Aruba’s Tourism Still in the Tank for August 2006 even after a Concerted Marketing Campaign

 

As the rest of the Caribbean sees increases in their tourism, Aruba continues to not even Aruban Tourism Dummiesbreak even. Does anyone in Aruba want to rethink the notion that the “Natalee Holloway” situation with go away in 4 days? Do you still doubt Scared Monkey’s June 2, 2005 initial post, This Can’t Be Good For Tourism, Where’s Natalee Holloway?

It is hard to imagine that Aruba’s tourism numbers have still not stabilized after all this time following the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. Eventually, after the disastrous 2005 and 2006 decline in tourism Aruba will have to hit rock bottom and show some type of increase. However, even with what little increase they may show the tourism numbers in Aruba are far from what they once were. Especially factoring in the fact that many Caribbean islands are showing rapid increases. The bad news continues in the CBA report for October 2006.

Year to date for the first 8 months of 2006 stay over visitors are down nearly 10%. This while tourism is up across the Caribbean. From the Aruba Central Bank:

  • In October 2006, money supply shrank by Afl. 9.7 million or 0.4 percent to Afl. 2,463.6 million. This contraction was the result of an Afl. 8.3 million outflow of funds to abroad and an Afl. 1.4 million decrease in net domestic assets.
  • In August 2006, the number of stay-over visitors and their nights spent on the island
    declined by 0.9 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively, compared to the corresponding
    month in 2005.
  • In the first eight months of 2006, stay-over visitors and total nights spent on the island shrank by 9 percent and 6.4 percent, respectively.
  • According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, the average occupancy rate of the hotels for October 2006 shows a contraction of 6.2 percentage points to 73.7 percent, compared to the corresponding month a year earlier.

Cba_Aruba_121406

(click on doc to enlarge)

More disastrous economic numbers are reported from the CBA from the second quarter in Aruba. Couple these continued poor results with the upcoming 2007 BBO “turnover tax”, Royal Caribbean no longer docking in Aruba and the tax battle with Valero.

Quarterly bulletin for the second quarter of 2006

  • The Centrale Bank van Aruba (the Bank) mentions in its Bulletin of the second quarter of 2006 that available information indicates a weakening in current business conditions in the second quarter of 2006. Indicative hereof is that the Partial Economic Activity Index (PEAI), as published by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), showed a 2.0 percent decline in the volume of business activities, compared to the corresponding quarter a year earlier.
  • Compared to previous surveys, a decline in the optimism for the coming months has also been noticed. The performance in business conditions is affected by an ongoing weak performance in the tourism sector, as indicated by the numbers of stay-over visitors and nights spent on the island, which declined by 5 percent and 4 percent, respectively.
  • Gross tourism receipts decreased by 4 percent, while the average hotel occupancy rate recorded a 6.3 percentage points decline to 74.4 percent.
  • Inflationary pressures remained unabated in the second quarter of 2006. The quarterly
    average inflation rate remained high at 3.9 percent
  • This improvement reflected mainly a decrease in payment arrears to government-related institutions (including the AZV) and suppliers of goods and services of, respectively, Afl. 29 million and Afl. 9 million. However, total government debt surged by Afl. 119 million (7 percent) to Afl. 1,882 million, compared to the second quarter of 2005, reflecting increases in both domestic and foreign debt of Afl. 69 million (7 percent) and Afl. 50 million (6 percent), respectively. The debt-to-GD (GDP 2005) ratio rose by 3 percentage points to 47 percent.


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

  • Aruba: One Sad Island
  • Caribbean Changes Marketing Model … All for One and One for All, Folks its Called a Trend
  • Show Your Support for Natalee Holloway … (Aruba) ATA is a major Sponsor at The Boston Globe Travel Show March 23-25
  • Amigoe: More money to marketing and promotion of Aruba
  • Aruba was Warned about Dependence on Tourism … How About a Dependence Upon Cronyism?




  • Comments

    90 Responses to “Aruba’s Tourism Still in the Tank for August 2006 even after a Concerted Marketing Campaign”

    1. Minnesota Dad on December 29th, 2006 4:51 pm

      These numbers are ‘fluffed’ too, to try to show that they aren’t hurting as bad as they are. Governments have a tendency to ‘fluff’ when things don’t look too good.

      About the only tourists they are seeing are the ones that are receiving free giveaways from Regis & Kelly. Don’t forget that the hotel/casinos will giveaway rooms just to get some clean money flowing through their economy to wash the dirty money.

      The solution to this whole problem is simple: Dutch Investigators need to VOID the judgements made to protect and insulate Paulus from his crimes. Until Aruba does the appropriate things to gain trust, they will continue to get beaten down on the Internet.

      Its an easy choice to make. md

    2. Kat_Gram on December 29th, 2006 4:54 pm

      I did read that the 30 day stayover ( if you last that long ! ) is not going to help matters either.
      One fourth of the visitors in Aruba have time shares. Some like to stay longer than the 30 days. Now, they can’t.
      These are the bread and butter visitors and they have done things to shorten their visits ! What a plan ! ! !

    3. Sue on December 29th, 2006 5:08 pm

      looks like they better start rowing harding to keep that boat afloat

    4. Linda in MD on December 29th, 2006 5:15 pm

      Royal Caribbean is still docking in Aruba in 2007 and 2008.

    5. Allan K on December 29th, 2006 5:42 pm

      Maybe they should give Paulus and Anita some more cash for killing Natalee and that would improve their tourism. Maybe if they bring back Mr.Pink and some more illegal island porn films would help. Ask Alberto Levy and Rafael Levy to help out again.(Carlos & Charlies) Maybe if the suicide rate would drop and being nailed to cross would help. Maybe if people didn’t drown in the hospital would help. Maybe if the wives quit chopping the husbands heads off would help. Maybe if they keep the dead bodies off the beach would help and also off the hillsides. Maybe if they could keep the island teens and adults from molesting tourists or at least prosecute for the crime. Maybe if they would prosecute the boys raping the girls in the schools that would help. Maybe if they get the peeping toms away from the motels. Maybe if drugs was not tolerated being sold out in the open. Maybe if they could figure out what to do with the numerous crack shacks, where many a crime has taken place. Maybe if they didn’t let the convicted-felons mafia run the casinos. For me I see your tourists were your victims of which you enjoyed your perversions and your crime. I think you might want to get out of the tourism business. Most of Aruba seems to be a disgusting place. Its hard to believe that punk Joran telling Beth he would tell what he knew when he wanted. He should have told, that creep was torturing Beth. Damn, Anita describing Natalees underware lock up that whole family.

