And Some "Newer" News

Detailed crime statistics are hard to come by: In 2003, the most recent year with available data, there were 4,236 crimes, though no specifics on those against tourists. According to Aruba's attorney general, five homicides were reported last year. But police have not provided a breakdown of offenses since 1995, says Martijn Balkestein of the Central Bureau of Statistics.

And, says the guidebook Frommer's Portable Aruba, a "low crime rate is the envy of nearly every other island in the region. Where else would you see tourists over 60 and women in their 20s hitchhiking without a qualm? Aruba's boomed in the past couple of decades, and the rapid changes and influx of new people have disturbed the way of life a bit. ... But you may find that you feel safer in Aruba than at home."

But the State Department's 2005 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report notes that "while Aruba enjoys a low crime rate, prominent drug traffickers are establishing themselves sporadically on the island ... drugs are easily found within walking distance of Oranjestad's cruise pier and are frequently peddled to cruise ship tourists. The expanding use of (Ecstasy) in clubs by young people attracts increasing attention."

Update: This article almost makes Aruba sound like two different places. Funny how ones judgement can be colored.

According to AVP: What is the use of having all your hotels full: while the community is not sharing in the economic development and is going through difficult times; while the majority of the private sector employees do not enjoy the benefits of a general pension; while AZV does not even cover the basic necessities in health care for our people; while our roads are in a deplorable situation; while the Government is not investing in education; while the majority of the people do not own a house; while crime is on the rise; while Aruba is mortgaged by the Government and the people are being punished by a large number of measures and there are no funds to grant the public employees an adjustment in cost-of-living increase; while some communities did not know any type of social-economic development; this is especially true for San Nicolas where the only project that this Government has executed is the expansion of the medical center, which was a project of the former Government.

Oduber, furthermore talked about the reviving of Main Street; the introduction of modern zoning and environment protection laws; the support of the police in their crime fighting role; awareness of the community as to the importance of tourism for the economy of Aruba; training, education, and knowledge enhancement of the workers in the hospitality industry; and all that is necessary for Aruba to comply with the requirements of a premier tourism destination.

Aruba isn't a premier tourism destination? Who knew ...?

Comments

[!]

http://news.caribseek.com/Aruba.shtml

So much to do ! One HAPPY ISLAND !

[!]

http://news.caribseek.com/Aruba/AM_Digital/article_16317.shtml

Oh my goodness..Someone is s%%t out of luck.

Payoff ? Hmmmm.

[gab]

we have been to Aruban several times over the past 20 yrs. and even e-mail back and forth with a hotel employee we met on holidays, birthdays etc. just to stay in touch

each trip has been delightful and everyone has been so very nice, kind, and no problems so much so that we have sent many friends and family there- we knew Aruba when there were very few high rises, a few shows, casinos, and not very popular and have seen this little island grow and blossom, again without any problems at all

so, with this in mind, IF JOREN left Natalee on the beach as he is now telling, then don't you think if anyone came upon Natalee at the beach and she was drunk, passed out, hurt as kind-hearted as most of the folks in Aruba be it an Aruban or tourist then they would help her, call the polis, take her to a hospital, back to her hotel-

most folks who walk the beach at night are in pairs- couples and I would bet IF JOREN really left her and she was in "the state of craziness" as JOREN says THEN the good hearted, kind people would have come to this girl's rescue and either gotten her back to her hotel, call for help, taken her to the hospital something~

besides IF she was that drunk and went into the water- the water is colder at night and should have made her more alert/awake- just like rolling down a window and cold air hitting your face

I would hate to think that Aruba's beaches are not safe enough that someone would not have helped this young lady out if needed~

I am beginning to think and I know innocent until proven guilty but without any other leads and the lack of the vds's coming to search for Natalee or trying to show the world Joren is innocent and offer support to Natalee's family that this burder rest on his shoulders, along with the help of his friends and family in being responsible for Natalee's disappearance~

We still maintain get JOREN his favorite alcoholic drink, put him in the prison's dark, air-conditioned room , get his buddies in there, and let him start bragging/talking about his girls, gambling, money, and that night~ swell his ego so big and being a young, spoiled teen-ager I bet he would start talking~

When we were younger at work we would always say "Loose Lips Sink Ships"

[scubajap]

