RSSJohn Merryweather: At no moment did I defend Joran van der Sloot or the Kalpoe brothers
From Diario:
ORANJESTAD(AAN) — Related to a press release yesterday “Merryweather wants to challenge Natalee’s mom?”, Mr. John Merryweather reacted yesterday by indicating that the contents of much of that article was based on the misinterpretation of his thoughts and that he will contest it.
He starts by explaining that in the first place, it goes without saying that he prays for the Twitty and Holloway families. “At this time, we also pray for Aruba because it is due to the Twitty family, who has asked for a boycott of tourism to Aruba, against citizens who have nothing to do with what happened to Natalee, sadly she was last seen on her trip to Aruba.
For the rest of the translated story go to Aruba Getagrip.
Posted October 1, 2005 by Scared Monkeys Aruba, Joran Van der Sloot, Missing Persons, Natalee Holloway | 37 comments |
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37 Responses to “John Merryweather: At no moment did I defend Joran van der Sloot or the Kalpoe brothers”
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First, who is John Merryweather? I have paid considerable attention and haven’t heard that name. And, why is he so upset? Is his child missing in Aruba?
Second, the attitude expressed in that article seems to be the one most Arubans these days are adopting – attack the victim’s mother. And, it doubles in my mind the conviction all Americans should boycott Aruba.
To the people of Aruba: Sweet and simple. Find this girl or determine what happened and who is responsible and all, such as boycot, will go away. Now is that complicated?
All of the blame on Beth Twitty, and Aruba wants pity. Was the investigation done the way it should have been? It was my understanding that the FBI did not ASSIST, they were merely there as observers, that the Govt there did not want foreign intervention, yet they want our tourism money. Everyone says the innocent people of Aruba will suffer, well Joran Van Der Sloot and his daddy fled and failed the people of Aruba, Paulus Van Der Sloot was involved in govt there, he did not stand up for Aruba, Joran left as well, only to make statements from Holland, why didn’t he stand on Aruban sand and defend them and himself. Joran gets to get on with his life while Beth Twitty is still missing a daughter and Aruba’s tourism is in question? The little rich boy left Aruba to let THEM suffer the wrath and consequence of his actions. If Aruba protects innocent people, why wasn’t Natalee’s rights protected, why weren’t the 2 innocent security guards rights protected? They took the word of VDS when his stories conflict with the other 2 in question. Now the Prime Minster wants Beth “Shut UP”, anyone else with problems in Aruba will get the same treatment. I don’t think Aruba will be the same either, they will harvest resentment for Americans, yet they will smile while you empty your pockets to them. I have read so many things already about the Amercian people that Aruba appears to be coming from Aruba, how the kids go to get slobbering drunk etc, How it was Beth’s fault for letting her go to a party island in the first place. Maybe it is Aruba’s fault, they don’t cut drunk people off, there are Carlo’s and Charlie’s in America, they know the cut-off rules (not to single them out) they allow and encourage the kids (who have stricter rules in America, bad parenting I guess) to get hammered, they advertise it, they have Casino’s in the hotels where families stay (who frequents casino’s) everyone knows there are drugs on the street and that the tourists are offered what they want. Give me a break, the innocent people of Aruba don’t care about your kids while they are there. Joran Van Der Sloot was a minor in a bar where he was well known. He was in a Casino where he had a line of credit (is it 18 to gamble as well?). Money is the root of all evil (not money itself but the desire of it) and Aruba is only interested in money and how their lifestyles will change if tourism slows down. Make no mistake my fellow American’s blue beaches and white sands come with green money, and that is ALL that Aruba wants from you.
spin, spin, spin Mr Merryweather….if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
To the people of Aruba: Get a backbone, protest your government and Dutch justice officials who have dropped the ball either deliberately or due to incompetence. If the Aruban people can protest Beth Twitty (“respect our laws or go home”) they should respect themselves and their country enough to stand up to the responsible parties who have allowed 3 predators to go free.
I’m not sure it can be said any better than what Jackie says above.
While following the article above to Aruba getagrip, I ran across an article from 9/20 that the Aruban chamber of commerce is calling for an investigation. It is a step in the right direction, however, the basis of the pressure is again money (investment in Aruban business). They are worried about money. I am worried about money too. I hope that the US government is not sending any of my tax money over there to help this country, and they may not be, but if they are, it should be diverted to a fund to help find Natalee.
