Honoring a Visionary and Pioneer of Aruba
Last year, on January 6, 2025, Aruba commemorated the passing of its first Prime Minister, Mr. Henny Eman. Today, on the same date one year later, the AVP–Futuro Cabinet, following a request from the Stichting Henny Eman Foundation, honored this great visionary in Aruban politics by naming one of the island’s most important roads after him.
Starting this week, the road long known as L.G. Smith Boulevard — stretching from the Mahuma roundabout to the Sun Plaza roundabout — has officially been renamed Henny Eman Boulevard. This major roadway passes the Queen Beatrix International Airport, the Parliament of Aruba, and the main Government offices, and connects directly to Aruba’s principal tourism area — a sector deeply rooted in Henny Eman’s original vision for the island.
During the unveiling ceremony, executives from Queen Beatrix International Airport joined Prime Minister Mike Eman and Minister Wendrick Cicilia in planting two Wayaca Macho trees on the berm above the airport roundabout. This symbolic act formed part of Aruba’s national reforestation initiative, “Sembra Speranza.” The event not only honored national leadership but also reinforced the country’s commitment to biodiversity and sustainability.
Minister Wendrick Cicilia described the moment as one of reflection and celebration, paying tribute to the giants and leaders who shaped Aruba’s path. He highlighted Henny Eman’s achievements and vision, expressing pride and gratitude for his enduring legacy in Aruban history.
The President of Stichting Henny Eman, Mr. Tico Croes, also addressed attendees, recalling the many challenges Aruba faced during the early development of its tourism industry. He shared how Henny Eman mobilized the population during critical moments, including the introduction of the Aruban Florin, demonstrating true visionary leadership that transformed individual motivation into collective national action.
Tourism expert James Hepple reviewed key tourism statistics from recent decades, emphasizing that leaders like Henny Eman did more than manage the economy — they reimagined Aruba’s future and global identity. He urged continued focus and decisive action to ensure the sustainable growth of Aruba’s tourism sector.
Prime Minister Mike Eman reflected on personal anecdotes during the ceremony, noting that Aruba’s tourism success today is rooted in Henny Eman’s foresight. As Aruba’s first Prime Minister, Henny Eman designated 30% of the island as protected national parkland, proving his vision extended beyond economics to national identity and environmental stewardship.
Henny Eman’s life story reflects deep personal sacrifice and national dedication. After studying in the Netherlands, he returned to Aruba at the age of 28 following the sudden death of his father, taking responsibility for his family and reviving the Aruban People’s Party (AVP). Through inspired leadership, he helped transform the AVP into one of Aruba’s strongest political movements during a critical period leading up to Status Aparte.
In the mid-1980s, following the closure of the Lago refinery, Aruba faced economic uncertainty and mass emigration. Henny Eman led a youth-driven movement to restore hope, rebuild the nation, and lay the foundations of a new Aruba. In 1986, he became Aruba’s first Prime Minister under Status Aparte, guiding the island through immense challenges toward sovereignty, institutional independence, and economic diversification.
Under his leadership, Aruba developed its tourism industry into one of the Caribbean’s most successful destinations. He worked alongside leaders such as Mito Croes, Tico Croes, and Watty Vos on the historic document “Doño di nos propio destino” (Master of Our Own Destiny), which successfully removed Aruba’s scheduled independence date from the Kingdom Charter.
During the 1990s, Henny Eman and his team focused on improving quality of life for all residents. Major social achievements included the creation of the Student Loan Foundation, ensuring equal access to education regardless of political or financial background, and the introduction of the General Health Insurance (AZV), guaranteeing healthcare for every resident.
His most enduring legacy remains AZV — a system built on the philosophy of the common good, eliminating dependence on political favors for education or healthcare. Henny Eman’s vision of a “New Aruba” was one where every citizen could determine their own destiny with dignity, equality, and national support.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/henny-eman-boulevard-a-wordo-inaugura-oficialmente
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