    6. JusticeforNatalee on December 29th, 2006 5:54 pm

      Best marketing advice and free of charge:

      JUSTICE FOR NATALEE

      The ONLY marketing strategy that will work.

    7. driving miss daisy on December 29th, 2006 6:12 pm

      That big white elephant sitting in the room, that will not go away, the ghost of Natalee Past, Present and Aruba’s future.

    8. Mortella on December 29th, 2006 6:23 pm

      Guess we need Derek to tell us the hotels are booked full some more because that average of 74.4% occupancy rate looks pretty grim as I would think that at or below cost?

      So the boycott is a big failure and things are humming? Sure doesn’t look like it from these stats. Red may have meant Carnival cruises but they have bought out a couple of other lines so I wonder even if still docking, how many cruises will actually be booked that still include Aruba. They are getting harder to find on cruise newsletters all the time.

      Aruba is coming to be known only as that place where Natalee Holloway disappeared and they refused to do anything about it. That’s because that’s what it is now. Sure hope the Sloots were worth it to the rest of the people there because I haven’t seen anything indicating anything less than approval from the locals. Once in a while, one will take a swipe at Natalee or her family or Americans in general but never their beloved rulers, the almighty Dutch elitists.

    9. Jasmine on December 29th, 2006 6:38 pm

      Given Aruba’s track record of overstating their tourism statistics, the real numbers are certainly much lower.

      To Aruban Officials: We will continue to support and promote the boycott until there is justice for Natalee.

      Prosecute those who harmed Natalee, those who covered up this crime, and those who obstructed justice in this case.

      If you don’t, you’re doomed.

      J4N

    10. linda on December 29th, 2006 7:02 pm

      I think Aruba is doomed anyways..not only because of Natalee..they are building like 5 big malls..at least 1000 stores more..As per Januari first they will charge turnover tax..so everything is going to be more expensive..so more stores ,more expensive en the same or less tourists..what a deal..and the stupid government just keeps on going,and probably will win the next election too..
      We have this voteculture here(don’t know how to say that in English)people that always voted for lets see mep..will always vote for mep..no matter what…so stupid
      I hope Holland is going to do something about this..otherwise we have a big fat problem

    11. Carpe Noctem on December 29th, 2006 7:29 pm

      Bow down, Aruba…

      You only thought things
      were bad!

      No Justice For Natalee is only gonna
      make things 100 times worse
      for the OH-SEVEN.

      Fasten your seatbelt

      Karin

      “I stick my hands in fans for FUN”

      Jaansen

      http://tinyurl.com/ygafqx

      http://tinyurl.com/sbj28

      http://tinyurl.com/yfh6p4

      …er uh,
      My Name is
      “Eugene”

      -J4N!

      Keep bringin’ it
      on all levels
      people.

    12. slogmonster on December 29th, 2006 7:33 pm

      Hi Linda,

      I think the term you’re looking for is party loyalists?

      It’s bad enough the horrible things that the “powers that be” in Aruba have done to Natalee’s family but it looks like they’re stupid from all angles.

      Talk about shooting themselves in the foot.

    13. Desiree on December 29th, 2006 7:39 pm

      Maybe they should give Paulus and Anita some cash for killing Natalee…… Red, Tom,can you stand behind these words?

      _____

      SM: HUH? What are you talking about? Why would we have to stand behind an individuals post? People have their own opinions and comments.

      WE STAND BEHIND WHAT WE POST ON THE FRONT PAGE, NOT ON EVERY COMMENT THAT 1000′s OF INDIVIDUALS MAKE EVERYDAY.

      That would mean that we would have to stand behind over 1 million comments. Not happening. That’s why people have an opinion … its theirs.

      R

    14. linda on December 29th, 2006 7:45 pm

      Ok thanks for that term,I learned something new again..but I have to agree with you,some are really stupid here..

    15. Elizabeth on December 29th, 2006 7:54 pm

      Tourism in the Carribean – UP Tourism in Aruba – DOWN

      Holland – MIDDLE

      (We are still waiting to hear from you)

    16. Carpe Noctem on December 29th, 2006 7:59 pm

      I fully support Linda & Arubaanse’s right to speak
      their minds on Aruba!

      I appreciate their VPs & contributions to the blog.

      I may not always agree, but that doesn’t
      MATTA. I don’t want to always agree, that would
      be really boring & non-productive.

      After all, who knows Aruba better than they???

      …and don’t say yo-do… ‘cuz he’s an
      unchained horse pucker. ;-)
      -J4N

    17. katablog.com on December 29th, 2006 8:11 pm

      >>Royal Caribbean is still docking in Aruba in 2007 and 2008.

      Comment by Linda in MD | December 29, 2006, 5:15 pm>>>

      LOL, Royal Caribbean who has been missing a few passengers the last couple of years is not a poster child for “one happy island”. In fact, maybe they stop there to drop off their missing persons.

    18. linda on December 29th, 2006 8:14 pm

      Carpe..you are Fun..and I agree its really boring to agree all the time

    19. bleachedblack on December 29th, 2006 9:12 pm

      IMO it does appear that Aruba is “padding” the numbers. On the occasions I have had to stay at hotels in Aruba since Natalee has gone missing, I would guesstimate a 75% occupancy is possible. However the guests in the resorts/hotels are NOT predominantly Americans, but largely South American,various Caribbean island peoples, a few Europeans, and even other
      Arubans to there-by maintain the appearance of “business as usual”.

    20. Mortella on December 29th, 2006 9:49 pm

      Linda,
      We have the same thing in this country. Some call them Yellow Dog Democrats and say they would vote Democrat if they ran a Yellow Dog for office, LOL!

      I have read many things that seem to indicate Aruba has many problems, not just Natalee, in that all the money they should have from the boom in tourism is just gone with nothing to show for it.

