ORANJESTAD (AAN) – SNBA Criticizes Government Over San Nicolas Development, claiming that several ideas submitted through its long-term vision for the district are being adopted without proper consultation. San Nicolas Business Association President Errol de Freitas also said the organization wants an urgent meeting with Aruba’s Minister of Energy to discuss the refinery property and the region’s economic future.
De Freitas said SNBA has seen few developments with a meaningful impact on San Nicolas during the first six months of 2026. Although some activities and improvements have taken place, including work along Bernhardstraat, he argued that projects capable of producing lasting economic change have not moved forward.
According to the SNBA president, the association previously submitted a comprehensive Vision for San Nicolas to the government. He claimed that elements of the plan are now appearing in smaller government projects without officials first meeting with those who originally developed the ideas. De Freitas stressed that SNBA does not object to the government implementing its proposals, but believes the association should be included in planning and execution discussions.
SNBA has also begun developing an implementation plan that outlines how its broader vision could be transformed into practical projects. De Freitas said the organization previously maintained closer contact with the government, including Council of Ministers meetings held in San Nicolas, but that this direct connection has weakened. He acknowledged that SNBA still communicates with several ministers and a government official who has discussed the possibility of arranging another Council of Ministers meeting in the district.
A major concern involves the future of the former refinery grounds and Aruba’s wider energy policy. De Freitas said the property offers enough space for multiple activities, including energy operations, a science park, a data centre, harbour-related development, petroleum storage, and other industries capable of supporting economic diversification.
He argued that part of the refinery property should remain reserved for energy and petroleum-related activities. According to De Freitas, the maritime infrastructure and existing storage facilities could be evaluated and expanded to generate significant revenue for Aruba. He also said Aruba and Curaçao should not view their refinery assets as direct competitors, but as facilities that could complement one another within the regional energy market.
The SNBA president questioned what the government intends to place on the refinery property if existing infrastructure is dismantled. He said residents and business owners in San Nicolas deserve clear information about whether future plans will create employment, investment, and sustainable economic activity for the district.
De Freitas said SNBA has maintained productive contact with the Prime Minister’s Office, the tourism minister, the health minister, and Refineria di Aruba. However, the association wants direct discussions with the ministers responsible for energy and infrastructure rather than receiving fragmented information through officials managing other portfolios.
SNBA is therefore requesting an urgent meeting to hear the government’s plans for the refinery grounds, energy development, and the broader revitalization of San Nicolas. The association maintains that meaningful cooperation must include the organizations and residents who have already invested time in developing a detailed vision for the district’s future.