I do find it very interesting that you choose to particularly look for information that will appear to denigrate Aruba in anyway possible, or sarcastically ridicule anything that is positive, such as the fact that we had an increase in tourism this year. Obviously, your site is biased; you are continully trying to diminish the image of the quality of life here in Aruba, and the efforts of the police to solve this mystery. I can see this in your choice of information imparted, and your comments. Dan, have you ever traveled to Aruba?
First, be aware this is a Caribbean island, and life is simpler here for the local people. Yes, there are two sides of life here, the tourist side, and the native side. That is the same for all Caribbean islands. The quote above is from a member of the political party AVP, the party that is out of power right now, and this is an election year. I think you will find politicians everywhere are going to criticize and point out every fault in the present administration’s policies in an attempt to get elected, certainly they do that in the states, isn’t that standard campaign procedure? I am not saying the island doesn’t have problems, what place doesn’t? However, these things do not concern a tourist on vacation; they are not concerned about the island’s health service, except as it might apply to them if they have an accident or get sick, and in that, Aruba’s is one of the finest in the Caribbean. Ask Heidi Harrel of New Jersey, a repeat visitor for over twenty years, who suffered a burst appendix while on the island. Her doctors in the states informed her that she was lucky to be alive, and it was the medical skill of Dr. Ho Kang You, now head of our hospital, which saved her. In her story that was printed in the local papers, she also reported it was the warmth and caring of the nurses and natives that helped her make it through. While her husband spent his day with her at the hospital, the housekeeping staff of the Playa Linda resort watched after her children, without any expectation of remuneration.
Aruba recently adopted a national social medical policy (which was done in the time when AVP was in power) that provides medical care for all groups, rich or poor. Just as Canada has found out, it is not the most feasible plan, and has suffered many abuses, which is creating a financial strain on the nation’s budget. Nevertheless, under this plan, the poorest family in Aruba has the same high level of medical care as the wealthiest family in Aruba.
Would you like some positive stories about the people of this island, away from the tourist track? There are plenty of those printed everyday, but I don’t see you putting them here!
Vacationers come to the islands for Sun, Sand, and Sea. They can go to Jamaica, Margarita, the Dominican Republic and other places and stay in a guarded compound and be warned by the management not to leave the premises. They can go into the native quarters and see grinding poverty, open sewage, filth in the streets, very likely will be robbed, or possibly be found with their bodies riddled with bullets like the two young men from in St. Thomas a few weeks ago. I don’t see you setting up a blog site and following that story. What happened to that case I wonder, I haven’t heard another word about it, and have you any information on that?
Why so many people have loved Aruba and returned here repeatedly over the years is not only for the three S, it is because they did not have to feel that they were prisoners in their resort compound. They have always been able travel about the island freely, dine in one of our excellent restaurants, tour our rugged north coast, snorkel at Baby Beach in San Nicolas, and feel comfortable about it. They still can, this entire affair has misrepresented and only exaggerated social problems on the island, but there is not a country in the world that does not have these problems, and Aruba has far less of it than anywhere else in the Caribbean, and certainly the states. No one says they don’t exist, but they don’t touch the island visitors, and that is as it should be, unlike other islands where once you leave your resort, it is right in your face. Ask those that have traveled to several other vacation destinations.
One thing I wish to point out about the Natalee Holoway case is that it is an extremely isolated incident. In addition, as much as I see your people tossing about rumor and speculation, it has been stated by several witnesses and her schoolmates that she got in the car WILLINGLY with those boys. I imagine she probably liked Joran, and was looking forward to a romantic interlude on her last night to make her vacation complete. There is absolutely no evidence or statements by anyone that she was forced into that car. I am not putting her down for that, she danced with him, talked with him, and probably thought he was cute, nice, a bit exotic and unfortunately, made a bad judgment. I am not saying she was a bad girl, just foolish. At her age, I made a similar foolish decision, but I was luckier, and I am sure many readers of this blog site can look back at their youth and admit they did some dumb things too.
None of this has to do with Aruba as a vacation paradise and desirable destination; it hasn’t changed in that aspect at all, only in the minds of those that care to focus on what is not “perfect” about Aruba. Aruba is not marketed as “One Perfect Island” it is One Happy Island, and that, our repeat visitors will tell you is completely true. Vacationers will be treated with a graciousness and sincere warmth as they will see few other places, and the Twitty family can confirm that. So, would you like some good stories about life in Aruba? I can provide plenty if you care to read them, or do you only care to put the island down? Is that the purpose of your comments and this blog site?

