Natalee Holloway Update – Poster and Local News Reaction

 

Natalee Holloway’s parents have issued this poster. Pray for her.

Nataleeholloway

Here is the official announcement from the Aruba Tourism Authority.

Aruba Tourism image

Here are some articles from the local papers in Aruba. Look in the “READ THE REST OF THE ENTRY” for full text.

Official Statement as of June 3rd, 2005

Prime Minister’s Statement

Diarioaruba.com Aruba daily newspaper in Papiamento (lots of pictures)

Aruban Authorities Reject More U.S. Help In Finding Missing Teen

Mom of Teen Missing in Aruba Issues Plea, State Department Says It’s Helping

Observations of a Misfit has some great information on the story, very good insight into the issues of caves on the island.

Official Statement as of June 3rd, 2005

In response to the disappearance of American 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 is underway with the support of both local and international authorities. Hundreds of concerned Aruban citizens have also joined search efforts along with Americans residing on island and tourists. The massive island-wide search is taking place on land and sea. Aruba Search and Rescue Teams, Dutch Marines, and Coast Guard, who have provided helicopters to assist the investigation from the air, are aiding in efforts.

The island extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to Ms. Holloway’s family and friends for a positive outcome. No additional information is available at this time.

Prime Minister’s Statement

Prime Minister Statement Regarding Natalee Holloway

Updated: June 3, 2005

Good afternoon.

On behalf of the government and people of Aruba, I would like to first and foremost pledge our full support and utmost dedication to the family of Natalee Holloway. We are behind the search effort and doing all we can to assist the local and international authorities.

We are shocked and completely distressed at this turn of events. Aruba’s police force and international authorities are doing everything in their power to find Natalee.

A thorough investigation is underway with the support of both local and international authorities. Hundreds of concerned Aruban citizens have also joined search efforts along with Americans residing on island and tourists. The massive island-wide search is taking place both on land and sea. Aruba Search and Rescue Teams, Dutch Marines, and Coast Guard, who have provided helicopters to assist the investigation from the air, are also aiding in efforts.

The government of Aruba has always made the safety and well being of our visitors a top priority. Learning the news of Natalee’s disappearance on our island left us all in a state of shock and disbelief.

Aruba has very strong ties to the United States, over half a million visitors came from the USA last year. We will not tolerate any activities that harm our American friends or tarnishes Aruba’s reputation.

We are blessed to be an island with very low crime rate and are grateful that the coverage of this incident thus far has reflected that. But again, right now the only thing that is important is bringing Natalee home to her family.

I know I speak for us all when I say the heart of the Aruban community is with the family and friends of Natalee during this difficult time. The outpouring of community support has been overwhelming and I do not expect that to stop until we have answers.

My request to the people of Aruba is to continue to provide tips, regardless of how small the information might seem, to the police. You do not have to provide your name. Please call 587 6222 with any and all leads.

Most important, we must all keep Natalee and her family in our thoughts and prayers.

Diarioaruba.com Aruba daily newspaper in Papiamento

Hoben Mericano keto bay perdi sin ningun rastro 

Awe Diabierna ta cinco dia cu e mucha muher Mericano Natalee Holloway di 18 aà ±a ta perdi sin ningun rastro, desapareci como si fuera ta tera a trague.

 

Autoridadnan di Aruba a tene un accion grandi di buskeda ayeramerdia, totalmente en vano, como cu no a haya nada cu lo por a duna si quiera un indicacion di destino di e hoben.

Mientrastanto su desaparicion a bira noticia na Merca y nomber di Aruba ta wordo menciona den tur prensa. Un suplica ta bay na cualkier hende cu por sa di e mucha aki o cu tin informacion tocante e caso pa tuma contacto cu Polis na 100 o 587-62222.

 Por favor, laga nos tur duna un man pa yuda entrega Natalee sano y salvo back na su famia.

