In a Post Natalee Holloway Aruba … Tourism is Still Down and not Close to What it Once Was

 

Going, going, going and still gone … 

Aruba tourism is still an issue after the disappearance of Natalee Holloway in Aruba Tour for DumMay 2005. The Aruban tourism officials may want to go back to the very first story that Scared Monkeys ever wrote regarding missing Natalee Holloway, “This Can’t Be Good For Tourism, Where’s Natalee Holloway”.

For an Island paradise that prides itself on sandy beaches and a constant trade wind, the last thing they would want is bad publicity of an unsafe island. However, An Alabama high school student, Natalee Holloway, disappeared during her graduation trip to Aruba.

Think we did not know what we were talking about from the outset of this case and the subsequent actions and reactions of Aruban authorities? There are very few predictions that we have made and discussed with Natalee’s family that did not come to pass. Aruba is based on tourism and money and all else comes second. Natalee Holloway went missing in May of 2005 and Aruba is still feeling the effects of that event as they refuse to provide a competent and just investigation and prosecution of those they know to be involved. Aruba, do you think its about time you prosecute Joran Van der Sloot?

… compared to December 2006, the room occupancy of the hotels as well as the number of cruise passengers dropped in the same month in 2007.   Although the room occupancy of the hotels dropped in December …

Not only did the cruise passengers drop in December of 2007, but also the number of cruise ships that visited the island; with respectively 8.3 and 11.8 percent.  Over the entire 2007, the number of cruise passengers dropped to 481.775, 18.5 percent less than in 2006 and the number of cruise ships remained that same as in 2006

Aruba NH Vanderbilt

The fact that they tried to cover up a crime and think it was just going to go away will haunt Aruba for decades to come. Aruba can spend all the money they want on tourism consultant groups, it will never make an impact into the free publicity on the internet, TV and individuals choice to express their displeasure as to how the investigation was handled.

Aruba has always been vulnerable to tourism dependency which makes how they dealt with the Natalee Holloway case all that more bizarre. They just that Beth, Dave, Jug and the rest of us would go away.

Go away? Hardly … stay tune for reports from the Boston Travel Show this weekend as people are reminded by a grass roots effort that Natalee Holloway is still missing in Aruba and they have done nothing to provide “Justice for Natalee”.

Big drop in number of cruise passengers (Amigoe: 2/20/08

ORANJESTAD – It appears from the monthly report of the Central Bank of Aruba (CBA) that compared to December 2006, the room occupancy of the hotels as well as the number of cruise passengers dropped in the same month in 2007.   Although the room occupancy of the hotels dropped in December, there was a growth in 2007.  

Not only did the cruise passengers drop in December of 2007, but also the number of cruise ships that visited the island; with respectively 8.3 and 11.8 percent.  Over the entire 2007, the number of cruise passengers dropped to 481.775, 18.5 percent less than in 2006 and the number of cruise ships remained that same as in 2006.     

Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) has not yet published the number of tourists that stayed on the island and those that just spent the night during August till December inclusive.  

The CBA has therefore used the figures of AAA on the number of travelers that came to Aruba via air.  These numbers increased for the first 11 months of 2007 with 9.8 percent.  These figures only give an indication of a growth or drop in the tourism season, because the length of the stay was not considered. 



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

  • Aruba Will Survive with or without Natalee Holloway hype
  • Aruba Vacation … Arribe Aruba, NOT. Nice Try by the ATA … Aruba. “One Unhappy Island”
  • As Public Employees Boycott & Protest in Aruba … Let’s Remember What’s Really Important … Justice for Natalee Holloway
  • Geoffrey van Cromvoirt to be Held for 8 Days in Connection with Natalee Holloway Disappearance
  • Aruba Tourism Association … Wake Up. Declining tourism and discounted Rates are Attributed to One Factor … Where’s Natalee???




  • Comments

    167 Responses to “In a Post Natalee Holloway Aruba … Tourism is Still Down and not Close to What it Once Was”

    1. buster on February 22nd, 2008 8:31 am

      I wonder how many of the worlds smallest violin’s are playing at this given moment ???