[gab]

Long time vacationers are upset that Aruba has not handled thus far handled this case effectively or successfully for the people of Aruba, the world, or more importantly Natalee's family.

I was surprised that one of the FIRST comments I heard out of Aruba was "we are worried this case/disappearance is going to affect our tourism." Not, we are going to solve this case, we are going to find out who is responsible, we are going to find this young lady!"

Therefore, one of the reasons tourist/vacationers are so very upset and as this case continues and each passing day goes by we share the same frustrations as the Holloways, we see reports from your gov't spokespersons that "murder charges could be filed as soon as Monday (July 4h) and instead of filing murder charges, your authorities release 2 suspects.

And then, how nasty Arubans were to BH for her reactions to those released. So, how would you feel if you had a child vanish in a foreign country, 3 susepcts were suppose to be charged and instead, 2 were released and could leave the country?

Aruba has made claims for many years ot e a friendly, safe island- ones of the safest in the Caribbean but yet you cannot effectively and successful give the Holloway family answers and worse yet their daughter, so yes, Aruba have you been making these claims all along of being friendly, safe, and crime-free and now the world has found out differently and with good reason?

[gab]

and how sad, it doesn't matter what your island had to offer, that is all tarnished with this case it is what can you offer now?

And what reassurance that another family doesn't get caught up in your judicial system?

And yes, we can go and have another paradise elsewhere and many have voiced their opinions concerning where they spend the money based entirely on this disappearance, reactions to the Holloway family, and the system there.

Maybe someone should hold the 3 last suspects known to be with this young lady responsible for what brought all of the attention to your country.

[Kelli]

No dimes for Aruba!!!!!!

[Justice4Nat]

Scubajap wrote " One thing I wish to point out about the Natalee Holoway case is that it is an extremely isolated incident. In addition, as much as I see your people tossing about rumor and speculation, it has been stated by several witnesses and her schoolmates that she got in the car WILLINGLY with those boys. I imagine she probably liked Joran, and was looking forward to a romantic interlude on her last night to make her vacation complete. There is absolutely no evidence or statements by anyone that she was forced into that car. I am not putting her down for that, she danced with him, talked with him, and probably thought he was cute, nice, a bit exotic and unfortunately, made a bad judgment. I am not saying she was a bad girl, just foolish. At her age, I made a similar foolish decision, but I was luckier, and I am sure many readers of this blog site can look back at their youth and admit they did some dumb things too.
Posted by: scubajap "

Well it's clear to me now, Natalee deserved to die due to her lack of good judgement. After all people should murder tourist if they're foolish enough to willingly enter the locals cars. Right?
Give me a break Scubajap, can you really just sweep this under the rug as if it wasn't a crime? True, this may be an isolated incident but it did happen and until your LE can accept that they were very negligent in the beginning and ask assistance in the case things can never be as they were. If you really want to save your islands reputation don't argue with us, argue with your government!

[gab]

Bottom line- a young lady has disappeared on Aruban soil and Aruba needs to provide the answers to the family, it's citizens, and the world!!

Yes, Aruba add this crime to your stats- like it or not the entire world knows about this one!

[andy]

I some how sense that Aruba wants all of us to regard Natalee's disappearance as one isolated event; let the suspects, whom ever they are get on with their lifes; have tourism and happiness amongst the americans continue as if nothing ever happened; and help them boost their tourism by 50% because it's everyone elses fault.

Has anyone ever looked at a crisp clean sheet, gleaning in the sun, but there's one speck of dirt on it. If there's 1,000 sq inches of clean whiteness and only 1/1,000 sq in of dirt, where do everyone's eye go - straight to the dirt, for we must clean it; everyone will notice. Now that's par with this situation - Natalee was but a speck on your entire happy island of life; the Lord works in mistery ways, doesn't he Aruba?