Aruban Authorities Reject More U.S. Help In Finding Missing Teen (AP)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Authorities on the island of Aruba say they don’t need any more help from the FBI than it’s already providing in the search for a missing 18-year-old Alabama girl.

The 18-year-old was last seen getting in a car leaving a nightclub early Sunday morning in Aruba.

The mother of Natalee Holloway had urged the island’s Dutch government to request more direct help from the United States. But Aruba’s attorney general says local authorities don’t need it.

Meantime, Aruba’s coast guard began searching surrounding waters as part of the effort to find the missing teen.

Her passport was found in her hotel room after she disappeared Monday. She was on the last day of a trip to celebrate her graduation from high school.

Holloway took the five-day trip with more than 130 other graduating seniors and adults after her May 24 graduation. She has been missing since Sunday. Other students said she never showed up for the group’s return flight Monday.

Police and volunteers are scouring beaches and scrubland on the island for a fifth day. The mother, Beth Holloway Twitty, told reporters the family wants the Dutch government to officially request more direct help. Aruba police and Dutch military are leading the search, with help from FBI agents.

Twitty said everyone has “a common goal to find Natalee” and bring her home. She choked up and left the room in tears after finishing the statement.

As the search for Holloway continues in Aruba, police revealed new information about her disappearance.

A police superintendent in Aruba said the teen’s disappearance is looking more and more like a crime.

Hundreds of residents and tourists on the Caribbean island are entering their fourth day of searching for Natalee Holloway. FBI agents have helped the Dutch military and Aruba police search scrubland.

Police found her passport in her hotel room so they said it’s most likely she never left the island. Her stepmother said she was last seen with a local resident who claimed to be an exchange student.

Twitty said she’s not leaving the island without her daughter. The family has offered a reward to anyone who delivers her safely to a police station or hospital.

Authorities said they have questioned and released three Aruban students. The students said they dropped Holloway off early Monday at the Holiday Inn where she had been staying. Friends said they saw Holloway getting into a vehicle outside a nightclub very early on the last morning of a high school trip.

A family spokeswoman said it would be “totally, totally out of character” for the 18-year-old to get in a car with strangers.

A police inspector said there’s no “indication as to if she is alive.” He said everyone on the island knows of the case and police “are doing everything to find her.”

Scores of tourists and locals have volunteered to post fliers and help in the search.

Holloway’s family asked Aruba radio and television stations to broadcast their reward offer. That’s according to her mother. The family has not specified an amount. But it said it will reward anyone who brings the missing teenager safely to a police station or hospital.

Holloway’s parents and several family members traveled to Aruba Wednesday to aid in the search.

Birmingham FBI representative Special Agent Jeff Fuqua said his agency is coordinating with FBI officials in the Caribbean to search for Holloway. An FBI agent is also currently in Aruba helping with the search. The Coast Guard and the Marines are also helping in the case.

Local media have said that there have been several reported sightings of Holloway. Local reporters also said that the Coast Guard, the Marines, the FBI and local police searched the west coast of Aruba Thursday.

About 150 students attended prayer services for Holloway on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon at Mountain Brook Community Church.

“We prayed she’s being protected right now,” said Mallory Sylvester, Holloway’s friend. “We pray for her family, friends and that everybody else will pray for her, too.”

“They’re an amazing group of kids,” said Marcia Twitty, Holloway’s aunt. “They come together in prayer throughout (the) community in the afternoon in a small church just to pray for her safety and quick and immediate return.”

“They get a lead, they go chase it,” said Frances Ellen Byrd, Holloway’s friend. “They are getting leads, but so far nothing’s turned up. We still don’t have Natalee.”

“We just prayed for her safety and to give strength to all those down there and the strength of their family,” said Sylvester.

“She’s responsible, nice, smart. She has big plans for the future,” said Byrd. “Everybody has hope. Everybody has hope that she’s coming home.”

Holloway was active in many clubs in school, including the dance squad and the Spanish Honor Society. She was also on the honor roll in the 10th through 12th grades. She is expected to attend the University of Alabama on an academic scholarship this fall.