Reading through a number of other older articles there brought back things I had already forgotten, like the purse full of rocks, shoes and drug paraphernalia found in the pond. And what of the girls who were coming forward with additional charges? On and on … When you go back and read some of that stuff to get a fresh perspective, it just makes this whole thing that much more outrageous.
beth is responsible?? all beth wants is her daughter home in alabama.
the vds’ and kalpoe’s are responsible for her not being able to do that.
natalee broke no laws on aruba, and did not irresponsible on aruba. yet she’s been vilified in their papers and on the blogs and forums as being the worst human on earth. all to make the boys look less culpable.
and aruba lost any and all semblance of support from me when a supposed psychologist from aruba writes the most vitriolic article about natalee and beth i’ve ever read, publishes it in the paper, and not l single person from aruba saw fit to call his hand on it.
if mr. merryweather wants sympathy and trade from the american people, he would best be taking out his portable bullhorn and leading demonstrations at the justice dept. demanding action from the police and justice depts.
a word of advice to the aruban govt. make any thing harder on beth than you all ready have and you will reap what you sow. and before you get started on the problems in the usa, we are well informed of them all ready and will take care of them as we can. the media keeps us all well informed of our problems, just like they keep us informed of beth’s.
p.s Aruba took advantage of the Hurricane in the US to release VDS, they waited for the media attention to die down and then let him go, I know that Aruba can feel for the victims of Katrina, becaue they could suffer the same someday with as close as they are to water and granted the people have compassion for the victims involved in Katrina, but Aruba needs to understand that the people in charge there brought this upon them, it was the authorities and the govt entrusted by Aruba that did this, all Beth Twitty did was get some attention on it. Stop blaming this heartbroken woman, that little twerp Deepak called her missing daughter a “slut”, he deserves exile just for that comment. Sloot’s mother Anita said “this isn’t about Natalee anymore, this is about the American Media” (something to that affect) this is not about the american media, this IS about Natalee and about how they are trying to sweep it under the rug.
Girl goes missing. Ten days go by before suspects are arrested. TEN DAYS TO GET RID OF EVIDENCE, AND PUT A STORY TOGETHER. AT HOME WITH AN ARUBAN OFFICIAL. A JUDGE IN TRAINING. Three men caught and arrested. Men lie. Then one by one the men admit to having sex with her. In and out of conciousness. ( which is rape in America by the way)One man’s father is a rich influencial figure in the government. Also knows the laws very well. Lets call him the (coach) All three men are let go as their mountain of lies grow. Then the rich one leaves his friends behind and runs to another country with his father, THE JUDGE IN TRAINING. If his son was indeed innocent, Vandersjudge would have stayed behind and assisted with the search. Utilized his influence to get to the bottom of this mess and restored Aruba’s good name. BUT HE RAN WITH HIS SON. Are we outraged? Yes. I myself would not have taken it out on Innocent Arubans. I would have taken this kid out and maybe his dad. Eye for an eye. I agree with one thing. No evidence, no arrest. And I believe that beyond the lies these fools have told, their is no physical evidence. So they CANNOT BE ARRESTED. BUT REMEMBER, NO EVIDENCE BECAUSE THE POLICE GAVE THEM AMPLE TIME TO HIDE EVIDENCE AND PUT A STORY TOGETHER. Good job authorities. Beth take Joe Mamolas money and get yourself a hit man. Someone that specializes in torture. Catch one of those bastards and get your answers. I am sorry for your loss.
Instead of all the rethoric of boycotts and what went wrong and who on a political level is responsible for a coverup; Why not have an open discussion as to what happened to Natalee and where is she now. My feeling is the three who drove her away that night are guilty. Where in Joran’s house, with excess drugs and forced sex and where she might be now. Perhaps the close Gold Mines in the NE. This not that far where Joran lives. Comments are welcomed
Jackie,
No Aruba did not take advantage of the the Hurricane in the US to Release the suspects. Everyone knew that september the 4th was the deadline for the case. If nothing new was found (evidence wise) the suspects would have to be released and that’s what happened. September 4th was the deadline in the judicial law where hard evidence must be presented in order to keep someone under arrest. Speculations was not enough anymore to keep them in custody. If by september 4th nothing new was/has been found you may noy continue to hold someone in custody. No one can’t help that the Hurricane dicided to visit you country on that day.