[Angela]

I have been sitting for all these weeks just reading and reading but now I just feel like I need to say something! I am a or was a proud american until this whole thing began, I can't beleive the hipocracy on the American people, I bet each and every one of you in every single state in America have a missing person or 5 or 10 that you or your state can't find right now, BUT Aruba is different, they are suppose to be able to find Natalee Holloway because she is different!!!!! She was a good girl, who didnt do anything wrong!!! Whatever, I read in amazement as my fellow Americans embarrass themselves time and time again, and as far as Joran is concerned, just like in the good ol USA inncoent until proven guilty. Leave the boy alone until you can find EVIDENCE not what you think, but actual to implicate him in this crime!!!!! I am with you Scubajap and will be in Aruba in August and again every year thereafter, I have always felt extremely safe there and you are absolutely correct about the "other resorts"!!!!!! Go Aruba, Keep your heads up, they'll be tired after long, Fox is already packing up!!!

[andy]

Hey FLOOR - why the stories, does Joran just like telling stories and misleading people? The Kalpoe's even admitted they lied; PvdS told the 3 not to talk, he stated - "no body, no case"; even the Chief of Polis stated in his opinion she was dead; now everyone forgets this? Are you calling us stupid? duh? What - are the Aruban authorities now threatening to blackmail us too unless tourism returns to normal and americans traveling to your island in the hundreds of thousands - remember George Bush said we don't tolerate terrorist's!

[Angela]

By the way, say what you want about C&C's but I am a happily married RN, mother of 2 boys 5 & 10 come from a christian family and have been there and had a wonderful time with my hubby on many occasions, the pics you are seeing are not everything that C&C's is, believe what you will, but don't judge until you have been.

[gab]

Even the Aruban authorities suspect the answers lie within the 3 detained suspects- so yes, there are questions to be answered!

However, with the Dutch law there are so many loopholes the suspected can jump through and go free, thus creating a low-crime society in which to live-

Dutch law needs a reality check!

[Justice4Nat]

Floor? Did I hear you say "until someone admits"? Yes, you are correct there, murderers admit to their crimes everyday especially once the investigation has been botched and the rest of the accomplices have been set free. Yes, I'm sure they're going to jump right up to the plate and admit to the crime. Yes, teenagers can be foolish and sometimes they learn the hard way and get another chance. This should be a lesson for future graduation classes that assume that they can have a fun filled celebration trip to a "safe" little island.

[Tanya]

gab that was very realistic. someone would have helped her if they saw her wandering so you have provided a very good reason why there is proof of Joran being guilty.

[Angela]

It's only the truth, everyone focuses on Natalee and what Aruba is doing wrong for some reason when I just left Walmart and seen 20 missing children under 5 years old hanging up on the board, but they are all forgotten, and it's o.k. because this is America and we are quick to look out and judge when this is right here in our own backyards.

[gab]

so Angela if this was your own child you would want us all to put up a picture in Wal-mart and just forget about "your child"

Let's be glad not everyone thinks this way!

[scubajap]

I wish to repost something that I placed on under another topic, but which many may have not seen:

****Sigh****
The vitriol I have been following on this site for the last few days is truly disheartening. People that do not live in Aruba and are not on the island living the tragedy that has come to dominate the lives of the people here are making many of their judgments on sensationalist media that is looking for ratings; often mis-reporting (which has been proven in the case as it being reported on CNN that the boys had confessed) or exaggerating. As Delores states, these tourism figures are issued every quarter and printed in the local papers, good or bad.
As for the remarks of the bartender, remember, he mostly sees drunken young people. A number of young Americans come here to party, just as they go to Mexico, Florida and the rest of the Caribbean, their behavior is sometimes outrageous, but often not. It is unfair to depict them all that way, as it is unfair to assume that all Arubians are involved in some kind of cover-up. What the people want here is to see all of this resolved. This is a very small island, and if something like this happens, the police receive a lot of assistance from the locals in tips that help to solve it. And believe me, everyone here from the PM to every person on the street would like to see it resolved quickly and justly.
The police received hundreds of phone calls over the first few days of Natalee being spotted walking around here and there on the island. Aruba has many young Dutch girls with long blond hair living here doing their internships in tourism, who could easily be mistaken for Natalee. None of them have been kidnapped or molested, so it isn’t as if it goes on all the time.
One reason that is not mentioned why the police did not immediately jail the boys, is that they are known on the island, and known not as bad kids, there was no immediate reason to think they did something wrong. Two years ago a sixteen year old girl was here on vacation WITH HER PARENTS, and when the day to leave had arrived, she was not to be found. A search was being mobilized when the girl came walking in the door a day later to get some clean clothes after going on “an adventure” with some guy. This is not as rare an occurrence as you might think, in the past, a number of women (of all ages by the way, teenagers have not cornered the market on partying) have not made their flights, not been at their hotels for check-out, and in every case it has been because they were out having too good a time, and turned up soon after. The law here requires 48 hours before a person is considered missing in a hazardous situation, and from their experience many police figured Natalee would come walking in any day or be found alive and well and enjoying herself. Why smear the name of an honor student by a premature arrest? I am not saying Joran is innocent, in my eyes his lies are suspicious, particularly the addition of throwing guilt on the typical “anonymous black person,” but this may help some people understand why the police were not so quick to act like a violent crime has been committed. It is such a rare occurrence, and truthfully, their has never been a girl gone completely missing like this before, so it is not unreasonable for them to assume she was just out having fun, as that is the norm.
If the Judges feel the prosecution has concrete evidence to convict Joran van der Sloot, he will go to prison. By the way, the decision on the brothers was made by a judge from Curacao. All the hearings now take place in front of a judge from outside of Aruba to quell the accusations of partiality.
I am not trying to convince anyone to come to Aruba if you don't care to, a vacation decision is a very subjective thing, and you want to go somewhere where you will feel comfortable and have a good time. But don't make your decision on unsubtantiated rumor, and don't do it just to punish the good people of Aruba for the actions of a few. Yes,over 70% of the population depend on tourism for their livlihood,but even those that don't came out in the hundreds and brought their families to get cut up searching through the cactus and scrub for this missing child, attend mass everyday to pray for her, and have contributed the wares from their stores, meals in their restaurants, money and time to assist in the search. If you are not here and see what is really happening, you don’t really know. Whatever gets to you is filtered for what it will do for the ratings, and what will make an interesting story. The day to day efforts of the people to help the Holloway family are usually ignored. It has all been done because their hearts go out to Beth Twitty, and we understand her desperation and pain. We also understand her inflammatory remarks were the statement of a mother that is suffering for the loss of her daughter, and can be forgiven, but what about all the nasty posts by uninvolved parties that aren't living this nightmare? How do you think hard working people that were asleep in their beds when it all happened, who work everyday to make all our island visitors feel more than welcome, respond when they get slammed like that? How would you feel to be insulted by people you don't know, that don't know you?
I am sorry for this post being so long, but there are so many issues here that are rarely addressed, or at least not reasonably.
I am speaking as an American that has lived in Aruba for 25 years, and the mother of a 21 year old daughter and 13 year old son, born and raised here.

[bobup]

Tourist stats are a joke, money laundering will show hotels full even if empty, big profit's from casino's even if no one is there, these ghost tourist don't spend money in aruba. A BOYCOTT is an effective means of putting pressure on the Aruban government. Aruban's need to stand up to their leadership now and demand justice for Natalee

[gab]

and take a look at what tourist are now coming back and reporting-

http://www.nataleeholloway.net/forum_posts.asp?TID=614&PN=1&TPN=1

Aruba wants this to go away but it is not for a very very long time~ your island is tarnished and all becasue of 3 young men, who don't know how to tell the truth and who have willingly and freely admitted to being the last one with a young lady who has disappeared n Aruban soil-

Many eyes are watching and waiting Aruba- how very sad and tragic for your country and citizens

[bobup]

the van der sloot's know now get off your ass and do something about it

[gab]

The Aruban authorities already have the suspected behind bars- just keep him there and add a few more, get your confessions, and this will all be over- really not a difficult task at hand, as it successfully happens everyday around the world in many countries-
Aruba just needs to learn how it is done effectively and successfully-

[Waiting for results!]

Let's just assume that one of Joran's stories is true, he left her passed out on the beach after being intimate with her. As we know that's exactly how young men are taught to treat women, right? So, after leaving her on the beach Natalee met up with yet another Aruban fate worse that Joran? What rotten luck she had on that small, safe island.

[disappointedinUS]

so Angela if this was your own child you would want us all to put up a picture in Wal-mart and just forget about "your child"

Let's be glad not everyone thinks this way!

Posted by: gab | July 9, 2005 10:13 AM

GAB,

Have you opened a blog or did Dan open a blog to protest about the missing children in your country? Or have the media in US been putting attention to these missing children?