      Independent auditors can be called in to investigate and account for all funds collected. Maybe that would get to the bottom of the money crunch.

    21. page on December 29th, 2006 9:50 pm

      Aruba has a bad name now. Even people that I talk to that don’t follow the case much know Aruba is Not safe! People have heard Beth Holloway Twitty story and how she was treated. She is on TV alot!

    22. Linda in MD on December 29th, 2006 10:04 pm

      Desiree,
      What was Anita thinking when she described Natalee’s underware to Greta to be broadcast internationally?
      Linda in MD

    23. Allan K on December 29th, 2006 10:13 pm

      Croes, Desiree Candylips 46346458 Netherlands

      What part of Aruba you from Desiree. That was bad wording on my part. It should read heavy involvement and coverup to including possible active participation.

    24. Allan K on December 29th, 2006 11:00 pm

      These are the things I read sounds about right to me. It was from an Aruban Forum

      Paulis Van Der Sloot, Van Straten, the Kalpoes, and cry baby Joran all agreed to get rid of her. Paulis Van Der Sloot, Van Straten, and members of the Murder Investigators/Police Destroyed Evidence of the Crime allowing no physical evidence at this time. The Four police/Investigator’s Previous Statements Claiming they Knew where Deepak burried her. There Happened to be an incinerator right next door from the Landfill, and the Owner of the [b]Incinerator was found murdered with his head chopped off shortly after Natalee Holloway Vanished. The reputation of the whole Netherlands is at stake because of the little blind and arrogant Island. If the Netherlands Dont step in and expose the corruption they would prove themselves having Involvement Kidnapping, rape, and murder. Theres could be up to 20 or more suspects involved in this horrible crime. Deepaks statements to the Police Indicated that Natalee Halloway was Severely Victimized by Multiple Assailants. Anyone thinking that these stupid aruban criminals are innocent has to be an Idiot.[/b]

    25. nychic on December 29th, 2006 11:08 pm

      hey linda -

      so the taxes are going up in Aruba ?

      Here is the reason most likely:
      please remind your friends and neighbors that the ATA
      just spent $4.3 Million On An Advertising
      Campaign in the U.S. to boost tourism and it
      appears some of that cash could have been utilized
      to help the people of Aruba who have lost their jobs -

      here is an article with the details:

      http://tinyurl.com/y4z39y

      ——-
      p.s.
      I have not seen one of those tv commercials lately
      Could they already be out of money ?

      I wonder if the people in those ads are even from Aruba ?
      You would think they could have used unemployed locals ?
      Maybe the images of Boeti Dpak & Croes partying was just too intense for tv ?

    26. Minnesota Dad on December 29th, 2006 11:27 pm

      Allan K.,

      You are right on target.

      To go further, the crime took place in Paulus’ home (thus, no search of the home), on a bed in the home (thus, the blood soaked mattress that was never sent to Holland….but rather discarded and called ‘dog’s blood).

      Not only did law enforcement participate in covering this up….so did Paulus’ black robed buddies. You see, Paulus has been given a ‘get our of jail FREE’ card by his buddies. These judges were OVERWHELMINGLY conflicted…yet they did everything possible to distance and protect Paulus from his crime.

      PAULUS IS YOUR PERP…..Let’s go Dutch….the crime has been solved by the Scared Monkeys. You need to VOID all judgements made to protect Paulus due to judges not following proper court processes. The onion will peel quickly once this is done.

      The fact that the Dutch have not gone after VOIDING judgements after 2-3 months makes it very clear that they are going to wash their hands of this case too. In doing so, they are complicit and an accessory in a crime. Sorry Dutch…..but my gut tells me you aren’t sincere. I hope you are at least getting out and getting a good tan while in Aruba….don’t forget to wear your sunblock! Please prove me wrong.

      md

    27. Minnesota Dad on December 29th, 2006 11:30 pm

      One other thing for the Dutch Investigators:

      Investigation 101 – Build a timeline for all potential parties in a crime.

      Have you begun to develop a timeline for Paulus for the evening of May 30, 2005?

      Does it not seem odd that no one has developed a timeline….despite Paulus being arrested and jailed!!!????

      Paulus is your perp….md

    28. nychic on December 29th, 2006 11:55 pm

      MinnDad -

      I read your posts with interest…

      But Why Protect Paulus ?? Isn’t That The Real Question ??

      What Is PVDS Really Involved In & What Was In That House ??

      Money === Power

      Who Has The Money = Posner
      Who Worked For Posner = Guido
      Who Was Calling Guido = Paulus

      That Is The Key To The Investigation of PVDS = JMO

    29. Carpe Noctem on December 30th, 2006 12:27 am
    30. Molly on December 30th, 2006 2:01 am

      Carpe, Did the men in white suits at the rocks also wear face masks? Were there inspectors there without protection?
      I always thought that the ‘work’ being done at the rocks was only concerning Natalee until lately. You and mm have seen several bodies or parts in the videos. What a vile place those rocks must have been! I wonder why no one on the island would notice a stench like that, or why no one would ever see the discarded bodies. Yuck, please explain.

      molly (in Houston)

    31. mayan_moons on December 30th, 2006 2:28 am

      Hey Molly!

      Very good question….first of all this rock area is on the most Northern point of the island, well away from Hotels & other tourist areas. 15-20 mph constant tradewinds also plays a big part in taking the fishy smells and other bad odors away from the island over the waters. Plus add in Refinery odors spewing from the southern part of the island & you have the answer on the smell issue.

    32. downloadingd on December 30th, 2006 2:58 am

      MD,
      I hope everyone soon realizes that you are right!!!
      Paulus and higher ups in the government of Aruba are the ones who must be scrutinized. Paulus is the perp!!!

    33. Elizabeth on December 30th, 2006 3:10 am

      Carpe: I have a question, too. I know I’ve asked this before but I have never directed it toward anybody in particular.

      I’ve always had a gut feeling that Joran and possibly the Kalpoe brothers confessed to the murder of Natalee. The latest picture that you shared with us shows Joran in the grey sedan at the rocks, which goes along with my theory that he confessed and led them there.

