This is Dad’s plan view before placing the Anchor in 1986 at gate 6 after the closing of the refinery. Charlie’s Bar and Aruba were in crisis.

Tourism was not booming and San Nicolas was absolutely no touristic attraction with the remnants of the oil industry and the prostitution area. (Unfortunately still there….maybe a good time to clean up? )

This didn’t stop him. He saw the beauty of San Nicolas. Always believed in San Nicolas. One of the main goals for placing the Anchor was to attract visitors to South East Aruba.

And he made not only Charlie’s Bar in San Nicolas world famous but was a pioneer promoting Aruba worldwide (without internet).

Today she stands. The Red Anchor. To remind us to be resilient. In times of crisis we must embrace change and rethink.

-Montsy Brouns