Question 1

What is this event about?

Accepted Answer

This event present the outcome of 5 years of in-depth research that was conducted by Suzette Dumfries in San Nicolas, with San Nicolas and for San Nicolas. It reveals what the community has said, what the evidence shows and the research-based direction it wants to go into.

Question 2

What will happen after this event?

Accepted Answer

This event is the research findings presentation. After this event, there will be a Civiv Forum where the translation of the research findings into a Regional Development Plan for San Nicolas will be presented.

Question 3

Who is Suzette Dumfries?

Accepted Answer

Suzette Dumfries is an Aruban developmental and cultural economist, nation builder and founder of Stichting Stadsontwikkeling Aruba.

Her work focuses on transforming research, community knowledge and economic strategy into practical development models for places, institutions and nations. Over five

Question 4

Is this the presentation of a Regional Development Plan for San Nicolas?

Accepted Answer

No. These sessions present the five years of research, the public voices and the evidence behind the plan. The complete Regional Development Plan will be presented separately during the Civic Forum on 20, 21 and 23 August.

Question 5

Do I need separate tickets for the Civic Forum?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tickets for both events are free, but separate registration is required because they are different sessions with different content.

Question 6

Who should attend?

Accepted Answer

All of Aruba, residents of San Nicolas, former residents of San Nicolas, the diaspora, young people, entrepreneurs, property owners, cultural actors, community organizations, professionals, ministers, MPs,i policymakers and everyone who believes the future of San Nicolas matters to Aruba.

Question 7

Do I need to live in San Nicolas or be from San Nicolas to attend?

Accepted Answer

No. San Nicolas is a national development issue. Anyone who wants to understand the evidence and engage seriously with its future is welcome.

Question 8

Will all three sessions present the same content?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The research presentation is repeated on three dates so more people can attend. Register for one session only.

Question 9

Is this a political event?

Accepted Answer

No. This is a research and public-interest event focused on the future development of San Nicolas. It is not organized on behalf of a political party.

Question 10

Will participants be able to respond or ask questions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Participants will be able to react to the findings, raise concerns, identify what may be missing and contribute perspectives that can strengthen the wider process.

Question 11

Is the plan already final?

Accepted Answer

The research findings have already been translated into a Regional Development Plan. The plan will be presented as a serious development direction, not as an untouchable blueprint. The Civic Forum and later co-creation process will help test, refine and strengthen it.

Question 12

Why was five years of research necessary?

Accepted Answer

Because a credible direction for San Nicolas could not be built from assumptions, short consultations or outside perceptions. It required time inside the community to understand its realities, memories, obstacles, strengths and ambitions.

Question 13

Why is this different from previous initiatives?

Accepted Answer

The process begins with sustained research and community knowledge, then connects those findings to one integrated regional development plan. It does not begin with an isolated building, event, beautification project or political promise.

Question 14

Will attending automatically mean that I support the plan?

Accepted Answer

No. Attendance means you are willing to hear the findings and engage seriously. You are encouraged to question, challenge and identify what requires further attention.

Question 15

Is the event free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Attendance is completely free, but registration is required because each session has limited capacity.

Question 16

Can we access the research findings after this event?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The key findings will be presented publicly during these sessions. A comprehensive research report will also be published and made available for purchase. Proceeds from the report will help fund the next stages of the San Nicolas development process, including further free public engagement.

FORUM ON THE FUTURE OF SAN NICOLAS

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FORUM ON THE FUTURE OF SAN NICOLAS

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