Update: Aruba Missing Persons Directory
This page provides information regarding missing persons from Aruba or about people who went missing while on vacation in Aruba or the Caribbean.
Natalee Ann Holloway
If you have any information
please contact: megan_twitty@excite.com

Or call Aruba Police on
(297) 100 OR (297) 5824000



If you liked this post, you may also like these:

  • Natalee Holloway; Not on FBI Missing Person’s List?
  • Natalee Holloway: Dave Holloway and Peter R. De Vries Discussing the Joran Tapes on Nancy Grace
  • Confirmed … Jawbone Found in Aruba Does Not Belongs to Natalee Holloway
  • Natalee Holloway still in AOL Top 10 of News Searches for 2006
  • Natalee Holloway; Afternoon Update




  • Comments

    50 Responses to “Natalee Holloway Update – Poster and Local News Reaction”

    1. Jim Hoft on June 4th, 2005 1:45 am

      Great round up, guys. Thanks. Such a frightening story!

    2. Helen Larson on June 6th, 2005 11:23 pm

      The Larson family’s prayers are with the Holloway family as they suffer through through this tragic ordeal. We also had a family member go missing in Aruba in June of 1999. Willard “Bud” Larson. God Bless.

    3. Misty Crews on June 7th, 2005 8:50 am

      My family and I are praying for Natalee’s safe return. My thoughts and prayers are with her family as well.

    4. Jana on June 7th, 2005 9:00 am

      My prayers are with The Holloway family as the search for your beautiful daughter Natalee continues. People in Kansas are praying. Keep the faith.

    5. Heather on June 7th, 2005 9:09 am

      My family and I are praying for Natalee’s safe return. We also pray for God to watch over The Holloway family and for Him to surrpind them with love and support. God bless all those who continue to search for this beautiful young woman, and God Bless the Holloway family.

    6. Steven Burton on June 7th, 2005 12:15 pm

      My prayers go out to Natalee and her family.

    7. Dyana on June 7th, 2005 1:48 pm

      Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this beautiful young girl.

    8. brian on June 7th, 2005 5:12 pm

      I haven’t read all the blogs, but no ones asking a simple question. If shes so smart and good why the heck did she take off with 3 black locals in the middle of the night?

      If she was forced to leave thats different, but if shes wasn’t forced to leave with them…

      Lets put it this way: if you stand in the middle of the freeway you will be run over by a car! and should we feel sorry of that idiot?

    9. Brandi on June 7th, 2005 6:48 pm

      Thoughts and prayers to the family of young Natalee. It is frightening to imagine what her family must be going through.

    10. James & Elaine Holloway on June 7th, 2005 7:14 pm

      My wife and I are hoping and praying with all the world that Natalee will turn up safe. May the holy angels help her be found soon.

    11. Dawn S. on June 7th, 2005 8:38 pm

      My husband Steve and I think of Natalee and her family daily. We are sorry about your pain and will continue to pray for solace during this time.

    12. Dawn S. on June 7th, 2005 8:40 pm

      and Brian, BTW, what an inconsiderate insensitive ignorant thing to say. While she may be a very bright girl, we do not know the circumstances of her disappearance and specualtion on your part is just that. Try to keep your negative comments with a blatent disgregard for the hurting to yourself.

    13. ellyn H. on June 8th, 2005 12:15 am

      I think it is a shame you can’t trust security guards. There supposed to protect you. But, then, how many times have I read reports about “doctors, police…?” This just emphasizes one thing: don’t trust anyone! Overall, you must know Jesus because the time of your departure is unknown. Therefore, there is nothing to fear except the one who can take your soul. If they take your life, and you know Jesus, you have saved your soul. Fear the one who can take your soul, not your life! That is the one to fear!