I’ve read that Joran aka Jacka– said he know how to get rid of a body. Does anyone know what he said? Where he said? To whom he said?
I don’t think they took advantage of Katrina to release him…wasn’t that the deadline for how long they could keep Joran without charging him with a crime? I still say/hope they are getting stronger evidence before arresting him. Let’s hope and pray at least thats what’s going on now…whether or not they botched it in the beginning…which…of course we know they did.
He continues to explain that Aruba has a competent corps: justice system, laws, public ministry, and police corps, assisted by the FBI, assisted by specialists from Holland, supported by the government who gave half a day off to employees to help in the search and weeks and months have passed without a positive result.
“Half a day off”?? Well excuse us Americans for being so vile towards you. I mean with a whole 3 or 4 hours it’s shocking you did not break the case with that search. Sorry for being so revolting to you all. I mean you spent so much time trying to help.
please what kind of support is that.
Am I the only one to have noticed that at the bottom of this comments column here at Scared Monkeys, there is an invitation from the Aruba Marriott Resort to shop for hotel rates?
very observant, gisele. at the bottom is where it looks the best. last ad i’ll ever need to view.
gisele Says:
October 1st, 2005 at 7:12 pm
Am I the only one to have noticed that at the bottom of this comments column here at Scared Monkeys, there is an invitation from the Aruba Marriott Resort to shop for hotel rates?
Truly sad but true….
The statement Beth made about the Aruban authorities taking advantage of Hurricane Katrina is so far off the mark.It was broadcast for 2 months what an important day Sept.4th was concerning the case.Beth acknowledged the importance of the date many time on TV about just having to wait until then to see what would happen and she even hinted that if Joran was released she was going to reveal information that would shock the world.Well so far the spliced audio tape of Deepak on Dr.Phil’s show failed to shock the world as people who have been following the case picked up on the splice job right away.And now A Current Affair does an ambush interview and Joran gives a believable interview.What was not so obvious at first glance was the cut and paste job they did with that interview.After viewing it several times it is obvious that some inserts of the interview were placed for attempted shock value and all of that is revealed by the fact that at several times in the interview it has Joran with his backpack on and several times it has him with his backpack off.This may be the reason why the entire over 30 minute interview was not shown in its entirety as it would too obvious of the cut and paste inserts.
Back to the hurricane,if there would not have been a hurricane it would have made no difference as to whether Joran would have been released or detained.By insinuating that his release was connected with the hurricane simply shows that she does not have the power that she thinks she has over the media and its viewers.i can gurantee anyone that Joran would have been released with or without stormy weather.He weathered the storm in Aruba and that is the only storm that was of any concern to Aruba.They had no choice they had to let them go due to lack of evidence,not because a hurricane devastated the Gulf Coast.Beth is fortunate that Katrina did not hit earlier in the season as the media would never have followed Natalee’s disappearance.They would have done the same thing as they did when it did hit,they would have deserted the story as I said she was fortunate to have had as much coverage as she did early on.If anything is true due to the hurricane it should be hurled at the media.Beth should be accusing the media of using the hurricane just so they would not have to cover her story while THE BIG DATE WHICH THE MEDIA WAS AWARE OF ALSO came and went.Time waits on no one not even the media.
Hey guys,
this great site has to support itself by selling ad space I am sure.
There is nothing wrong ads on this site promoting Aruba or the Marriott,bills have to be paid.Do you think it matters to CNN or Nancy Grace that CNN is broadcast in Aruba,no they dont care they just want the money and whats wrong with that.Money is an essential in the world,nothing can be done without it,hence the donatios and the fundraisers for Natalee,yes even to blogs like ScaredMonkeys money is essential.Just be glad that we dont have to pay for a membership to obtain all of the great news and articles that are offered for our viewing pleasure.
if i ever go to aruba it will be to find NATALEE. i will bring a tent and my own food and drink that way i wont be contributing to aruba TOURISM GREED. they all need to move out of aruba and get real jobs they are only aloud to live there 3 months at a time anyway. what a way to live.
