Natalee Holloway - Case Discussion Extended Thread 6

Various News Outlets | 07/08/05

[TexKat]

Mountain Brook High School graduate Natalee Holloway went missing May 30 during a senior trip to Aruba. AP photo

[Rippersnapper]

They have pretty much covered every inch of where they were allowed to look.

Do you happen to know what areas they are not allowed to look?

[GarySpFc]

From Riehl World View:

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."

My comment. It appears the Happy Island does not believe in reporting crime.

[cajungirl]

Yep, the anti american stance was there from the gitgo.

Funny their concern for human rights doesn't keep them from locking a person up for half a year without a charge. We couldn't do that.

I am always struck by those who criticize US for "human rights" who are fascists in their own country.

[toldyou]

I found this on "Top 95." This is written by an American travel agent to someone in Aruba. Notice that in referring to "crack addicts," in Aruba, she said, "there are like 2 on the entire island." Also, note the part about, "less tourists in my way, plus less stupid people."
I wonder what her employer would say if he/she saw this letter! I did not correct spacing, punctuation, etc. I did divide it into paragraphs since it was one long paragraph.




"View of an American"

Hi Amy,
I just wanted to say thank you for all the info and the site for Natalee.You going out of your way to post the info and pictures is typical of what I have
found of your beautiful island and it's people.

I am a travel agent from New York (looking to pursue
career as a police officer ,ironically enough).I have been to Aruba 5 times.I actually just returned from my vacation there.I arrived on June 3rd .I had a fabulous time other than the obvious sadness.I was also so impressed by the reactions of your government when they gave workers half the day off to search. I have traveled a lot and know there are not many places that would do that-(if any).

I feel so close to this case ,maybe because years ago in my younger day I went to C and C and "partied like a rock star "every night and ended up leaving with a guy who seemed safe. Thank God he didnt have a car. We walked to the beach and he was a gentleman. People who judge have never been in that position. I am a very level headed person who was in my twenties at the time. I shouldve really known better especially because I come from NY , but after feeling so safe in the environment , and because we had hung out a couple of evenings ,I let my guard
down.It can happen-I dont do things like that normally !

Anyway ,the other reasons I am touched by this case ,I guess ,are because I know these places very well that are being shown on TV. We stayed 2 doors down from the Holiday Inn,while "Aruba Today" was asking for volunteers. I wouldve volunteered(in hindsight ,I wish I had) ,but we were with our friends who had never been so I was playing tour guide,however we did our own searches.This whole thing has really just hit close to my heart.My heart breaks for the family.

While I was there I kept trying to interpret the Aruba tv and radio,as it is more up to date and based on facts-versus cnn and fox who are getting misinformation.They are also trying to sensationalize everything! Please Cnn with -"the crackhouses of Aruba"..if you saw it the person offers a shot of his wine to the reporter .Like I have pointed out to people,where else do you know that a crack addict will share his cheap wine? and puh-lease there are like 2 on the entire island .Long Island , Ny has one on every corner ,even in the good areas.I love Aruba so much !It is as close to paradise as possible.

I also want to apologize for the ignorance on the part of my fellow Americans.It irks me to hear all the crapola about "boycott Aruba" etc. From what I am seeing of my clients (with half a brain),it hasnt hurt their image or
changed their minds.We are still getting inquiries like always.If anyone doesnt want to go now,-good,thats less tourists in my way next year..plus less stupid
people that you have to deal with,too ;-)

Please ,if and when you hear anything new if you have time ,please drop me a line. I would appreciate it. Thank you for your time.Oh and by the way..are you
Arubagirl?


Michele

[Andy'smom]

"Do you happen to know what areas they are not allowed to look?"

The VDS home and yard. Weren't they turned away at the Kalpoe's, too?

[GarySpFc]

Do you happen to know what areas they are not allowed to look?

What an absured statement. The fact that they are being prevented from looking everywhere on the island tells us the Arubans don't give a damn about Natalee, the Holloways-Twitty's, and the safety of tourists. The likes of John Merryweather are sorry excuses for human beings.