    14. ellyn H. on June 8th, 2005 12:28 am

      James and Elaine Holloway: I didn’t know your daughter, but I have read that she loved the Lord and was faithful to God. I pray that God, who sees all things and knows all things will reveal what has happened in Aruba. I believe those security guards have the answers to what happened to her. I pray that God convicts them to tell the authorities what happened that night. May Gods hand of justice fall upon them so that the truth may be revealed. I am praying every day for this! I also pray that God strengthen both of you for God is making you into GREAT SAINTS….In this world we must be tried by fire. Do not lose your hope! God has heard your cry! He is all-powerful and is in control of the situation. GIve him all your moments and he will strengthen you. May the Lord Jesus Christ strengthen both of you and give you every grace you need…..AMen!

    15. Susanna on June 8th, 2005 9:11 pm

      I’m praying every day for Natalee and her family.I hope they find her soon and punish the people who did this to her and her family….I would love to help in any way possible just send an e mail back to me…
      ~Susanna 16 yrs.
      Ragland,Al

      *** God Bless Natalee and family

    16. carleen wallace on June 8th, 2005 9:12 pm

      i ws there last week when she disappeared. i spoke with a lady that worked in the gift shop where i stayed. she said two men tried to hold her against her will 10 years ago, she started breaking thinkgs in their house and held a knife on her ownself, they men then got scared and released her. this was supposed to have taken place in san nicholas. i’ve been to aruba twice and felt safe. however, when we first went there, we were advised not to go near san nicholas. God bless this girls family. i

    17. Stephanie on June 9th, 2005 1:16 am

      I am praying for Natalee’s safe return everyday.I am keeping her and her family in my prayers.I can’t even imagine the nightmare her family and friends are going through.Natalee looks just like my baby sister, and if something happen to her, I would want the whole world praying.Please,keep Natalee and her family in your prayers and thoughts.Please let her come back home safe God.Stephanie

    18. Jennifer on June 9th, 2005 7:24 pm

      Natalee’s Family:
      I wish you only the best news & my heart hurts for u & ur family. I don’t know how u find the strength to keep ur composure – I wouln’t be able to function should something happen to my daughter.

      Brian the idiot:
      the “3 locals” weren’t black you idiot – read that story again – and i do believe that they ar suramise (sp?) & european…WHITE. i’ll pray for u too ya racist idiot.

    19. Stephanie on June 10th, 2005 12:14 am

      DAWN S. AND JENNIFER, I AM WITH YOU ALL THE WAY ABOUT WHAT U SAID ABOUT BRIAN. WHAT A TIME TO BE SAYING SOMETHING SO HURTFUL AND CRUEL. NOONE SHOULD EVER DESERVE SOMETHING BAD TO HAPPEN TO THEM, NO MATTER WHO THEY MEET OR TALK TO.WE ALL HAVE MADE MISTAKES IN OUR LIVES,BUT THAT WOULDN’T MEAN WE DESERVE OR ARE ASKING FOR SOMETHING BAD TO HAPPEN TO US.THESE BOYS ARE ALL OF DIFF RACES, DONT WORRY ABOUT THEIR RACE, JUST WORRY ABOUT THE SAFE RETURN OF NATALEE. STEPHANIE

    20. Patricia W. and Family on June 10th, 2005 2:33 am

      Natalee and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at all times. As a mother, I can not even begin to imagine how you must feel. My heart feels like it is breaking, and I do not even know your precious Natalee. She is such a beautiful young lady!

      Our prayer is that Our Lord Jesus Christ will watch over and keep each of you in His tender care and mercy until Natalee is returned safely to you. Please know that this community and our nation have joined together to lift up Natalee in prayer daily!

      “To walk with Him is to walk in light.
      The Lord is my light and my salvation
      -whom shall I fear?”
      Psalm 27:1

      God Bless You and Yours!
      Patricia, Birmingham, Ala.

