: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the first International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference (Sept 7–10) to protect the endemic Shoco, with only about 200 breeding pairs estimated. Education Support: Dornasol Elementary School started a one-year autism and behavior training program for teachers and assistants, with Windesheim University and Aruba’s pedagogical institute. Maritime Milestone: MV Freewinds completed 500,000 safe sea miles on its Oranjestad-to-Cartagena voyage. Travel Tech & Privacy: U.S. CBP expanded Enhanced Passenger Processing (facial comparison) at Bermuda and also lists Aruba as an EPP location, raising privacy questions. Cruise Disruption: A brief power outage hit Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas shortly after leaving CocoCay, lasting about 30 minutes with operations restored.

Aruba Education & Inclusion: Dornasol Elementary School in Aruba has started a one-year specialized training program on autism and behavior, partnering with Windesheim University and the Aruban Pedagogical Institute to certify teachers as behavior or autism coaches and to upskill teaching assistants. Aruba Conservation & Science: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the First International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference (Sept. 7–10, 2026) at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, aiming to protect the endemic Shoco, with only about 200 breeding pairs estimated. Sustainable Tourism Tech: Eagle Beach is getting a fully electric Bebot Beach Cleaner, designed to reach areas big diesel machines can’t and to cut emissions while keeping beaches maintained. Cybersecurity & ArubaOS-CX: HPE has issued an ArubaOS-CX patch after two separate unauthenticated remote code execution paths were found in the same bulletin, urging urgent admin action for ArubaOS-CX switch users. Maritime Safety Milestone: The MV Freewinds logged 500,000 safe sea miles without an incident on its voyage from Oranjestad to Cartagena, continuing its Caribbean itinerary. Travel Security (Regional): U.S. Customs and Border Protection expanded Enhanced Passenger Processing at Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport using facial comparison for touchless identity checks, with Aruba listed among other preclearance locations.

Airport Security & Privacy: U.S. Customs and Border Protection rolled out Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) at Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport, using facial comparison for touchless identity and citizenship checks in seconds—faster for travelers, but it also revives privacy concerns as passengers are automatically photographed. Conservation & Local Science: Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the first International Burrowing Owl Conservation Conference (Sept. 7–10, 2026) at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar to protect the endemic Shoco, bringing researchers and partners together around habitat threats and survival estimates. Education Support: Dornasol Elementary School in Aruba started a one-year autism and behavior training program for teachers and assistants, with specialization tracks developed in collaboration with Windesheim University and Aruba’s pedagogical institute. Sustainable Beach Tech: Aruba introduced the fully electric Bebot Beach Cleaner at Eagle Beach, aiming to reach areas big diesel machines can’t while cutting emissions. Maritime Safety Milestone: The MV Freewinds logged 500,000 safe sea miles without incident on its voyage from Oranjestad to Cartagena. Cybersecurity (ArubaOS-CX): HPE published a bulletin for ArubaOS-CX patching 24 vulnerabilities, including two separate unauthenticated remote code execution paths, urging prompt admin action. Cruise & Tourism Links: Carnival Horizon made summer ship visits to Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, mixing government, port, community and student activities with ship operations.