[toldyou]

Sorry, I did mean for my previous post #244 to also be addressed to "ALL."

[Rippersnapper]

I thought the Kalpoe's misunderstood them and thought they wsanted interviews and when they realized what they wanted to do, allowed to enter. Not sure on the Sloot's, there was some post about them not even being at their home because someone broke on of their windows or some sort of vandalism.

[cajungirl]

Dont you just hate it when some bimbo apologises for the ignornance of her fellow Americans. Damn, I hate self loathing Americans.

All this apologising to the Arubans, etc, is really something. They do depend on our dollars. Of course the drug trade does support the island but they need tourists there to provide cover, jobs,nice hotels and for the casinos. Hard to money launder without those businesses and casinos.

[VRWCer]

To have such a friend, you must be a very special person, indeed! (Birds of a feather, you know!) She has my complete and total respect and admiration, along with my tears and sympathy. What a Steel Magnolia she is! She is as beautiful inside as she is outside, and my heart just breaks when I look at her. Please tell her, for me, that she has yet another fellow American praying hard for her and her daughter, and supporting her 100%. I believe, with all my heart, that God will see that justice is done, in His time. He never fails us.

[pollyannaish]

Exactly. At the time, I hoped it was just a statement from someone who was feeling defensive about mistakes. I was willing to let it go. But in most ways it has gone downhill from there.

[HoHoeHeaux]

Fox reporting EquaSearch is leaving on Tuesday unless something breaks. They are saying "she may never be found."

I hate that they are having to give up.

[cajungirl]

If Beth H had not gone there with friends and husband, and if she had not gotten in the press, this would have been long over. All the boys would have never been arrested. A murder would have never appeared in their statistics. It would be old news after a week.

It makes you wonder, how much does this happen? How many women, onn their last nites, get raped. I think rape may be common but murder not as common. I still think it was an accidental killing. Surely, casual killing does not happen. That would cause too much press.

[over3Owithabrain]

Arubans don't give a damn about Natalee, the Holloways-Twitty's, and the safety of tourists.

I would encourage you to tone down the wild hyperbole. Even BHT came out and apologized for her overly emotional and distracting and even potentially libelous comments. Obviously, you have every right to express your frustration here, but I don't see it as being constructive or wise. You claim expert status on this case, but cheered BHT on when she made remarks that even she now regrets. You're crazy if you think that little island doesn't care about the tourists. Something like this happens in the US commonly and everywhere in the world. I know you won't listen to what I'm saying and you will likely go on a "I don't know the facts" rant, but so far you have nothing but emotion to base your silly comments about Aruba on, and a lot of internet rumors and FoxNews hype. Thereis NO body and thus a difficult case. You can reject this post but I hope others read it and use more discretion than you.

[cajungirl]

I don't agree with your post.

And your tone.

[over3Owithabrain]

Fine by me - how's your hero Wilbanks by the way?

[mombonn]

Someone said once, that "a mother is the strongest educator, either for or against crime."

LOL, how true!

Years ago, my son forged my signature when he was in middle school. All of a sudden, he had trouble sleeping.

Out of the blue, he asked me if I'd love him, "no matter what".

I had no idea why he'd ask such a question, but used OJ Simpson as an example. I told him that IF OJ was guilty (this was before the trial), that I'd expect him to tell the truth, not hide behind a good lawyer, and that I'd love him no matter what.

He has become a superb young man, after dealing with the forgery.

[toldyou]

You're right!

[GarySpFc]

It makes you wonder, how much does this happen? How many women, onn their last nites, get raped. I think rape may be common but murder not as common. I still think it was an accidental killing. Surely, casual killing does not happen. That would cause too much press.

I know for a fact some of the cruise lines warn those disembarking on Aruba that the locals are known to rape and rob tourists on their last evening on the island. How many women would want to miss their ship leaving and remain on the island dealing with unsymphatic and deaf police?

When I was in the university several years ago I had a classmate from Aruba. His stories of wild parties and hitting on the tourists have been confirmed.

[cajungirl]

Gutter fighter, eh?