Arubans walk for peace on International Day of Peace 2008
The United Nations designated September 21 as the fixed date for International Day of Peace. This day was established to ask the world to commemorate and contemplate the end of all conflicts. Over the twenty years since it was established, a number of organizations focused on uniting all people in actively campaigning for peace around the globe have been created.
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At 5:30, the Aruba chapter of AMISRAEL began their march through town along the L.G. Smith Boulevard to the Plaza Betico Croes. AMISRAEL Coordinator in Aruba, Giovanni Arendsz was extremely thankful for the participation in this first event for the fledgling chapter, and welcomed groups from Aruba’s Colombian, Venezuelan and Philippine community including their consuls, Ricardo Cifuentes, Zulay Prieto and Ami Henriquez, respectively. Additionally represented were Aruba’s Junior Parliament and UNESCO, led by their representative, James Oduber. Pro Familia Feliz, a foundation that counsels families, and the Santa Filomena Youth Group, the Aruba Jaycees Female Chapter and Agents of Peace filled out the procession through Oranjestad.
Upon reaching the plaza, a program devoted to the concept that peace in the world begins by individuals practicing peace in their lives with everybody they encounter, began. The Youth Choir “Tutti Frutti” under direction of Mrs. Maybeline Arends-Croes sang the National Anthem and the International Song of the Agents for Peace, which was also translated and sung in Papiamento.
Pastor Gilbert Martis represented all denominations from the Presbitarian Church when he conducted a prayer for peace, and Captain Orlando Quant represented Aruba’s Prime Minister with some words for the gathering. Ruby Eckmeyer spoke on behalf of the Minister of Culture, Labor and Sport, Ramon Lee.
Artistic performances by Aruba’s youthful “Gang di Arte,” under the direction of John Freddy Montoya of the Department of Culture, with the participation of Aruba’s “Mother of Culture,” Bernadina Grovel were an integral part of the program. A touching program depicted the passing of the flame of peace from one generation to the next, and a special song by Aruban composer Vincent Ras called “Peace and Tranquility” was introduced by Tambu band “Sodo y Cuero.”
The organizing committee consisted of Mr. Giovanni Arends, Mr. Ronny Croes, Mr. Stanley Dabian, Mr. Orlando Qaundt, Mrs. Morgan Arrindell, Mrs. Marielis Tejada, Mrs. Leoncita Croes, Mr. John John Flemming, Mrs. Marielis Redondo and Mr Lyonel Dirksz.
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(Left to right) Consul of Isreal Marthe Lichtenstein, Giovanni Arendsz, Josue Gomes Bolívar Cruz and Rabbi Mario Gurevich |
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| Youth Choir Tutti Frutti |
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