      I’ve always wondered why the authorities suddenly changed their minds about recovering the body. The reports in Aruba were that a confession was attained and the authorities were in the process of visiting the scene of the crime and recovering the body. Then everything was retracted and nothing more was said about a confession or a body.

      Is it possible that ALE were part of the cover-up because of the intensity of the crime? It appears that the investigation was moving right along until that point. I have always thought that the reason that there was a cover up was because not only did they find one body, but they found several bodies and/or body parts all over that area of the island.

      Why would they do that?

      In the U.S. it would be a very BIG deal to find the covey of a psychopath like that. In fact, if you remember in the case of the Green River Killer who had covies spread all over the Pacific Northwest, it took police several days to methodically remove the bodies without disturbing the evidence. Doesn’t it make you wonder why they didn’t call in for help? Why did they insist on investigating this case themselves, avidly refusing help from the F.B.I.?

      There are so many questions, but this has always been my main one: What happened between the time that they had a confession of the crime and the supposed recovery of the body that triggered the cover-up?

      Could it have been as simple as them realizing that they were into something that was beyond their expertise? I don’t think so. Could it have been that they didn’t want the publicity that would have resulted in their discovery of a serial killer on the island? Maybe. Or: Could it have been that they stumbled upon something that was, truly, much bigger and more sinnister than they could ever imagine and were simply told to ignore it and to keep silent? That’s what I think it was, but how can we possibly proove it?

      Carpe: Please, help me with this one.

      Hey MD (Minnesota Dad): I hope you and your family had a nice holiday and I wish you a very happy and prosperous new year. I always enjoy reading your posts and can, honestly, tell that your concern for Natalee and her family come straight from the heart.

    34. Carpe Noctem on December 30th, 2006 5:34 am

      ‘ello Molly -

      I didn’t see any protective masks. I saw digital black
      smears where whomever made the tape (or released it)
      was intentionally trying to obscure the faces of the
      workers. This person also subtracted
      most of the license plates
      in Arubay Vids.

      Hiding Bodies:

      Well, it is a natural rock crypt…
      put the rocks back in to place, and nobody would
      ever see inside it. Those rocks are HEAVY to move – in
      one of the videos I watched that big stankin’
      ‘Grizzly Adams-Gentle Ben’ lookin mofo
      pull his G STRING trying to move
      one by himself. LOL

      It is wayyyyy out on the
      Northern part of the island,
      off the beaten path.

      … and from what
      I understand, with normal wind conditions
      on Aruba… the air flow would be blowing the
      stench out in the direction of the water,
      away from land, Lighthouse and Trattoria.

      — I bet ya when this thing is all over with
      we find out that spot was a drug dealer
      lost soul graveyard… maybe even well
      known on the island? Dunno.

      ——-

      hey R. — (not Red)

      The other R.

      I sliced up 81 new frames of ARUBAY # 4 last night.
      They turned out to be very interesting to me…
      maybe to you too?

      reg. link
      http://tinyurl.com/gut3h

      slideshow link
      http://tinyurl.com/yfulve

      —–

      Justice 4 Natalee, people.
      Keep it comin’

      No Rest
      4 The
      Wicked.

      NO SOOOOUP FOR THEMMMMM!

      http://tinyurl.com/y493g3

    35. Minnesota Dad on December 30th, 2006 10:02 am

      #33 Elizabeth,

      Thanks….My passion for seeing justice in this case stems from my own experience with lawyers and judges.

      Several years back, my family was damaged badly ($5 million+) by the misconduct of a prominent local attorney. We went after the attorney utilizing the civil court system (although we brought our case to the criminal process, we were told by the attorney at the DAs office that, yes, a crime was most likely committed, but the DA is friends with the prominent attorney and your case will go nowhere….basically, a ‘just head on over to Carlos and Charlies and have a drink’ type of comment).

      Our case got shuffled from judge to judge in the civil process until we ended up with a judge that ‘rewrote’ the facts of the case to show that the prominent attorney was ‘acting as a professional’. The judge changed almost 50 facts to accomplish this cover-up.

      During this case my family members were harassed and I was harassed in ways you would be appalled to know. As pompous as many attorneys think they are…there are some very, very bad people in that profession.

      Subsequent to the judge dismissing and covering up, we researched and found out that the judge’s spouse sits on the Board of a non-profit founded by the prominent attorney’s firm and that the judge and spouse go on annual junkets to a very nice resort for ‘conferences’ with the prominent attorney and his partners.

      Through this experience I saw the telltale signs on this case and how lawyers/judges play games to cover-up their misconduct. This case wreaked of cover-up the moment they arrested the two black guys.

      I know what we went through at the hands of a corrupt system. I respect Beth Holloway for continuing the fight. Ours was civil….and we gave up because there would just be another judge in line to cover-up for the other judges. Her fight is much more and if she doesn’t get her justice…she can rest in that Aruba will never recover from what they have done.

      I truely hope the Holloway’s get justice, but I am personally aware of how difficult it is when the perpetrators have back door access to the system and their buddies are the ones making the decisions/covering up for them.

      md

    36. Melissa on December 30th, 2006 10:34 am

      To poster #2: During 2006 I went to Aruba for 30 days and I was grilled intensively on arrival by the Arubian immigration officer. I had to show my return ticket and I found it very insulting even though I know they have the right. I was on the verge of apologizing for spending my money on their inflation-ridden island. So much for “Welcome to paradise-we know you have a choice of destinations, but thank you for choosing Aruba.” I believe this is their retaliation for the drop in tourism. The prices of everything in Aruba have sky rocketed in the past couple of years and now with the January 1 implemention of the equivalent of a sales tax, the ship is really sinking.

    37. Melissa on December 30th, 2006 10:36 am

      Sorry I spelled implementation wrong.

    38. mayan_moons on December 30th, 2006 1:13 pm

      Hey Minnesota Dad!

      I have the utmost respect for what you & you’re family have been through regarding *dirty justice* Be it apathy or direct participation to derail justice altogether, the result is in and of itself a crime.

