ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Volunteers Repaint Two More Homes in San Nicolas as Prime Minister Mike Eman, local businesses, and community volunteers continued their neighborhood revitalization campaign along Bernhardstraat, bringing fresh colors and renewed pride to local families.
On Saturday morning, more than 12 volunteers completed the transformation of two additional homes. The residence of Merida Torres at Bernhardstraat #187 received a fresh green exterior, while the home of Marcia Guillen and her sister Tirla Guillen-Lopez at Bernhardstraat #189 was repainted in purple and fuchsia, giving both properties a vibrant new appearance.
What began as a project to improve the appearance of several homes has grown into a broader community movement. Volunteers, businesses, and residents continue working together to beautify Bernhardstraat and strengthen neighborhood pride in San Nicolas.
The improvements have attracted positive attention from residents, visitors, and tourists, many of whom have stopped to congratulate the volunteers and express appreciation for the initiative. Organizers said the community’s encouragement has motivated everyone involved to continue the project.
Marcia Guillen shared her gratitude after seeing her home transformed.
“I am very thankful. They painted our house and our roof. Thank you very much to everyone who helped. I am very happy,” she said.
Prime Minister Mike Eman said each home represents much more than a new coat of paint.
According to Eman, every completed project symbolizes solidarity, cooperation, and a shared commitment to San Nicolas. He noted that the support from volunteers and local businesses demonstrates what communities can achieve when they work together toward a common goal.
The project has also received support from the private sector. Total Service Aruba joined the initiative by repainting the zinc roofs of the renovated homes, completing the overall transformation.
Lucas Geerman, who worked on behalf of Total Service Aruba, said he was proud to contribute to the project and encouraged residents to participate in the National Day to Care for Aruba on July 25. He emphasized that keeping Aruba clean and beautiful requires the involvement of every citizen.
During the painting project, Prime Minister Eman and the volunteers also received visits from community members who came to express their appreciation. Among them was Alipio Jimenez, better known as “The Coconut Man,” who provides fresh coconuts to tourists near Colony. As a gesture of thanks, he offered fresh coconut water to the volunteers and the Prime Minister, saying they deserved the refreshment for their hard work.
Purcy Wirth of Ba-We Construction & Cleaning and his team also continued supporting the project, joining volunteers and local businesses in the ongoing effort to revitalize Bernhardstraat.
While volunteers painted homes, they also distributed flyers promoting the National Day to Care for Aruba, inviting motorists and residents to participate in the nationwide clean-up campaign on July 25. Organizers emphasized that creating a more beautiful Aruba requires not only physical improvements such as repainting homes, but also a long-term commitment to protecting and caring for the island.
Prime Minister Eman said the initiative proves that anyone can make a positive difference in their community, whether by helping repaint a home or supporting neighbors in other ways. He added that the gratitude and smiles of local residents remain the greatest reward for everyone involved as Bernhardstraat continues its transformation one home at a time.