Brenda get a life
This man has a right to defend his country and speak his mind about what he feels is wrong. I think that it is very very sad that “Aruba” is being blamed for anything. The country of Aruba and the people who live there can not control every single person there. The people on that island have done nothing but be nice to this family and try to help when they could. It is obsurd to support any sort of boycott, because the bottom line is that wont bring Natalee back. I think this mans comments are right on and that people who attack his words are juvenile in their thought process. This of course is only my opinion.
If the security guard who was jailed (because the 3 suspects said that they dropped Natalee off at the Holiday Inn and she was approached by a dark man) had not talked to Deepak Kalpoe in jail (with Kalpoe not knowing who he was), noone would have learned that Joran Van Der Sloot and Satish and Deepak Kalpoe were lying about what happened that night. It would still be the Holiday Inn story. It a blessing that Deepak told this or the guards would possibly still be in jail. It was only then that Joran told his mother that he left Natalee on the beach safe and sound. He did not tell anyone this except his mom. SHE told the authorities and the media. Joran said it better than anyone in his interview, from his own mouth, “Someday I will tell the story of what happened, but I don’t feel like doing that today” (maybe not verbatim but close). How long do other people suffer until he feels like it? Take into account the language differences and his english, but this kid isn’t dumb, he has contradicted himself so much already he knows better than to get into a detailed interview.
Who is John Merry Weather, anybody knows about him? First time in 4 months of NH disappearance, one new name is being dropped! Is he retd. judge!? How is he so concerned about this case?
If the US citizens have actually already begun to shun Aruba; then I think Aruba government should not co-operate with the Am govn in the areas of drug patrols around the islands. It has been mentioned that both govn had a good working relationship in this regard.
Being stuck to such JERKS geographically speaking, is a pain in the ASh.
How terribly misinformed some of you people are!! The boys were to be out on those days anyways. Had they kept them another 30 days and and no evidence was found, they would be FREE, as it is now, they are suspects and can be charged at any time. Some of you have real difficulty getting that in your heads.
Jackie you are pathetic. You are still believing the tapes and signed documents as having dropped from the holy heavens as a revelations? The tape of Deepak was greatly altered, and the papers Beth and the media are flaunting, are scenarios the police typed out hoping the boys would sign them. Not having signed them means they are not a confession.
It is hard to believe such stupidity lives in this country!
To Mr Merryweather:
Excuse me are there two Mr. Merryweather’s in Aruba???? You stated that you cannot understand how that people are thinking that you are anti-Beth Holloway and pro-Joran Van der Sloot and Kalpoe Brothers. Well, I can tell you why. YOU were the person who organized the protest against Beth Holloway when she was so upset that the Kalpoe brothers were released from jail. YOU said it was because she called them “criminals” and asked that other countries not give them assylum until this case was settled — and that this was somehow “slanderous” against Aruba. She knew and everyone else knew that the Kalpoe’s mother had tickets to sent her boys out of Aruba. The only reason they are not gone is that the law enforcement has not allowed them to go.
But that isn’t reason everyone is down on you — YOU — I believe were the person who had the ARROGANCE to dare publicly to say that Beth Twitty was responsible for the Kalpoe brother’s mother losing her job (how embarassing for her to have the employer come forward and tell the REAL reason she was let go)– and went so far as to demand that Beth Twitty to go to her employer and to ask him to give Maria back her job!!!!!! I remember I was shocked when I read that. I don’t know you and I don’t know the Kalpoe brother’s Mom — but I must say –when I read that –I wondered if you had a personal relationship with her and her son’s — to make such a shocking request!!!! It was hard for me to believe a mere “stranger” would make such a big deal of this (organize a protest against Beth Twitty) and (go to Beth and demand she ask Maria’s employer for her job back). I couldn’t believe you had the gull to demand that Beth go to the Employer — for the Mother of two of the boys under suspicion of having cause her daugher to have disappeared– whether it be murder or of having sold her into slavery — tht was terrible what YOU did.
