sorry... Kids are what started it...
We are a group that consists mostly of members between the age’s 15 to 50.
The Speleological Expedition Team of Aruba was founded on July 30th 1996, and SECRECY is our first and most important rule!!!!!
Aruban caves: are they for sale?
http://www.visitaruba.com/facts/newsdesk/backissues/newsletter16.html#caves
"Aruba is an ancient island: much of the diabase and diorite of the middle and north hilly part of the island was formed ca 73 million years ago. It took more then 72 million years before Aruba was reached and inhabited by man…." (source: Archeological Museum)
Today, Aruba is proud to boast part of its history, the most visited caves located on the northern tip of the island, namely- Fontein, Guadirikiri, Huliba and the Baranca Sunú (Tunnel of Love), which were also formed millions of years ago by the sea strearn and current, when the island was still under sea level. The caves even serve as a source of inspiration for some Arubans, who entertain guests on our island with fictitious tales of Indians having lived in these caves and great fantasy stories about pirates using the caves as hideouts. The fact remains however that these caves have been here before any one could claim Aruba as "theirs". These gifts of nature belong to Aruba's past, present and future generation, and must be taken care of accordingly!
The Aruba Tourism Authority was happy to learn that the caves would be taken care of by the Parke Nacional Arikok, as part of the park area. They would maintain and beautify the caves and surrounding areas. Due to an inexplicable turn of events, this decision has been revoked, instead, Aruba's caves will remain in the hands of the same vendor that has exploited these caves for years.
This means that the numerous complaints we receive by locals and visitors, expressing discontent on the management of the caves will continue...and that Aruba's patrimony will be in hands of private citizens.
See also related article (pasted below)
Speleological Expedition Team Aruba
http://www.visitaruba.com/facts/newsdesk/backissues/newsletter16.html#set
As a result of the article "Aruban caves are they for sale?" the Aruba Tourism Authority has received tremendous support from the media and non-profit organizations working towards protecting what's ours. One of these organizations is the Speleological Expedition Team.
The organization was born on July 30, 1996, when group of scouts, on a field trip, began considering the possibilities of exploring and "re-discovering" Aruba. Georgina Vrieswijk and Junior Rivero, two of the scouts, continued their quest of the real Aruba, even after the field trip. They visited among others the National Library, the National Archives and numerous older Arubans with hope, to find answers to their questions, about gold mining on the island.
Soon, Mr. Maikel Perez offered the teens assistance and they began exploring former mining sites. The group grew tremendously.
History, culture and nature lovers, under the presidency of Captain Orlando Quandt; of the Dutch Marines, donate their time to explore gold/phosphate mines and wells They also aid PNA in helping to keep the caves clean and free of vandalism and destruction