I just read this on aruba.com:
Author: Aruba is Great! (162.71.232.---)
Date: 07-25-05 02:16
Just want to give a shout out to the wonderful
people down in Aruba.
I for one think it is commendable for Aruba to put up this discussion board to talk about Natalee Holloway!
I would also like to assure the Arubans on this board that American's have kind feelings for them and have only heard wonderful reports on the citizens of Aruba.
The criticism most of us have made in this matter is not directed at your country in general but at police chief Van Der Straten.
We are concerned about the conflict of interest he had in this case which required the investigation of his best friend's son.
His 10 day delay in collecting evidence, searching the homes and cars of the three main suspects may result in this case never being solved.
He had no problem with "rushing in like a cowboy" when they arrested the two security guards or leaking to the press that they were linked to some bloody mattress. As it turns out, their only crime was being poor while black.
Now on to my main question that I hope one of our Aruban friends might be able to answer.
Is Aruba's Low Crime Rate an Urban Myth?
The statement that Aruba has a low crime rate has become an almost daily mantra. So I decided to check for myself.
I was amazed to find that no statistics are available and it seems like they haven't been published for years. I wonder if they even keep statistics? If they are going to market their island to tourists with the claim that it is much safer there than other Caribbean locations, shouldn't they make these statistics available?
If there are crime statistics I wonder if our Aruban readers could make them available.
If there are no crime statistics being collected. I really think that Arubans should impress upon their government the need to have them.
Thanks
Love & Peace
Out
Joe