    21. aud on June 10th, 2005 9:49 am

      In a way I have to agree with Brian, Anyone with any since, or that has ever been taught anything, listens to the news, reads the papers, should have enough since not to leave a night club with three strange men….that cannot be totally on the up and up….unless of course she was forced to go and no one has said that when they saw her leave that she seemed to be the least bit distressed….lets teach our children to please beware of crazy malicious people…no matter what thier color…be cautious with your own life, you only get one. God give that family the strenght to cope with their long days ahead and the loss of their daughter.

    22. KEVIN FISCHER on June 11th, 2005 4:45 pm

      I hope somebody sees my email about Natalee Holloway. I think it’s time to use a Physhic that does criminal investigations. We need to hire the best! We need to find Natalee desperately and these 3 guys are not helping the cause. Im praying for the friends and family that she is found.

      Take Care

    23. Julie on June 12th, 2005 11:37 pm

      My prayers are with the Holloway family and am hoping for the best.

    24. Rachel on June 13th, 2005 4:19 am

      My thoughts, and prayers are with Natalee’s family and friends. Thanks so much to Natalee’s mother for asking for the release of the 2 former (black) security guards. I believe they are innocent as well, and need to FOCUS on the Dutch kid, with the high ranking father. The govt says it’s not unusual for them to call a different judge in to handle a case such as this, what being it high profile and all, yet–noone is saying anything, noone has admitted any wrongdoing personally, and the Aruban govt although trying it’s best to put on a good international face, is not exactly forthcoming with any pertinent details, that I’m sure they already know. PUT THE PINCH TO THE 2 SURINAMESE “gentlemen!” One of them is certain to crack under the pressure…especially the one that already stated, “something bad happened to her.” They certainly know a lot more than they are saying, and it sucks, if she IS dead, whoever killed her wont get the death penalty, BUT–The blood of the innocent cries out from the grave, giving all of us clues as to what happened to them. Sorry to be so lengthy, but if this is driving ME insane, I can only imagine what her family is going through.

      ~Investigator at heart ;)

    25. Faith on June 14th, 2005 3:05 pm

      Last night I had a dream she was in a dumpster and she told me to tell her mother.

    26. Teri on June 15th, 2005 12:44 am

      Hope and prayers for the Holloways….I hope this family gets some answers soon….I will be praying for your family…..Teri in Texas

    27. JAR on June 15th, 2005 8:31 am

      My heart goes out to Natalee’s family. I am praying for all of them. It is time for the police to answer some questions. A lot of valuable time was lost when the police took the words of the Surinamese and Dutch boy. They were the last known people to be seen with Natalee, yet the police allowed themselves to manipulated by the three boys into arresting the two security guard. The police did not process the vehicle for evidence or confiscate the clothing the three boys were wearing that night. However, they did confiscate the security guard’s vehicle to process. Again we see two men of color being falsely accused of a crime they did not commit, thus allowing the three boys to dispose of vital evidence.

    28. Monica on June 15th, 2005 12:30 pm

      My heart felt prayers are with your family, during this horrific time, I also am a mother of a teenager, Natalee needs to be with her mom and the rest of her family even if some creepy boys thought otherwise! I pray that she is alive and that God who is kind and loving who sent his only son for the world to trust in making us holy and giving everlasting life, He did not come to condemn the world but to save it! If HE can save the world than why not just one! I pray with all my heart and soul and stand firm in my belief that anything is possible through our almighty creator I will not put limits on the all knowing, omnipotent, omnipresent, Lord of Lords! I lift Natalee’s where abouts unto the Almighty Lord and ask that the destination be disclosed to the family! In the Fathers Sons’ name Jesus Christ I pray Amen! God Speed!