Nat is gone, alive or dead, and that is extremely bad and sorrowfull for her parents, but the way you are behaving on this blog for missing Natalee is like this is the only American girl gone missing.

Probably you people are so frustrated with your lives overthere that you have nothing else to do but sit behind your pc to write garbage.

I agree 100% with scubajab's reply to Dan. Dan you protrait yourselves as a frustrated man who couldn't become what he wanted and now has a chance for the attention he always wanted and by being negative he's sure the blog will continue to exist.

Happy b'day for yesterday Dan, thought you would be more possitive about your life.

[scubajap]

"Floor? Did I hear you say "until someone admits"? Yes, you are correct there, murderers admit to their crimes"
Really? Who admits to their crimes-OJ Simpson? Scott Petersen? Michael Jackson? just to stick to the current news. It is a fact in the legal system ANYWHERE, including the states, that unless you have the killer cold, they will contend their innocence. (They are advised to by their lawyers!) and get off even in the states, when there is overwhelming circumstantial evidence.(again OJ case, but there are others) People here post like every person on this island controls the judicial system. What do you as individuals have to do with the decision in the OJ trial? should the world take you all to task for that? Or how about the Sam Shepard Case, where the man spent years in prison and was finally proved innocent? I am not saying I think the suspects are innocent, but are you going to blame everyone on the island for their actions and the decision of the court? Or you going to equate the statement of one person about their concern for the effect on their livihood, as a total disregard by the entire population for Beth Twitty's suffering? Even the Twitty family doesn't, as was stated on the radio by Paul Reynolds yesterday. Don't forget, you don't hear everything, you only hear with makes good, controversial copy and ratings.
I certainly agree that what has happened to Natalee is terrible, and certainly don't mean to imply that she deserved her fate. I only wished to make a point about the posts putting forward that she was forced into the car and kidnapped. The statements of many of her classmates and several witnesses definitely discounts that. Whatever happened after that is pure conjecture. Yes, the boys lied, but that is not enough to get them convicted, and the law forces here are working around the clock to try and make a case against them. Simply because they were taken into custody does not make them guilty, and because the brothers were released at this time does not make them innocent. In the opinion of a judge from Curacao, there is just not enough evidence to hold them at this time.

[Susana]

I can't believe the comment.. "Blowing things out of proportion.." In the case of NH. Obviously those of you who have written this comment probably AREN'T parents, and probably ARE from Aruba.. I think a human life..even ONE human life is something to take note of. Especially someone, being NH, who obviously TRUSTED someone on this 'safe, happy, island' to show care and concern, not disrespect, and disregard.

[bobup]

cruise lines to contact to voice our concern's Italian Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Costa Line, Sitmar Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Chandris Line, Sun Line, Royal Cruise Line, Majestic Cruise Line, and the Russian Black Sea Shipping Co.

[Justice4Nat]

Floor, that's what we call sarcasm. Criminals hardly ever admit to their crimes. My point exactly. The USA does not want the Aruban people to pay for this crime but we do want justice. I guess our definitions of crime are just too different. However, I would like to have just one islander admit that they feel that their LE botched this investigation. At the word of Joran and his gang two innocent men were arrested. After two days the LE knew that one of the men had a sure alibi. At that point the three finger pointers should have been detained again for questioning. Finger nails should have been scraped, clothing taken, cars impounded and bodies searched for wounds. Why did your LE wait 10 days? Why were these guys given the opportunity to clean up after their "possible" crime? WHY?? Anyone would admit that this was either investigative inexperience, botched or a cover up.

[Rachel]

Why do all of you insist on Country Bashing? For one tiny little second all of you need to put yourself, American or Aruban, in the Holloways shoes. This is not about politics!! It is about answers. Answers all of you would demand if it were your child too. And Angela you are sadly mistaken if you think those kids in WalMart went missing in the same manner as Natalee. Most were taken by a noncustodial parent or they are runaways. Maybe next time you should really read the flyers if you care so much. To say you are not proud to be an American because of this case. That is disgusting. Your sister is missing lady!!! And the last people she was seen with have lied repeatedly. If this happened here you know as well as I do they would have been investigated immediatley and we would know the truth by now. You might want to ponder longer before making statements like that.