    2. Vicki on February 22nd, 2008 8:39 am

      WOW where have all the trolls gone???Still want to say LIERUBA isnt hurting??? Maybe they are to hungry to type….sickening…where are all the protesters that wanted Beth to go home??? How do the Van der SLUTS hold their heads up???I would stone them if I lived on that Volcanic ashe…CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE RESPONSE IS IN BOSTON…..

    3. Amsterdam 020 on February 22nd, 2008 8:49 am

      http://www.nu.nl reports that Patrick van der Eem is questioned as a witness yesterday by the Aruban police. The rumour that Patrick has been arrested is nonsense according to the Aruban prosecution. Patrick reported to the Aruban police voluntarily. His statement will be put in the file of Natalee and used in a possible court procedure.

    4. buster on February 22nd, 2008 8:55 am

      What has the eggplant head bean up to ??? Has there been any reports or urin sightings ???
      Hey urin you WANTED the gangster bad boy image so tell us ALL: HOW DOES IT FEEL

    5. Terri on February 22nd, 2008 9:01 am

      I am going on a cruise in April (not to Aruba, thank you) and I was wondering if there are Natalee buttons or anything that we (there will be 16 of us) can wear to bring awareness to this cause?
      ______________________
      SM: Just go to http://www.cafepress.com and type in boycott aruba in the search field, you will find many different items you can purchase (klaasend)

    6. kaye on February 22nd, 2008 9:06 am

      what’s that you say Odoodoohead? say what? tourism is down because of what? because the american economy is so bad? and the american housing industry slump,and the american dollar is not worth as much now?and the american blah, blah, blah, blah , blah, blah? NOT!!!!!!!!!!. americans are travelling everyday……JUST NOT TO the HELLHOLE called ARUBA Odoodoohead!!!!!
      BOYCOTT ARUBA. Justice For Natalee.

    7. david r on February 22nd, 2008 9:09 am

      Jan Van der Stratten should be ashamed. Whatever good police work he did in his career is now forgotten because he allowed a criminal to go free just because he was a friend’s son. He is a disgrace to himself and his country.

    8. Richard on February 22nd, 2008 9:13 am

      Also, for T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, pens and other items related to Natalee, write to:

      JusticeforNatalee@gmail.com.

      That’s the central coordinating point for information on what’s going on, where Aruba Tourism Authority will be rearing its ugly head next … and what we plan to do about it.

      Terri … be sure to check out http://www.internationalcruisevictims.org to get a sense of the dangers of cruise ships. The public isn’t very aware of this … but I am.

      Let’s deal a blow to Aruba. Stand up for Natalee in Boston, New York, and elsewhere. Please consider helping out with the protests.

    9. brie on February 22nd, 2008 9:17 am

      Somebody needs to investigate the investigation and start with the missing documents from Joran….they have to be produced in truth…but who will do his?

    10. buster on February 22nd, 2008 9:40 am

      #9 This could be done by any aruban who cares

    11. buster on February 22nd, 2008 9:40 am

      Is there anyone in aruba who cares ???

    12. Scott on February 22nd, 2008 9:51 am

      Aruba will be fine don’t you guys worry your pretty little heads

    13. kaye on February 22nd, 2008 9:56 am

      http://www.arubaboycott.com ……sign the petition

    14. Vicki on February 22nd, 2008 9:58 am

      Oceanexplorer said that some very interesting things are happening on BFN and he had taken a week off to go home…he will be posting soon…

    15. brie on February 22nd, 2008 10:28 am

      Aruba needs to hurry up and make a new law that will prosecute Joran and Paulus and whomever else that was tramping in the sand that night…

      Where are all the cell phone records….I guess there gone too….

      The way they have intentionally lied and would not tell Natalee’s family what happened is the sin of all sins….

      Did everyone involved throw their shoes away that night…? Worried about footprints or just Joran’s shoes with blood on them…

    16. Happy_Go_Lucky on February 22nd, 2008 10:35 am

      How could anyone NOT boycott aruba? What are they going to do? Go out for some gambling at excelsior, then on the C n C’s for some ‘jelly’ shots? I would never be able to be there without thinking of where Natalee might be, which of those boats out there might be the one, etc etc. I would never order a drink there. Who could relax?????????????

      In fact, i would like to visit the exact opposite point on the map from Aruba. I have been to Thailand. Is that close?