    29. Wendy V. on June 15th, 2005 9:07 pm

      Hello,

      I have been to Aruba a couple times, and I somehow feel ‘connected’ to this case. I am not a psychic or a ‘wanna-be’ psychic, and definatley not a psycho! I am a teacher in NY State and I just think the police in Aruba should be doing more and especially searching in the area of the Natural Bridge. The reason I say this is because there is an old historic castle in that area towards the left (before you get to the Natural Bridge) that has been halfway torn down and destroyed by vandals. It was very creepy when I was there because I noticed several ‘alcoves’ there and a “basement” with some sort of a tunnel (?) on one side. Also, there is a small beach in that area, past the first Natural Bridge exhibit, away from tourists, where there is also another smaller “bridge”, and there is a mountain to the right and on the other side of a “prairie-like’ feild, there is another small beach where , after walking about a 1/4 mile you will see some kids surfing, if during the day, and just on the other side of that area, there are caves where kids hang out and light fires, smoke, drink, etc. I have seen all of this while I was there visiting and I dont hear anything about the Arubian police searching in that area at all! This is just a hunch but maybe they should be. I am sorry to sound critical, but I just dont think they are searching in the right or in enough places.

      I will continue to pray for Natalee and her family.

    30. Diane in WPB FL on June 16th, 2005 7:02 pm

      I go to sleep each night praying for her and her family, and I wake up each morning praying for her and her family. I pray the truth will come out so her family will have some peace. Like Patty Hearst, maybe she will come home, but life as we knew it will never be the same. God Speed to our prayers. Love from a parent.

    31. Diane in WPB FL on June 16th, 2005 7:03 pm

      I go to sleep each night praying for her and her family, and I wake up each morning praying for her and her family. I pray the truth will come out so her family will have some peace. Like Patty Hearst, maybe she will come home, but life as we knew it will never be the same. God Speed to our prayers. Love from a parent. Please look in that tunnel Wendy V. suggested. Maybe she was sold to Bogata Columbia South America

    32. Dee Worta on June 17th, 2005 9:59 pm

      Has anyone stopped tho think WHY did parents and teachers let a bunch of horny 18 year olds loose on party Island with SEVEN chaperones? This will not bring Natalee back…but parents of young daughters please know…no girl is safe in this world, ask any law enforcer /atorney…they deal with it all the time. So sad. Keep your daughters safe….

    33. Vanessa on June 18th, 2005 7:00 am

      I am following Natalee’s case here in Australia on Fox News. I feel sorry for Natalee’s family. I hope Natalee is found soon and that she is safe.

    34. Carol on June 19th, 2005 3:46 am

      I am praying for Natalee and the Twitty/Holloway families. I pray for divine direction and for the truth to come out! Aruba needs to hurry! All America is watching.

    35. nicole on June 24th, 2005 12:02 pm

      brian. you are an insensitive moron. i cant believe that you are that ignorant to respond with such a stupid ignorant comment. just keep your stupid mouth shut. hopefully you will do something someday that is out of your usual character and end up missing. i cant believe that you were that cold hearted to say something like that to a family who is already going through enough turmoil. go to hell oh i am sorry you already are. MORON. hope to god someone puts you out of your misery!!!!!

    36. nicole on June 24th, 2005 12:08 pm

      aud, go join brian in Hell.

    37. gary on June 27th, 2005 10:04 pm

      No one seems to be looking into the possibility that paul van der sloot may have disposed of natalies body by flying it out over the ocean, He seems the likely candidate, In an misguided effort of a father to protect his son. The records at aruba air should be checked to see if any flights went out that evening,Also gas receipts,in case some one made it past flight tower, If so the lenght of flight can be used to determine a search radius and area, Most likely south by south west( The darkest area of ocean at that time of night) Also van der sloots home should be checked to see if he is missing any divers weight belts, to weigh down her body

    38. JAGUAR on June 30th, 2005 11:09 am

      The Thing that’s hurting this case is The parents of Joron.
      How can you stand by your Son knowing he did something wrong. He is suppose to be a judge soon and up hold the law and put people accountable for their actions EXcept his Own Son. Get your son to start taking Pual Vander Sloot and Do what’s right….. or I hope you never become a judge!

    39. JAGUAR on June 30th, 2005 11:18 am

      Hey nicole I totally agree with you. Brian is sounding like a moron How was your weeekend nicole?

