Official Statement On The Disappearance Of Natalee Holloway
Updated: July 6, 2005
In response to the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, the Government of Aruba and the Aruba Tourism Authority pledge their full support and cooperation to Ms. Holloway’s family.
A thorough investigation has been underway for several weeks now with the support of both local and international authorities. The massive island-wide search is taking place on land and sea. Both the FBI and Dutch police have sent in experts to work in conjunction with local law enforcement authorities. Currently, Texas EquuSearch, a non-profit organization from the U.S., whose purpose to provide volunteer horse mounted search and recovery for lost and missing persons, are also on island aiding in the search for Natalee. The Dutch Marines, Aruba Search and Rescue Teams and Coast Guard, who have provided helicopters to search from the air, have provided additional assistance. Concerned Aruban citizens have also joined the national search efforts along with Americans residing on the island and tourists.
This comes as a shock to Aruba where crime against tourists is almost non-existent. Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean and a favorite amongst travelers with a repeat visitor rate of 40%, the highest of any Caribbean destination.
The island extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to Ms. Holloway’s family and friends for a positive outcome.
About Aruba:
- Aruba is one of the only islands in the Caribbean with US pre-clearance facilities (Customs and Immigration) at Queen Beatrix International Airport Aruba.
- Thousands of visitors, about 40%, from around the world return to the island each year, in fact 30% of Aruba’s room inventory are timeshare units.
- Aruba has one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean with an average income of US $22,000 (Central Bank of Aruba, 2004).
- The island has a literacy rate of 97% (Central Bank of Aruba, 2004).
- Aruba’s unemployment rate is 7% (Central Bank of Aruba, 2004).