Rona Coster on Airbnb, Carnival, Street Dogs & Aruba's Future | EP 245

Send us your Questions Some people avoid controversy. Rona Coster built a reputation by walking straight into it.Known to many Arubans as the voice behind Bati Blicky, Rona joins No Filter in Paradise for a candid conversation about writing, influence, creativity, and what happens when you speak your mind on a small island where everyone knows everyone.We explore how an editor challenged her in 1992 to put her thoughts on paper, launching a writing career that would evolve into one of Aruba's most recognizable public voices. Along the way, we discuss mentorship, building a brand through consistency, handling criticism, and why details matter more than simply having a great idea.The conversation takes some unexpected turns through Star Wars, The Mandalorian, travel experiences in Africa, and the lessons those stories reveal about leadership, compassion, and personal growth.We also dive into some of Aruba's most debated topics:• How Rona became a must-read columnist and public voice• The realities of mentorship and creative consistency• The legendary Pika radio days and why a reunion would be complete chaos• Learning to handle both compliments and criticism• Carnival planning, sponsor fatigue, and parade overload• Tourism strategy and attracting higher-quality visitors• Airbnb regulation, vacation rentals, and enforcement challenges• Infrastructure concerns including roads and graywater management• Animal welfare, street dogs, and the ongoing struggle for sustainable funding• Travel lessons from Africa and why experiences matter more than comfortThis episode is a thoughtful, honest look at Aruba's challenges, opportunities, and the people willing to have difficult conversations about both.🎙️ No Filter in Paradise📍 Aruba🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.#NoFilterInParadise #RonaCoster #BatiBlicky #Aruba #ArubaPodcast #Tourism #Carnival #Airbnb #AnimalWelfare #Leadership #Travel #CaribbeanSUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL:    / @nofilterinparadise  INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/nofilterinp...