    40. JAGUAR on July 6th, 2005 2:47 pm

      Hey 2 all the 200 people Picking on Natalee’s mom? How Dare you People. I Can’t believe you guys acccually think those 2 brothers are innocent. They have Lied from day 1 about what they were dong on May 30th. It’s an Outrage and an insult. If you people Keep this up You will Lose your Tourists and your Jobs! Natalee is probably dead now because of these 3 clowns.

      That Joran Vander Sloot should have never been allowed to be in Carlos and charlies. He was only 17 not 18. This whole mess would have happened. If some people wbho had held up the Law. I hope you arubans will stop winning and crying for those 2 brothers. All three are guilty as SIN! You can take my comment to the bank on that.

    41. JAGUAR on July 8th, 2005 6:04 pm

      I can’t believe you people in Aruba are making miss Holloway Appologize for Standing up for her daughter. She said these 3 men are Criminals. She never said the whole island was a bunch of criminals Get a Life People and quit taking what she says Out of Context. Wake up people in Aruba and Start going aganst those 3 people who are guilty and quit defending them! The sooner you people start going against Joran Van Der Sloot and the Kal Po Brothers the sooner this case will be solved.

    42. Nancy Feola on July 10th, 2005 11:47 pm

      Have a famous missing person physic involved hear please.

    43. John Baker on July 12th, 2005 4:01 pm

      July 12, 2005
      Press Release

      Natalee Holloway

      Evidence of other deaths, rapes and crimes similar to the Natalee Holloway case available upon request including litigation records and video.

      To Who it may concern,

      This letter is written to inform the news media as well as the general public of the availability of information and litigation records relating to the facts and circumstances that could have contributed to the disappearance of Natalee Holloway.

      For many years now there have existed student travel companies who specialize in taking graduating high school seniors out of the United States to countries where the alcohol drinking age is basically unrestricted.

      Litigation history……..My name is John Baker and I have owned a student travel company (educational, recreational, safe and sober tours only) for over 35 years. In the fall of 1994 I wrote a letter to the California Association of Student Councils asking why they had as one of their board members a student travel executive who openly promoted the use of alcohol to youngsters in the form of selling Mexico trips to graduating high school seniors. USA Student travel sued me for libel and the case was eventually settled in December 1995. During the course of litigation it was demonstrated that everything stated in the letter about USA Student Travel and their activities in out of United States vacation destinations was true. The discovery process revealed that with a number of student travel companies, there were deaths, extraordinary amount of rapes, sexually explicit parties such as toga parties-wet t-shirt contests, severe injuries and other unfortunate experiences resulting primarily from the over use of alcohol. The problems experienced by the Holloway family in Aruba are similar to other countries with lax drinking laws in that they have little or no recourse. In other words, injured parties can recover little or no damages.

      Many people are asking how could this happen. The reason is that this is a business that is a hugely profitable venture for these companies. In addition to the profit on selling air and land packages they sell drinking parties for each day of a participants stay. The travel companies usually sell a party package to their participants for approximately $200.00 per person once they arrive at their destination. Each year approximately 70,000 graduating high school seniors and in some cases juniors travel to these out of United States destinations. If most were to purchase a party package the profit to the companies would range in the tens of millions of dollars, all in off shore non taxed revenue. This is a huge incentive for people and companies to engage in this kind of travel product and business activity.

      Prior to selling the party package, the travel companies have contracted with local bars such as Carlos n Charlies to provide a free drink time period happy hour and activities. The travel companies agree to send their participants to these bars at a particular time and date. Once happy hour is over the bar is free to charge whatever for drinks. Usually the post happy hour functions include sexually suggestive activities such as wet t-shirt contest, toga parties, chili pepper contests and many others. This process is repeated for each day and evening of the participants stay at a variety of different clubs. The theme of the trip is to constantly drink alcohol and party.

