ORANJESTAD, Aruba — Prime Minister Mike Eman visited three Christian churches to share the message behind Aruba Care Day, the national community initiative scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Eman visited Good Samaritan Church in Dakota, Maranatha Church in Madiki and Peniel Baptist Church in Santa Cruz.
During each visit, he explained that the initiative represents more than a one-day cleanup campaign. It is also intended to promote shared responsibility, community spirit and a lasting commitment to caring for Aruba.
The prime minister encouraged churches, families and individual residents to select a location in their community and participate in the national effort.
Good Samaritan Church Encouraged to Participate
At Good Samaritan Church, Eman invited members of the congregation to participate actively in Aruba Care Day.
He acknowledged that Aruba is facing significant waste-management challenges following the closure of the landfill.
The prime minister said he would like the island to recover the community traditions of earlier generations, when families worked together to clean their homes, neighbourhoods and shared public spaces.
According to Eman, physically cleaning the island is only one part of the campaign’s message.
The initiative also represents a commitment to caring for others, strengthening communities and protecting the island for future generations.
He encouraged congregation members to choose an area in their neighbourhood and work together to improve it.
Pastor Frank Daal led the congregation in prayer and asked for God’s blessing over the national campaign.
Referring to the biblical account in Genesis, Daal said people have a responsibility to care for and improve what has been placed in their hands.
He also prayed for wisdom, health and vision for Eman, his wife and the Government of Aruba.
Daal expressed hope that Aruba Care Day would bring churches and communities together and inspire the island to become an example for other nations.
Maranatha Church Discusses Illegal Dumping
Eman later visited Maranatha Church in Madiki, where he was welcomed by Pastor Luis Bueno and members of the congregation.
The prime minister repeated that caring for Aruba requires every resident to consider how they can contribute to the well-being of others and protect the island for future generations.
He said people can participate by cleaning their homes, neighbourhoods, sports fields, churches or other shared community spaces.
According to Eman, the changes Aruba needs can only be achieved when government institutions, residents, businesses and community organizations work together.
He invited every person, family, church and organization to contribute in a way that reflects its abilities and available resources.
During the meeting, Bueno raised concerns about a piece of land behind the church where people frequently dump household waste, dead animals and other unwanted materials.
The pastor said the congregation is committed to keeping the area clean.
Maranatha Church also hopes to receive the necessary permission to clean, maintain and eventually convert the land into a parking area.
Church representatives believe that regular use and maintenance of the site could help prevent further illegal dumping in the neighbourhood.
Peniel Baptist Church Supports Campaign
The final visit took place at Peniel Baptist Church in Santa Cruz.
Eman continued sharing his message about collective responsibility and long-term commitment to Aruba’s communities.
Pastor Cedric Charles thanked the prime minister for supporting the national initiative.
He confirmed that the congregation would continue doing its part and encouraged church members to use the available waste-disposal facilities instead of leaving garbage in unauthorized locations.
Charles said the church intends to continue fulfilling its responsibility within the surrounding community.
Robert Candelaria, secretary general of the Ministry of General Affairs, also attended the visit.
Candelaria said the campaign’s message is consistent with biblical teachings about protecting and caring for the land people have received.
National Cleanup Planned for July 25
Aruba Care Day will begin during the morning of Saturday, July 25.
The campaign invites residents, families, churches, schools, businesses, sports clubs, foundations and other organizations to choose a location and contribute to its cleanup.
Participants may clean outside their homes, along their streets, within neighbourhoods or around churches, sports facilities and other community spaces.
The government has emphasized that the campaign is not intended to end after one day.
Its broader purpose is to restore a sense of shared responsibility and make care for Aruba part of everyday life.
Organizers hope that residents will continue maintaining cleaned areas and encourage others to dispose of waste responsibly.
The Government of Aruba is inviting the entire community to participate because protecting the island requires cooperation from all sectors.
Through his visits to the three churches, Eman encouraged Christian congregations to help spread the Aruba Care Day message and take an active role in building cleaner, safer and more connected communities.