I will be the first to say you have not involved yourself one way or another for Joran Van der Sloot — but those Kalpoe’s and their Mother — well that’s a different matter. You have thoroughly involved yourself in regards to the Kalpoe’s in my book –and it didn’t sound like it was for the “greater good of ARUBA”
So– maybe there is someone else on the Island name “Mr. Merryweather” –who did these above things. If so, I truly apologize to you. BUT — if you ARE the same Mr. Merryweather — welll these are the reason’s people are NOT happy with you.
John Merryweather is a respect business man on the island and also a fair person not involved with the law in any sense. Just another good Aruban that is fed up with how the media made a circus out of this sad missing girl, for pure media ratings, you you really think they care for the family???. The investigation and search is still going on in Aruba, not because the media is long gone, means its over, so for you people who are calling cover-up and corrupt government, get some more information before you cry wolf.
For Brenda if you dont have the money to go to Aruba, dont even try it, camping is not allowed there, sorry to say but Aruba is not for everyone, its not Cancun. Also its not a party place, far from being known as a springbreak paradise. They are trying hard to keep those kids away from Aruba. Not the type of tourist the island is known for. By now everybody had made up their mind going or not going, free country I say and you can do with your money what you want, for 1 I’am going there this coming weekend and bringing a bunch of friends from here NYC. People here dont believe all the crap they are being fed to from the media, there’s alot of educated and well traveled people who live here in the NorthEast of the US. Educate yourself first before you go public, dont want to be perceived as ignorant.
john merryweather is the old man who led the media protest a while back on aruba. he said beth and the media was ruining aruba’s fine upstanding reputation, and talking bad about the people of aruba. up to that time i thought i had seen every single broadcast on the case i i never heard beth say anything but good things about the aruban people she had met and how helpful they had been to her. the media only knocked the way the investigation had been handled. i have this sneaking feeling that the whole thing was cooked up by paulus as a way of garnering support for the boys and diverting attention away from their involvement.
BIZMAN,
YOU THINK EVERYTHING IN THE MEDIA REPORTS ARE ALWAYS CUT AND PASTE OR EDIT JUST BECAUSE IT SHOWS HOW A GREAT BIG LIAR JORAN IS. TAKE THE BLINDERS AND QUIT DRINKING THE SAME KOOLAID AS OF REST JORAN’S SUPPORTERS ARE.
i think bizman is the same guy that greta tried to interview at the landfill that day. he told greta that beth just needed to get over it and forget it and go home. and the media should all go with her. a most miserable human being, from what i saw and heard.
John Merriweather says don’t hurt the poor people of Aruba…..well what about Natalee- which is what this is all about? AND why would we want to go to an Island that is corrupt…WE KNOW about the MONEY LAUNDERING, KIDNAPPING, MAFIA..etc. Why we we go where there is no safety, no justice if we disappear? We now know how that works.
I keep feeling like they’re saying..Oh don’t worry about it…just give us your money and don’t worry about the missing girl, she’s not your concern…..we’re important…take care of us.
It’s just kind of ugly.
AND didn’t we just hear Beth Twitty say that they took forensic samples from the Sloot home but it was never tested? Are they kidding??? This is rather insulting. And while I’m on a roll, what’s with that Jossy paper- it’s worse than the NE. At this point I’m NEVER EVER leaving this country!
a..incanada:
It makes a lot of sense to threaten/suggest easing up on drug trafficing because you differ with someone’s opinion. It gives us all a lot of insight into your moral standards. I hope you don’t speak for all Arubans. The Kalpoe’s mother (who lives in Aruba) has already excused lying as no big deal.
Merriweather………COMPETENT GOVERNMENT! Obviously if you KNOW somebody! They may be competent but they sure as heck can be cowed down and made to adhere to the right peoples wishes. I don’t necessarily believe that law enforcement itself is that bad but I DO believe that they were told TO BACK OFF! Is Aruba a democracy or how is it that those pansyish Dutch rule their domains?
Succinct and to the point, Herb! Even a simple mind could understand these words!
Canada….. are you a U.S. citizen? Has Canada had this happen to someone from Canada who went to Aruba?
Bizman/Canada……..TOO MANY COINCIDENCES. When Beth T. own statement was altered that should have told EVERYBODY something, dudes! How Bold! This place has something running through it besides clear blue waters!