      For the average 16, 17 or 18 year old high school student the amount of alcohol consumed is far far above that which they may be used to, presuming they ever used alcohol. The over use of alcohol in these situations can result in death, rape, unwanted sexual activity, physical injury, alcohol poisoning and bad judgment. Take away the alcohol and you can expect to eliminate most of the associated problems. Therefore, it’s not the countries of Aruba, Mexico, the Bahamas and others as vacation destinations that are the culprits but rather their lack of safe laws with regard to the use of alcohol. Every state in the United States has adopted a minimum age of 21 for the consumption of alcohol. These countries believe that tourist dollars from the younger travelers would be lost if they were to adopt stronger alcohol consumption laws.

      As part of the litigation records there are videotapes of the drinking parties, wet t-shirt contests, chili pepper contests and other such footage. There is testimony regarding rapes, death and serious injury as well as much other relevant material.

      I am making this material available to the public at no charge other than the duplication and legal costs. My reason is simply to assist in keeping this issue in front of the parents in the United States thinking about sending their child to a foreign country having these kind of activities to celebrate their graduation from high school.

      As a parent of two I can think of no injury to me including my own death that would be more painful than losing a child. My heart felt good wishes are sent to the Holloway family as they face each incredibly difficult day. I wonder every day if I could have done more to help prevent this and other tragedies.

      John Baker

      Educational Discovery Tours

      (530) 582-6030, John@Educationaldiscoverytours, P.O. Box 10200, Truckee, CA 96162

    44. lena on July 29th, 2005 9:08 am

      i pray for those guilty ones souls. they have to be punished for whatever they did to natalee holloway. this is so sad for the families of natalee. not knowing where she is and if she is still alive. i pray that she is still alive. so she can put these guilty morans away! i wonder how does the parents of joran vandersloot feel about the whole world hating their son for what is going on. shame on them! to think that they raised a son to do something evil like this. obviously joran and the father, and the deepaks are guilty!

    45. Dede on August 8th, 2005 10:55 pm

      My prayers are with the family….I, too! wait for her safe return…

      My concern is..could it be that Paul Van Der Sloot and his son, Joran, scout out young women for some kind of prositution ring and ship them to other countries…can our FBI start checking into that?…..They have not found any thing to show she is gone…no clothes, hair..personal effects..she could be alive…..God! I pray…

    46. Ruth on August 11th, 2005 9:10 am

      I concur with some others. Consult with psychics who specialize in searching for missing persons. Two out of 3 will bring you the answer you need.

    47. Shandi on August 20th, 2005 1:53 pm

      I just want to send my prayers to the holloway family.

    48. roflcopter on August 26th, 2005 12:42 am

      What is with all this prayer crap. If God has a plan for everything then what is closing your eyes and putting your hands together going to do? Christians are inherently retarded.

      Natalee’s most likely dead, there’s nothing you can do about it, really.

    49. atlantic city texas hold em tournaments on August 29th, 2005 4:31 pm

      atlantic city texas hold em tournaments

      You may find it interesting to take a look at some relevant information about online free texas hold em

    50. JAGUAR on October 1st, 2005 12:47 pm

      Roftcopter shut your Trap… Your comment makes me sick… Do you understand that Natalee died a Violent death? If that would have happend to you Sir I don’t think you would want people to mock what happened to you.

      The sad thing is these 3 evil clowns would rather have 60 to 80 yrs of freedom on earth than to CONFESS to everyone and to God of ther Guilt. Even Criminals go to heaven If they ask for honest forgiveness.. These 3 Morons will never confess and will never be forgiven. The Government of Aruba Blew it when they let these 3 clowns have 10 days to get away with being Wolves in Sheeps Clothing.

    Leave a Reply




    Support Scared Monkeys! make a donation.

     
     
    • NEWS (breaking news alerts or news tips)
    • Red (comments)
    • Dugga (technical issues)
    • Dana (radio show comments)
    • Klaasend (blog and forum issues)
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Close
    E-mail It