ORANJESTAD (AAN) – San Nicolas marked a historic occasion as Prime Minister Mike Eman, together with parish members and relatives of the late architect Virgilio Kock, officially unveiled the protected monument plaque at Emanuel Chapel on Grote Bergweg.
The ceremony, which included a special church service, honored the legacy of Virgilio Kock, the architect who designed the chapel and dedicated his life to serving Aruba through both his professional work and community involvement.
During his speech, Prime Minister Mike Eman emphasized that Kock was more than an architect. He described him as one of the first Aruban architects to receive academic training abroad and then return home to use his knowledge for the benefit of Aruba.
Eman highlighted that Kock left behind not only remarkable buildings but also a legacy of public service. He also recognized the contributions of other members of the Kock family, including engineer Ivonne Kock for her work in preserving national monuments and Monica Kock for her service to the community.
The Prime Minister stressed that monuments represent much more than stone and concrete. According to him, they tell Aruba’s story, preserve the island’s identity, and reflect the values that have shaped the nation.
He also spoke about Aruba’s unique architectural heritage and how traditional buildings are designed to work with the island’s climate and constant trade winds. Referring to the publication Bouwen op de Wind, Eman noted that Aruba’s architecture reflects both practical design and cultural identity.
With the official designation of Emanuel Chapel as a protected monument, the structure now becomes a formal part of Aruba’s national heritage and will be preserved for future generations.
Prime Minister Eman expressed gratitude to Monumenten Bureau Aruba, the Catholic Church, heritage experts, and the Kock family for their efforts in preserving Aruba’s cultural and historical legacy. He concluded by encouraging the community to continue supporting heritage preservation initiatives across the island.
