ORANJESTAD – Waiting impatiently backstage at the Plaza Betico Croes took me all the way back to 2005 when I introduced my first book ‘Beyond Insanity.’ That was the last time I felt so nervous. When it was finally time to recite my poem “Awa den Biña” dedicated to Aruba’s first female Prime Minister I felt my hands shaking and I knew I lacked grip on my voice before saying a word. I asked the audience to bear with me as I paced myself to be part of one of the most precious moments in Aruban history. Press play (text of poem below).

ORANJESTAD — From the first moment I heard the recording of an original waltz composed from scratch by Aruban musician Chris Kross, I was left in awe.