[moey]

Scubajap and Rachel

I don't think anyone is bashing the country of Aruba. IMO I think everyone is frustrated with the polis handling of the situation from day one. I know things are different in different countries, however, forensics should be gathered as expeditiously as possible no matter what country you are from UNLESS there is something to hide. I understand tourism is the main legal economy on the island, but trying to sweep this under the rug as a 'runaway girl' without any evidence is not reasonable.

And that's the big problem--There is absolutely no physical evidence of Natalee having been anywhere after packing her bags in her hotel room. No glasses/cans/containers nothing that was found with her fingerprints, hair, mucus, skin, etc., in the car, C&C, lighthouse, beach. There apparently is not a TRACE of her anywhere. Now that should speak volumes about what most likely happened to her. A couple of teenagers and a 21-year-old are not sophisticated enough in cleaning up 'something bad happened' to be able to obliterate any trace of Natalee at these locations, IMO.

I personally do not think Joran did her any harm intentionally. I think there was some sort of event which needed 'taken care of' and that's where PVDS and his friends came in to help.

I believe they all hold certain keys to what occurred, but unfortunately they have lied so much I don't know how they are going to be believed in the future.

Natalee did not deserve whatever happened to her, she did assume a risk, but she didn't deserve this, nor does her family. Nor, does Aruba, but until those involved come clean and just tell the plain truth of what occurred, everyone will have lots of heartache.

My prayers are with all the families of this tragedy.

[sleuth]

I see the American bashers are alive and well and furiously typing away today. Just tell me one thing, please! How is your anger towards people wanting Natalee found, helping her situation? Ya know, it isn't.

You are entitled to your opinion. I am just tired of reading your opinion. This is not about your opinion. It is about a lost girl. And yet all you want to do is attack. Some of you are Americans attacking Americans. That sucks.

I am not reading any more of this garbage.

I wish Joran VDS on all of you as your new co-worker, your new neighbor, your new son-in-law, your new insight into depravity.

[Sierra Blanca]

You said "Funny how one's judgement [sic] can be colored." Unfortunate choice of words?

[tideroller]

Bobup - Here's my view on boycotting Aruba:
I have a few ideas for those that have mentioned boycotting Aruba. The Kalpoe mother was fired because tourists couldn't enjoy their meals while looking at her. Those tourists that insisted they couldn't find enjoyment in eating there if they had to look at the Kalpoe mother fixing their food may not have realized it, but they were carrying out a "mini-boycott". See how quickly that situation was resolved? I am not saying either way, but could a boycott of Aruba not be the most humane solution for all involved? After all, with a boycott, it probably would not take long for Natalee's family to get their "answers". Because people who have hitherto been scared to speak up would then feel emboldened to come forward. Natalee could be home soon. The Holloway-Twitty's would leave the island. Aruba would recuperate its good name and the good people of Aruba might even be able to get rid of some of the corrupt individuals running their judicial/ LE systems! Everybody wins, including and ESPECIALLY the good Arubans. Maybe not such a bad idea.

[NewYorkCityGirl]

Rachel,

No, it has never been about politics.

As it has never been about a real investigation of Natalee Holloway's disappearance.

What place has politics or law on Aruba? This show is about protecting the tourist image of Aruba, at any cost, so that the business interests - which are substantially American - can get on with life on the happy island.

And, let's not pretend that shocks us. The Arubas of the world are among our oldest business models, which is why Aruba insists America come to its senses.

It's another day in paradise. No time for messy criminal investigations.

So, FORGET Aruba, there is nothing to appeal to there.

[ztriggz]

I wonder if Joran disappeared suddenly.
How long would they search for him?

Or would they just say, well we don't have any evidence of a crime.
"He got drunk and some american woman left him on the beach..."

[CancunGirl]

ztriggz:
Yes, and don't send the F-16's from Holland yet, he may appear in a crack house in a week or two!

[tracker]

It is now apparent that the suspicions and fears of a potential cover up are well founded.

The people of aruba do-not recognize that a crime could have been committed in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. Numbers of them have stated, including during a call in radio show to BHT that Natalee was not kidnapped. That she went 'willingly' with three males in the early morning hours and that means that whatever happened to her was her fault. No aruban could have been responsible, or involved.