    39. david r on December 30th, 2006 2:10 pm

      These jerks let one of their spoiled brats and his wannabe, lower caste homies get away with murdering an American girl in the name of “partying.” I hope all the perps suffer as much as possible, and that the whole island endures as much hardship as possible. As far as I am concerned, anyone who goes there condones violence against women. Sorry, Jossy, but until your island has a new government with the scruples to put human life over tourism dollars, I hope it endures as much hardship as possible.

    40. Patti on December 30th, 2006 2:13 pm

      Melissa: Whether you were aware of it or not, you brought out a very important point… that being that most of these types of attacks (rapes, gang rapes, drugging rapes, etc) are usually committed against tourists that are very close to their departure date. In the case of Natalee, the attack was executed the night before she was to leave the island. I think that the reason for this is because it gives the assailants a greater chance that the crime will go unreported.

      Upon surviving such an attack, most women would want to run, as fast as they can, off the island. Upon realizing that filing charges would mean either staying on the island or returning to deal with the legal issues, they choose to simply try to forget.

      I lived in Mexico for some time and heard of these types of crimes quite often. In Hawaii, there is a problem with robberies being committed in much the same way.

      I, too have been to Aruba. I went there in 2001.

    41. Carpe Noctem on December 30th, 2006 5:49 pm

      May the Holloway-Twittys get their justice in 2007!

      They have been very patient in waiting for it too.

      Now, if the limp pickle lame-oids of Aruba …

      can not get this family in some basic justice

      for Natalee in the OH-SEVEN… than ef it,

      I pray there is

      vigilante justice…

      if it is the *ABSOLUTE LAST

      METHOD* left!

      If she was mine

      ( she is – she’s been adopted now! lol )

      …but if she were of my *blood,

      ——————-
      somebody would be
      fittin’ to get their
      SIDEBURNS EVENED
      free of charge!
      ——————–

      May 2006 heading out –
      Take out the bags of filthy,
      hot, stinking garbage in power
      positions that HAVE BEEN DOING NOTHING
      on the NAH CASE in ARUBA
      for almost 2 YEARS NOW!

      They tarnish the island of Aruba, and do
      damage every single day BY THEIR INACTIONS.

      …damage that will take years of hard
      work and reversals… A PRICE most likely
      their children will pay for!!!!

      *Not the current
      elected venom-ish emoting SCUZZ BAGS
      like RUDY “Spank Me – Me Thinks I Likeyyy!!!!”
      CROES

      -and- NELSON “Have You Seen My Son & Where’s
      My Maid?” ODUBER, for instance.

      ( Hey… soo much for a
      chocolate on your pillow, Nelsey! )

      ROFLMAO hardy harrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

      Welcome 2007 with open arms!!!! Hey ARUBA – let’s
      get some things done for Natalee & her family!

      Make it a good year.

      -J4N
      http://tinyurl.com/gdjxd

    42. Carpe Noctem on December 30th, 2006 6:17 pm

      Why Are You In Such A Bad Mahmoud?

      http://tinyurl.com/yfhgwj

    43. truthbetold on December 30th, 2006 7:34 pm

      They are still going to Aruba so do not make stuff up.Dont “fluff” your bs stats….

      from rc website:

      Ship Name: Adventure Of The Seas
      Departure Port: San Juan, Puerto Rico
      Ports of Call: San Juan, Puerto Rico; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico
      2007 Date(s): Jan 07 , Jan 14 , Jan 21 , Jan 28 , Feb 04 , Feb 11 , Feb 18 , Feb 25 , Mar 04 , Mar 11 , Mar 18 , Mar 25 , Apr 01 , Apr 08 , Apr 22 , More 2007 Dates…

      _____________

      SM:   Our stats aren’t ours, they come from the Central Bank of Aruba (klaasend)

    44. Patti on December 30th, 2006 8:25 pm

      CORRECTION: The Ships are going to Aruba, but are the passengers getting off??? I doubt it.

    45. mayan_moons on December 30th, 2006 9:56 pm

      I’m sure everyone has wondered why the confession of Jurine was retracted, i have several possible reasons.

      1. To me the fact that Dompig would tell the press about
      the confession at all is suprising given all the
      backpeddling they’ve done.
      Remember what they told us Jurine said?
      “Something Bad Happened” He makes it sound like
      Natalee needed a Band-Aid or had a hang nail or
      something. Police knew it wasn’t going to be a good
      thing for tourism to locate Natalee’s (American
      Tourist) body but at that time they were being
      forthwright and open…..even professional(?).
      When police were taken to Natalee’s body even they
      who’ve probably seen alot bad things were disturbed &
      shaken from this crime scene. Officials were called
      and i bet every single one of them either went to the
      scene to see for themselves or had pics taken or video.
      Police went from “Something Bad Happened” to multiple
      mutilated bodies including Natalee. It was when Aruba
      Officials saw the condition of Natalee’s mangled little
      body they decided that Beth, Dave and the US media
      could NEVER see what their local son’s had done to her
      body. (heavy battery = beating) Breaking of bones,
      maybe her teeth were knocked out of her mouth by the
      fists (beating punching). We learned one of them
      slapped her right? See….there’s that kernal of truth

    46. mayan_moons on December 30th, 2006 10:05 pm

      They’ll hafta make the ship passengers walk the plank to get em to set foot on Aruba.

      Maybe IF everyone (Arubans) dances The RUMBA together they will coax them off the ship!

    47. mayan_moons on December 30th, 2006 10:12 pm

      Reason 2.

      Paul has dirt on his buddys & maybe threatened that if he & Jurine didn’t skate he’d bring them down with them.

    48. Carpe Noctem on December 30th, 2006 10:18 pm

      Hi Elizabeth!

      —————
      Elizabeth:

      There are so many questions, but this has always been my main one:

      What happened between the time that they had a confession of the crime and the supposed recovery of the body that triggered the cover-up?

      ——–

      Exactly, Miss Elizabeth. That is the MAIN question that people have been working on for the past 18 months.

      That is THE KEY – TO WHERE NATALEE IS!!!

      …and I think the answers will be bubbling to the surface
      very soon in 2007. ..and it is going to fry the Van der Rapists and Kalpoes involved. I admittedly don’t know
      many of the answers… but I do know that a lot of good people with sharp brains are working on
      it around the clock.

      …and have been for almost 2 years. They’ll crack it!
      It must be cracked now, there’s no turning back.

