Business View Caribbean | August 2022

24 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 9, ISSUE 8 conversation with Herrick Henriquez, Director of the Aruba Trade & Industry Association, where he shared valuable insights about business development in Aruba and how ATIA continues to be a strong voice for its members. BVC: Could you start by sharing some background history of ATIA? Henriquez: “The Aruba Trade & Industry Association is an employers’ organization that was formed 77 years ago, on June 17, 1945, by several business people who came together as more of a lobbying group. It started, basically, as a voice for business in Aruba at a time when not everybody had access to the government. Throughout the years, ATIA also started partnering with other organizations in the Caribbean. “Today, ATIA is the longest standing employers’ organization in Aruba and the only employers’ organization on the island that is officially recognized by the ILO (International Labour Association) and the IOE (International Organization of Employers). We’re also part of the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC) based in Trinidad and Tobago. “In 2020, ATIA’s Director at the time, decided to pursue a new career. I was working at the Central Bank of Aruba when this opportunity came up, and I felt that I could help the economy better in this position than at the Central Bank. AT A GLANCE ARUBA TRADE & INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (ATIA) WHAT: The leading advocacy organization representing Aruban businesses WHERE: Base in Oranjestad, Aruba WEBSITE: http://atiaruba.org/