The polis investigation has been incompetent, with 'suspects' repeatedly released for 'lack of evidence.' I don't give a d - - n if its America or aruba, released for lack of evidence indicates that the investigation is going nowhere.

Natalee's disappearance will be 'resolved,' (not solved) by an aruban judicial determination that insufficient evidence has been presented to prove that a crime has been committed.

The only way Americans can make their disgust with this mess recognized is to Boycott Aruba.

I will do so.

"Justice" will not be done in this case.

[Terry]

Thank you for your comments Rachel. Yes, if you take the time to look, most of those fliers at Wal Mart are of chilren taken by the non-custodial parent or run aways.
I have posted my thoughts on this case several times and I cannot seem to get through to some of the people that are taking this as an all out confrontation between two countries. They (on both the Aruban and U.S.A. side) keep coming back to pointing out the fallacies of both countries. Isn't enough that we are going through very difficult times worldwide? Why can't we try to look at each other's differences and accept them for what they are. After all, we can all learn from each other. The reason I have stayed and read all the posts here is that I am fascinated with different points of view from different cultures and different countries.
I was raised in two totally different countries both politically and culturally apart. As a result, it has made me learn that there is NOT ONE WAY to think or to do things and that two or more heads put together are better than one. We all have different ideas and speculations on this case; by reading all posts (whether you agree or disagree with the opinions voiced) you will find that you will become aware of many ways of attacking a problem but with the same positive result at the end!

[wreck]

Just my gut feeling -- Joran will be released come Tuesday and an anonymous tip will lead to Natalee's body within 24 hours of such time. Case over - no justice but at least she is returned.

[Terry]

I hope you are right and that we finally have closure on the case. Still, the person (s) responsible for this terrible act MUST experience some type of punishment relative to their involvement in this crime.

comment to wreck's statement

[mrsJimiHendrix]

SLEUTH

WHERE ARE YOU?

YOU WERE LOOKING FOR ME LAST NIGHT

(HINT HINT)

[bobup]

Stupidyank: and we have better intel on this one

[mrsJimiHendrix]

FLA STATE UNIVERSITY DIVERS
SEARCHING UNDERWATER CAVERNS
IN ATLANTIC

JUST ANNOUNCED ON FOXNEWS

[gab]

Positive thoughts and prayers the dive team is able to search the waters and find some answers for the Holloway family so that they may find peace with this sad event~

[sleuth]

Thank you Mrs. Jimi...I get it, I get it! Glad you didn't disappear in a purple haze or anything.

[David Long]

This whole case reeks of conspiracy. I know, “innocent until proven guilty,” is the right thing to say, but I don’t care what any of you say, were there is smoke there is a FIRE given this fact, Joran, the Kalpoe brothers and Joran’s neighbor S.G.C, ARE guilty, and his father is too. His father is guilty for trying to cover it up and abetting a murder and gang rape. His dad just happens to be in a great position to cover up the murder. How convenient for Joran. You don’t think his father has connections with people high up in the Aruba government that would help him to cover up his son’s actions? Yeah right. No doubt, if Joran had been the son of Joe Blow, the crime would have been investigated and solved.

I'm not an Aruba basher, but I really think if this would have been handled more aggressively from the beginning more evidence might have been turned up. I have never seen such an uncaring police force and government in a free world, in my life. Why is Paul still being paid by the government?

Aruba police have been straying from normal procedures, and it definitely looks sketchy. Even Joran’s mother said that they should never have released her son from police custody after he was initially arrested for questioning. This is his own mother saying this. I had actually planned on taking a trip to Aruba with a large group of friends, and what has come out of all of this that there a gangs like the “PIMPS”, running around having their way in the Island with police and judicial protection and gang raping tourist, and in premeditated rape and murder. Is this a safe place for college students to go? It’s a real shame that the rest of Aruba must suffer for those few people who are giving it a bad name. If these kids and their father are not convicted and put away for a long. The Aruba government should seriously consider whether covering up for these people is worth ruining their economy, and running American’s out. This is all in my opinion, and you can believe what you want, but so can I and I think that Joran and his buddies are guilty, and his father and his government “buddies” are helping and hoping to cover it up.

The people of the United States will not rest until we know the whole truth about Natalee, and do not fear. Beth Twitty is a determined woman who wants her daughter back and she won't quit until ALL of the suspects are charged and put behind bars.