      Here are some of my thoughts on that & the small
      window of time 6/10-6/13 – When the gears of justice
      were thrown from 2nd gear into reverse…

      Torpedoing Justice – Van der Rapist Style

      Some Players:

      In my eyes, Paulus is the most guilty! Because he’s supposed to be an intelligent, reasonable adult
      & parent. He is anything but. He is flea $hit.

      He’s not though, in my opinion… he’s a very dark man
      small maninside. He’s a blackmailer,
      and empty shell of a human.

      He did whatever it took to protect his own demon spawn…
      evn at the cost of many other good people’s lives!

      Woo-hooo… GO PAULUS – u r a complete dumbass.

      Next his bifron of a demonic son
      Joran The Rapist / Murder.

      Next:
      Jaan Van der Stratten for agreeing
      to run defense and protect
      PVDS’ son. Jaan THE BIG
      ‘GODFATHA’ of J-BO. lol

      Jaan – WHERE ARE YOU NOW???

      Next: Nelson ‘WHATA-Skank-oid’ Oduber –

      A man
      who believes THERE ARE
      TWO SIDES TO EVERY FACE!

      I just love his most famous speech JUNE 10-ish 2005
      to the people of ARUBA.

      Nelson Odooshbong
      ——————–
      If Something Were To Happen To Natalee Holloway In Aruba
      It Would Be Very BAD For Tourism In Aruba!!!!!!!!!!!
      –Source AP WIRE
      ——————-

      thanks for being there, Nelsey. You are all heart, brohammus!

      ( Sub text – Nelson’s answer is to KEEP Natalee MISSING!
      rather than admit she was raped and mauled by 4 or more
      bifrons. — Yes, that is working GREAT for you NELSEY!
      Good plan – dog breath. )

      He says no one is above the law! He says it as he watches
      Paulus Joran and the Kalpoes rape and murder Natalee and then walk off in to an Aruban sunset. This man is not worth
      his weight with a shiny brand new wheelbarrow
      full of camel snit.

      Next: Dennis Jacobs – that is all that needs to be said
      about this dung beetle.

      Frosted Flakes
      eatin’ pachyderm.

      This guy keeps Krispy Kreme profitable!!!

      Next: Rudy “I know they made a confession – but, oopsie!
      it must have been an ‘EVIL MISINFORMATION’
      campaign against Aruba’s dearly loved
      murdering, raping, Van der Sluts.”

      * This guy is such a complete TOOL – Lowes is considering
      giving him his own complete line!

      Oh, yes RUDY -

      We know how the evil, nutty world is OUT TO GET THAT INNOCENT DUTCH FAMILY – WHO HAVE LIED TO THE A.L.E. AND MEDIA 22 PLUS TIMES –
      right up until the day
      and minute of this post!

      …and they ( Joran and Paulus) still mantain they can not tell the truth today – YET they ADMIT they DO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO NATALEE that awful night.

      :cough: tool bags!

      Yes, the Van der Sluts – so
      many evil people out to get them! …it almost brings
      a tear to my eye. ( and then I put the f’n
      water bong down and stopped inhaling. )

      —-

      Next: Dompig and his WITTLE PIGGY – These two
      stinking slime chutes act as if GUILT IS LIKE A
      BIG BAG OF ROCKS – Just put it down, ethics,
      morals, truth… no matta. Heyyyy, it was an
      overdose right, EASY!!!! Now let’s go grab a
      brewski and call it a night, eh Mikey? Uhhhh
      okay… sure pop! What a sell out
      of a couple of empty humans.

      …and lastly, who can forget Dikpik and
      Sufferin’ Succatash – the two ‘fake taxi driver’ rape & murder assisstants. A real couple of swell individuals!
      Look out Dr. Phil — THESE CARNIVORES HAVE THEIR
      HANDS out AGAIN. They say you trashed their integrity.

      ROFL. Impossible.

      Animal droppings that seek to be compensated monetarily
      for their assisstance with a rape & murder on a tourist
      do not possess INTEGRITY.

      I think many of the people on the above list should
      have received what Saddam was awarded yesterday.

      —————–
      A brand new rope!
      —————–

      Carry on all.

      Justice 4 Natalee

      It can not be denied.

      —–
      Nat Computer
      Wallpaper

      http://tinyurl.com/y8b8x8

    49. Carpe Noctem on December 30th, 2006 10:27 pm
    50. mayan_moons on December 30th, 2006 10:31 pm

      Reason 3.

      No threats were made, they all just shoved Natalee under the rug, cover & lie for eachother and don’t care. They and their criminal local sons are all that matter & they are stupid & arrogant thinking that $hits gonna fly.

    51. Carpe Noctem on December 30th, 2006 11:36 pm

      Mayan high fives, lady!

      I think you hit it right
      on center spike

      with reason # 2 @ 47.

      Paulus had dirt on people… he has dirt
      on people because he himself is purified
      filth — a mob associate. His lowly
      jobs are a cover. He works for mafiaso.

      Paulus uses what he
      managed to soak up in that whiffle ball
      head of his for -BAD- He’s a part
      of Aruban organized crime. IMHO

      Track the VDS
      money, how can 2
      gnat hineys like
      flunky Paulus & Anita
      with her teacher career…
      how do they afford to
      live like they do?

      * No their house ain’t all that and a bag
      of chips – right. That is by design though.
      So nobody asks questions!

      When his demon spawn got carried
      away and raped and murdered Natalee – it
      was all over… how could anybody ignore
      that and not come around and ask questions?

      It is heartwarming though to see that
      Joran is taking after his ole’ man!

      :dripping in sarcasm gloopie glops:

      -J4N

    52. Patti on December 30th, 2006 11:57 pm

      Miss Mayan and Carpe:

      Thanks for all you do. You are the greatest. I hope that if anything happens to me, I’ve got you on my side. You have proven over and over again your love and concern for Natalee and her family.

      A Very Special “Happy New Year” to Both of You!

    53. nychic on December 31st, 2006 12:09 am

      Carpe -

      I Just Noticed The “Top Commenters” Feature
      Added To The Front Page

      Congratulations On Being SM #1 FP Commenter !

