ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Aruba merchant Marjorie Vermeer believes Caya Grandi will never return to what it once was, saying its future lies in a completely new concept rather than recreating the past.
In a recent interview, Vermeer said the area should evolve into an attractive town center featuring a mix of retail shops, public spaces, art, outdoor dining and family-friendly activities. She stressed that the focus should not be solely on tourism but also on creating a place where local residents can enjoy spending time.
Vermeer noted that the government has introduced events such as “Ban Bek Caya” to encourage Arubans to return to the city center. However, she questioned how much those initiatives have contributed to Caya Grandi’s recovery.
Despite the challenges, she said more residents are beginning to visit the area, while investors have purchased and renovated several buildings to support a new vision for Caya Grandi, including high-end retail and improved public spaces aimed at attracting both locals and visitors.
