ORANJESTAD, Aruba — Aruba Bank Press Day put local journalists and media professionals in the spotlight this week as the bank thanked them for their daily work informing the Aruban community.
Aruba Bank hosted its annual Press Day appreciation gathering Tuesday at Surfside Beach Bar, bringing together representatives from several local media organizations in a relaxed setting.
Managing Director Rob de Ridder welcomed those attending and expressed the bank’s appreciation for the important role journalists continue to play in Aruba.
Rather than using the occasion to make a corporate announcement, Aruba Bank organized the gathering specifically as an opportunity to recognize members of the press.
Aruba Bank Press Day Recognizes Journalists
De Ridder told journalists that during approximately one year living and working in Aruba, he has encountered many members of the local press at conferences, events and other activities.
He said media organizations have reported on Aruba Bank’s activities while continuing to maintain their own independent journalistic role.
De Ridder highlighted the dedication required to continuously look for stories, ask questions and keep the public informed about developments affecting the island.
He said Aruba Bank values that work and appreciates the relationship it has developed with Aruba’s media organizations over the years.
De Ridder Addresses Press in Papiamento
One memorable part of the event came when De Ridder fulfilled a promise he had made during the previous year’s Press Day gathering.
After arriving in Aruba, he had said he would try to address journalists in Papiamento in the future.
This year, after taking several lessons, De Ridder delivered part of his remarks in Papiamento.
He joked that speaking entirely from memory might have to wait another year, but his effort drew attention to his growing familiarity with Aruba and its language.
De Ridder was appointed Managing Director and Chairman of Aruba Bank’s Management Board effective August 1, 2025.
Media Plays Important Community Role
During Aruba Bank Press Day, De Ridder emphasized that journalists perform an important public function.
Local media professionals regularly attend events, question officials and organizations, investigate developments and communicate information to residents.
That work, he said, requires persistence and commitment.
Aruba Bank said it appreciates the relationship it has maintained with media organizations while recognizing that journalists must preserve their independent role when reporting on the bank and other institutions.
The event was therefore intended as recognition rather than a traditional press conference.
No Press Conference, Just Appreciation
De Ridder made clear that journalists had not been invited to Surfside Beach Bar to receive another press release or participate in a question-and-answer session.
Instead, the bank encouraged attendees to relax and enjoy snacks, music and the company of colleagues.
The gathering gave Aruba Bank an opportunity to thank reporters, photographers, editors and other media professionals for their work throughout the year.
The bank has organized similar Press Day activities in previous years as part of its relationship with Aruba’s media community.
Aruba Bank Thanks Local Press
De Ridder concluded by thanking journalists for the contribution they make to Aruban society.
For Aruba Bank, maintaining constructive communication with media organizations is important because the press serves as a link between institutions and the wider public.
At the same time, the bank acknowledged the responsibility journalists carry to ask questions and independently report information that matters to residents.
Through Aruba Bank Press Day, the institution used this year’s gathering not to promote a new banking product or service, but to recognize the people responsible for keeping Aruba informed.
De Ridder ended his message with a simple expression of appreciation to the journalists present: thanks for what they continue to do for the community.