      What Dedication You Have For The Fight To Get
      Answers For Natalee’s Family !

      Let’s All Hope 2007 Will Bring Just That !
      Keep Up The Fight !

      ********HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AT SM********

    54. mayan_moons on December 31st, 2006 12:19 am

      High Fiver’s Back At Cha Carpe!

      There is no other explanation of how a washed up sub/judge & school teacher pays for the trips and why underage Jurine help launder some of that drug & firearms moneys.

    55. mayan_moons on December 31st, 2006 12:32 am

      Happy New Year to You to nychic!~

    56. mayan_moons on December 31st, 2006 1:23 am

      Thank You Patti! especially wanting us on your side if needed part. I feel the same way about everyone here. In a world where so many are with their hand out and wanting to know whats in it for them before they lift a finger to do anything or help somebody, its comforting to know that good people still exist and alot of them are right here.

    57. JusticeforNatalee on December 31st, 2006 1:39 am

      Happy New Year to all monkeys.

      Keep fighting the good fight for NATALEE!

    58. mayan_moons on December 31st, 2006 1:49 am

      I made a vow to myself & God six weeks after they led Natalee away that IF they (Aruba) was playing games with Beth and Dave’s hearts, giving them & the rest of us false hope and jerking us arround that i would do EVERYTHING i could to make Aruba Rue the Day they threatened Beth to “shut up”. What these people did is torture a loving Mother & Father with promises they knew they’d never keep.
      They should never have done that.

    59. mayan_moons on December 31st, 2006 2:19 am

      Carpe!

      I love the slideshow’s you’ve set up Carpe! Its the BEST way to view them!

    60. mayan_moons on December 31st, 2006 2:28 am

      Happy New Years to You Too JFN!

    61. mayan_moons on December 31st, 2006 3:20 am

      And rue the day they watched Dave digging arround in that landfill with NO help from police as he was looking for his little girl

      But it wasn’t just that Aruba didn’t life a finger to help Dave, its More than that. Its they way they only issued daily pass’s (did Aruba charge Dave a fee for those daily landfill pass’s?) for Dave & co. to search. Yeah thats right, Aruba didn’t let them search there if they didn’t have a DAILY permit. whadda ya think about that….Aruba SHOULD have allowed the landfill search to go on without filling out paperwork everyday. The eyes of the world watched that play out in their living rooms and the picture we/they saw was a heartless, spineless and greedy country.

    62. Carpe Noctem on December 31st, 2006 11:26 am

      Thanks MM,Nychic, and Patti.

      Happy New Years to you all TOO!

      —–

      I found this last night on VID #38.

      ??? Yiiiiiikes.

      ——

      I’m still working on the exact time count… but
      the frame is from the first minute and a
      half, I believe.

      I pinched some upholstery
      on my couch when this one
      dropped into my browser.

      wow.

      http://tinyurl.com/y5mcq2

      -J4N

    63. vicki on December 31st, 2006 11:34 am

      Thank you carpe for all of your hard work. Mayan,nychic, miss u,justice, Tom Red Klaas and Mrs.Red…happy new year to you and yours. Lets all pray that 2007 brings everyone answers and closure. I know we can use it, but God knows the Holloways and Twittys need answers.
      I was posting over at BFN for 2 or 3 days and I can tell you, it was scary. Every time I mentioned “papasweat” I was attacked. and few ppl there seemed to understand..LIERUBA. I think I will just stay here with the good ole monkeys

    64. Carpe Noctem on December 31st, 2006 11:43 am

      Now, I may be hallucinatin’… HA

      but… seriously now -

      Describe for me what your
      eyes and brain
      see in this next pic. (frame from 38)

      What is on top of this torso?

      What does
      it look like
      to you?

      -J4N
      http://tinyurl.com/yd263b

    65. Carpe Noctem on December 31st, 2006 11:50 am

      Miss Vicki Vick…

      We love you here! Don’t go.

      Stay with DE MONKEEEEY. ;-)

      Happy New Years to you and yours.

      I wish
      ya all the best.

    66. vicki on December 31st, 2006 12:04 pm

      carpe, you bring tears to my eyes..thank you…I swear carpe, it looks like someones face and they were screaming before they died!!! We will get to the bottom of this keep those pictures coming. Everyone say a prayer tonite that 2007 brings closure…Happy New Year One and All.

    67. Desiree on December 31st, 2006 1:04 pm

      Carpe, bad photoshopped, did you use an old version. You can do better,man. Come on, just use your layers and a little bit more contrast. Well you did your best to fool everybody.Luv it! Great end of the year joke. Have a good 2007 and if you have a better version contact the FBI . They will help with evidence, for sure.
      Let’s think about Natalee, Beth and Dave around midnight. Send them your prayer and love

    68. Carpe Noctem on December 31st, 2006 2:01 pm

      http://tinyurl.com/y9v8wv

      —–

      Next!

      —–

      THE ROCKS SITE corpse.

      http://tinyurl.com/wm8qc

      Justice 4 Natalee!
      BOYCOTT DEMON ROCK

    69. mayan_moons on December 31st, 2006 2:48 pm

      Help with the evidence? Aruba would NOT let the FBI help remember? Here’s some food for thought for you clowns since the bread shelf is empty.

      IF these still frames Carpe has captured from the video’s were shopped, the FBI would see that as interference in a Missing Person’s investigation that is still officially on the FBI website and tell him to stop it. Even though the FBI can’t do much to make Aruba do their jobs, they CAN enforce charges of obstruction and/or interference here in the US.

      THE FBI HAS NOT DONE THAT

    70. mayan_moons on December 31st, 2006 2:49 pm

      Chew On That!~

    71. Patti on December 31st, 2006 3:28 pm

      Carpe:

      What I see in the upper left hand corner is the bottom half of a woman lying on the ground, face down, with a large blood stain at her waist and flowing down toward her feet. She also has blood around her left ankle where she was possibly bound.

      I see what looks like a face, but because the nose area of the face is actually the buttock area of the corpse, I am sure that it is not a face.

      I also see what looks like bloody fingers, or a hand on the rock in the foreground of the picture. Did any of the perps have a hand fettish?

