Aruba to reopen "Small Warf " for Venezuelan produce boats

ORANJESTAD – The Aruban government is preparing to reopen the "Waf Chiquito" or Small Warf pier in downtown Oranjestad to once again welcome Venezuelan boats bringing fresh fruits and vegetables directly to the island. This according to Noticia Impacto. 

Prime Minister Mike Eman announced that the historic pier will be refurbished as part of the gradual restoration of commercial ties between Aruba and Venezuela.

Under the plan, Venezuelan boats will once again be able to sell fresh produce directly to Aruban consumers, reviving a tradition that many residents have long hoped to see return because of the freshness and variety of the products.

According to Juan Gotopo, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism of La Vela, Waf Chiquito operated as an open-air market from around 1950, allowing Venezuelan fruit boats to sell directly to customers, similar to Curaçao's floating market.

The initiative comes as Aruba prepares to restore commercial flights with Venezuela after a seven-year suspension. The first flights are scheduled to begin on August 1, initially operating twice a week.

Eman acknowledged that operational challenges remain before the first flight, but said coordination with the Venezuelan authorities continues to move forward positively.