My Amazing Collection

Everything you need to know

Bibo den Kaya grande Series: Aruba series AG0006 It shows a large marlin being caught for tourists, while local people are not allowed to eat it. This image reflects the broader situation on Aruba. The island is an absolute goldmine for tourism, attracting high net worth visitors, investors, and international attention. Yet the economic benefits are not evenly shared among the local population. A significant part of the tourism infrastructure, especially short term rentals and high end properties, is owned or controlled by foreign investors, primarily from North America. Through platforms like Airbnb, large amounts of money are generated locally but extracted almost immediately, flowing back out of the island rather than circulating within the Aruban economy. When viewed through the lens of the Lorenz curve, this creates a clear picture of inequality. High gross income figures sit at the top, while a relatively small portion reaches ordinary residents. Wages remain under pressure, housing prices rise beyond local affordability, and young Arubans are increasingly pushed out of ownership and long term stability. Adding to this problem are long standing concerns about governance and political integrity. Over the years, there have been repeated allegations, investigations, and public debates surrounding corruption, favoritism, and weak enforcement within parts of the Aruban government. These issues undermine public trust and make it harder to ensure that tourism revenue, land use, and foreign investment actually serve the long term interests of the local population. The result is a system where Aruba appears prosperous from the outside, while internally many people feel excluded from the wealth generated on their own island. Like the marlin on the deck, caught, displayed, and consumed for outsiders, the value is extracted, but locals are left watching rather than sharing in what should be their collective resource.