    72. Patti on December 31st, 2006 3:32 pm

      Sorry, I took another look:

      Actually the nose area of the face, is actually the right leg of the corpse. Her left leg is bent.

      Does anyone else see that?

    73. Patti on December 31st, 2006 3:38 pm

      I am commenting on the picture in post #64 (yd263b)

    74. Desiree on December 31st, 2006 3:42 pm

      I think they run out on chewing gum in Aruba also. Bad place to be. I would stay home if I was you but I know you will.I bet there are NO missing persons around where you live and everyone is doing their work as it should be. No frustration, no corruption and WHITE bread.I am so sorry I have to live here because of my “bread” How would the world be without the US and people like you, mm

    75. Desiree on December 31st, 2006 3:48 pm

      Patty,Patty that is a just killed chicken. Can’t you see. Ever heard from Photoshop and photo editing? But…you can call the FBI, they will immediately start investigating. I know there are two FBI members here to investigate the time of arrival of Beth Twitty and co, Oeps, that should not be out there yet so you know what to do…lips sealed please

      _____________

      SM:   AHATA is so predictable.   Must be getting despirate again sending their employees to blogs and forums in an attempt to place blame on anyone besides the Sloot’s and Kalpoe’s.   Haven’t figured out exactly who you are yet Desiree, but your posting style is very familiar to me (klaasend)

    76. Desiree on December 31st, 2006 3:50 pm

      Oeps, Patti,exusez-moi

    77. mayan_moons on December 31st, 2006 4:14 pm

      As i said…..Natalee is still on the FBI website and if they felt these stills were hindering the FBI’s Missing Person investigation they would tell him to STOP.

      That hasn’t happened now has it.

    78. Patti on December 31st, 2006 6:23 pm

      Desiree:

      TRUTH: The F.B.I. are not investigating the time of arrival of Beth Twitty… they are investigating the way that this American (and proud of it) family were treated in that God forsaken island that you call your home. All they’d have to do is to check with the airlines, and they can do that from here. Sorry, Honey, looks like your authorities have been lying to you, again.

      You and your island are a disgrace to women everywhere, and you don’t have to be a proud American to figure that out. Besides, unlike many of you that don’t mind a few people missing here and there, we are looking for someone that is loved. Can’t relate? I wonder why.

      Patty (if that’s the way you like it)?!?!?!?!?

    79. Patti on December 31st, 2006 6:53 pm

      Now, come on, Guys, I know that’s not a chicken!!!

    80. Tibrogargan on December 31st, 2006 8:03 pm

      #68 Carpe Noctem These frames become more horrifying with each one you publish. Did H G Wells ever visit Aruba? Seems like it is the basis for his Island of Dr Moreau. What goes on in that God forsaken place? I have always suspected there was a strong undercurrent of black magic/satanic rituals behind the whole story and all you are discovering only proves it further to me. What a perverted disgusting group of losers. No wonder one of them said “when they find the girl they will find that chit” Even animals respect their dead and these creeps are lower than the lowest form of existence.
      Well it is well into the first day of 2007 here so I will wish all of you a Happy New Year and may there be answers and closure for Natalee’s family in the near future. Love and Peace to Beth and Dave. Blessings to you all and keep up the good work. Thank you to all at SM for this blog.

    81. judy w. on December 31st, 2006 8:22 pm

      God…what a mess! Trolls, trolls, everywhere!!!!
      ************************************
      To Tom, Red, & Klaasend of Scared Monkeys, and all of you who come to Scared Monkeys to see if there is anything you can do to help find Natalee and what happened to her, for sure, THANK YOU!
      *************************************
      Carpe, a good many of us have unofficially adopted Natalee as our own since May 30, 2005. It almost feels like I have lost a daughter. I only have one child, a son (actually a grown man, 26) but I can imagine what Beth, Dave and their families feel like. And it is a God-awful feeling. You raise your children the best you can and hey, they turn out to be really good people…like Natalee. Then you send them out into the world and hope they are prepared. Unfortunately, being prepared doesn’t help when someone drugs them and makes them disappear without a trace. My heart has been broken for the Holloways and Twittys since Natalee disappeared. I pray each day for them and do all I can to help keep Natalee’s story going.
      ************************************
      And now to say what I actually came to say to y’all! May God bless each of you Monkeys with a wonderful new year in 2007! Thanks for all you do to help keep Natalee’s disappearance and the injustice done to her and her family alive and in the news. Please never give up until there is JUSTICE FOR NATALEE!!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
      ************************************
      And to you trolls…get a life…and like the tin man on the Wizard of Oz…get a heart!!!

    82. judy w. on December 31st, 2006 8:27 pm

      P.S. Carpe, It looks like a shark to me also!

    83. Carpe Noctem on January 1st, 2007 10:31 pm

      thanks for telling me, Judy! I appreciate that.

    84. Molly on January 2nd, 2007 1:55 am

      Pretty shocking picture, Carpe. So she wanted to see the sharks, did she? Looks like Joran put some with the body. Totally crazy.

      Thanks for your answers to my questions about the protective gear worn at the rocks. Gives me the shudders.

      Happy New Year and Blessings to all the good Monkeys.

      Molly (in Houston)

    85. Scared Monkeys on July 8th, 2007 10:15 pm

      [...] a productive year. For who? Have you taken a look at your economic numbers lately PM Oduber,  Here … Here …. Here … Here … Here … Here.  [...]

    86. Scared Monkeys on July 8th, 2007 10:18 pm

      [...] First 8 months of 2006 stay over visitors are down nearly 10%  [...]

    87. kevin joseph on July 19th, 2009 10:36 pm

      i agree but all tourism is down

    88. boycott on September 18th, 2009 9:57 pm

      “the average occupancy rate of the hotels for October 2006 shows a contraction of 6.2 percentage points to 73.7 percent”

      I’d say it’s a heck of a lot lower now. But, an upswing in the economy will flood the place with travelers IMO.

    89. Mehera on November 2nd, 2009 10:08 pm

      In light of the contraction of most world economies. The fight for tourism dollars can get pretty tough. If they are not looking into improving tourist experiences they’re going to continue to lose to those who value tourist dollars.

    90. giordano on November 23rd, 2009 4:15 pm

      If A is success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut.

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