The Government of Aruba has officially decided to rename a section of L.G. Smith Boulevard as Henny Eman Boulevard, following a request by Stichting Henny Eman. The newly named boulevard stretches from the Mahuma roundabout to the roundabout near Sun Plaza Mall, where Avenida Nelson Orlando Oduber begins.
This decision serves as a lasting tribute to Jan Hendrik Albert “Henny” Eman, Aruba’s first Prime Minister and one of the most influential architects of the modern Aruban state.
A Boulevard That Reflects Aruba’s Modern History
The choice of this specific section of the boulevard is deeply symbolic. The route represents a living timeline of Aruba’s modern development and reflects the vision, political leadership, and achievements of Henny Eman, as well as the continued contributions of generations of the Eman family to Aruba’s progress.
Along this boulevard, the rise of Aruba’s modern tourism industry becomes clearly visible—a sector widely recognized as being founded under Henny Eman’s leadership. Following Status Aparte, Aruba experienced significant hotel expansion, major modernization of Queen Beatrix International Airport, and strategic innovations such as the introduction of U.S. Preclearance services, which strengthened Aruba’s international competitiveness as a tourism destination.
Economic and Administrative Significance
Major territorial and economic development projects emerged along this route, including the expansion of land where Harbour Town was developed. Today, this area is home to the Renaissance Convention Center & Ocean Suites and the Sonesta Hotel complex.
The boulevard also serves as the administrative heart of Aruba. Key institutions such as the Parliament of Aruba, major government offices, and the Governor’s Cabinet are located along this corridor, symbolizing Aruba’s constitutional status as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands—a reality shaped under Henny Eman’s leadership.
Strong Historical and Symbolic Connections
An important historical element is that this section of the boulevard connects at two points with Watty Vos Boulevard. This connection carries strong symbolic meaning, as Watty Vos was a close friend, contemporary, and ideological ally of Henny Eman. Both leaders played pivotal roles in Aruba’s political and social development and shared a deep commitment to autonomy, democracy, and social welfare.
The historical depth of the boulevard is further reinforced by statues of Henny Eman’s grandfather and father, Cornelis Albert “Shon A.” Eman—two key figures in Aruba’s long struggle for autonomy and national development.
The route also passes along Oranjestad’s harbor, a location of major historical importance. One of the harbor’s piers, Cornelis Eman Kade, is named after Henny Eman’s great-grandfather, who was a progressive advocate for the modernization of Aruba’s maritime port—an essential contribution to the island’s economic growth and international connectivity.
Honoring Leadership During Challenging Times
Henny Eman led Aruba through one of its most challenging periods, shortly after the closure of the LAGO refinery in 1984. Guiding the island toward Status Aparte while simultaneously restoring a severely affected economy required courage, vision, and determination. His leadership provided Aruba with renewed direction, autonomy, and economic resilience.
Official Inauguration and Sustainability Effort
The official inauguration of Henny Eman Boulevard will take place on January 6, exactly one year after Henny Eman’s passing. The date was deliberately chosen as a moment of national remembrance and reflection, especially during the year in which Aruba celebrates 40 years of Status Aparte.
As part of the ceremony, Aruba Airport Authority (AAA) will contribute to the government’s 100,000 trees initiative by planting dozens of trees and plants along the boulevard’s median. This effort connects remembrance with a concrete investment in sustainability and Aruba’s future.
The Government of Aruba expressed its appreciation to both Aruba Airport Authority and Stichting Henny Eman, describing the renaming as a fitting and dignified tribute to a statesman who dedicated his life to building a stronger, autonomous Aruba and serving the public good.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/diamars-awor-lo-devela-henny-eman-boulevard
