A special ceremony took place Monday afternoon in the Dakota neighborhood, where Shimarukustraat was officially renamed Caya Jose Maria “Jo” Dania in honor of a longtime community figure.
Jose Maria “Jo” Dania, who passed away at the age of 102 in 2022, was a well-known and respected figure in Dakota. According to speakers at the ceremony, his influence extended far beyond his own family. His home was always open to young people, children and neighborhood residents who needed guidance or support.
President of Parliament Marlon Sneek described Jo Dania as a true pillar of Dakota who also helped make the neighborhood known beyond its borders.
“Today we see Shimarukustraat being named Caya Jose Maria ‘Jo’ Dania, a pillar of this neighborhood, a pillar who lived to the age of 102,” Sneek said.
According to Sneek, Jo Dania played an important role in the community as a respected figure who was always willing to guide young people and families.
Sneek recalled that Jo Dania viewed the neighborhood as one big family, where people could count on his guidance and experience. He also noted that people from other neighborhoods would come to Dakota to enjoy the famous fries Jo Dania prepared.
Proud of the recognition
Joan Dania, Jose Maria Dania’s granddaughter, said the family was extremely happy to witness the occasion, even though her grandfather could not be there.
“I am very happy to be here for this, especially since my grandfather is no longer with us, but I know he is very happy in heaven,” Joan said.
One of Joan’s fondest memories of her grandfather is connected to the famous “frios” he used to prepare. She said Jo Dania taught her how to make them, and she helped prepare and sell them for a period of time.
Beyond his “frios”, Joan remembered her grandfather as someone who always kept his door open to others. According to her, schoolchildren would often visit Jo Dania for help with their schoolwork, texts and questions.
“All the children would always come to my grandfather for that,” she said.
Irshkienne Desabrida, Jose Maria Dania’s great-granddaughter, also expressed the family’s pride during the ceremony. She said the family is very proud and that they never imagined he would receive such recognition.
For the family, Jo Dania living to the age of 102 was a great blessing. Several family members live in the Netherlands, meaning not everyone could be present to celebrate his birthday each year. For this ceremony, however, they made every effort to attend, although not everyone was able to be there.
The family expressed its gratitude to the people of Aruba and everyone who helped make the recognition possible. With the renaming of Shimarukustraat, the memory of Jose Maria “Jo” Dania will remain closely connected to Dakota, the neighborhood that played an important role in his life and where his legacy continues to live on in the memories of its residents.