      I think those on this board are doign a great job. it lets those mf’s over in hellhole know ‘we’ have their number and we’re not going away. Or if we do, it won’t be there.

    17. Terri on February 22nd, 2008 10:43 am

      Thanks, Richard. I have been following this from day one. I have looked at the website that you provided and it has opened my eyes to many things that you just wouldn’t think of. We are all going to be very careful and don’t plan operate on the “buddy system”.

      Vicky, thank you, also. I am thinking of buttons for everyone to wear. I am curious to see what kind of feedback we will get from people from different parts of the country regarding Natalee. I will surely give them a mouthfull if anyone starts asking questions!

      Vicki — what does your post #14 mean? What is BFN?

    18. disgustedmom on February 22nd, 2008 10:48 am

      On Websleuths they are talking about some teacher finding a cell phone near the lighthouse that belonged to PVDS.

      Anyone heard anything about this?

      Joran did say Paulus was using Anita’s cell phone! So was his lost?

      According the a websleuths poster Anita has said the found cell phone belonged to Vanjihn (or however you spell the name of her younger boy).

      I’m going to go ahead and comment on this cell phone story…if it’s true, the finder does not make clear how he found out it was Paulus’s phone. He just says he called the number….now that’s one way to find out who owns the phone – to check the number of the phone- but there is another thing a lot of people do when they find a phone since calling the number of that phone will only get you THAT PHONE ringing a busy signal or voice mail – which may have introduced the owner….people usually call the last number called on the phone; then they give that person the number and ask whose number it is…SO….was the last person called on that found phone Paulus? And if it also belonged to the VDS’s did Joran make the call? For help?

    19. WHERE'S NATALEE, AZZHOLE JORAN? on February 22nd, 2008 10:51 am

      ASCREWBA:

      WE ARE NOT OBLIGATED, IN A-N-Y WAY, TO SPEND OUR TOURIST DOLLARS ON ‘ONE CORRUPT ISLAND.’

      YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE THE RIGHT THING.

      I’M AFRAID IT’S WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY TOO LATE FOR YOU NOW.

      BUH-BYE.

      HAVE FUN WITH URINE AND PAULASS AND THEIR CRIMINAL COHORTS. MAYBE THEY CAN COUGH UP THE $MILLIONS YOU HAVE LOST, AND THE $MILLIONS MORE YOU WILL LOSE.

      I KNOW; WHY DON’T YOU GO HOLD A ‘PROTEST,’ LIKE YOU DID FOR BETH WHEN SHE CAME, TRYING LIKE HELL TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO HER DAUGHTER, SINCE YOUR “POLICE” (AND I USE THE TERM V-E-R-Y LOOSELY) WON’T?

      – NOT THAT I CARE ANYMORE, OR EXPECT A THING FROM YOUR PATHETIC LITTLE ISLAND ANYMORE. I’M ENJOYING WATCHING YOUR MICROSCOPIC WORLD COLLAPSE AROUND YOUR EARS.

      HAVE A NICE, DOLLARLESS DAY.

    20. brie on February 22nd, 2008 10:54 am

      As JQK said pull the trigger on them….

      Kalpoes want to get deported back to Suriname…that is after you serve your time…just how many women have they raped along with Joran’s help..

      Jacobs knows all about Joran, Freddy, Koen and the Kalpoes…and the biggest s~~t’s of all are Paulus and Straaten…

      Call on some favors did you Paulus for all your crooked dirty paper work…

      I say sue them all for what they have done…no forgiveness anywhere…there is no money that belongs to any of them….make the penniless…

      Put the whole damn bunch under hypnosis and see what we get…..Hans contact those necessary and create a law….your the prosecutor…

      Taco Joe looks and sounds like a complete a$$…

    21. Boycott Aruba on February 22nd, 2008 10:59 am

      Don’t forget to watch DATELINE tonight on NBC. They are doing a Holloway show

    22. brie on February 22nd, 2008 11:00 am

      #17…I think BFN means Blogs for Natalee..you can search there…information available…

    23. WHERE'S NATALEE, AZZHOLE JORAN? on February 22nd, 2008 11:08 am

      “12. Scott on February 22nd, 2008 9:51 am

      Aruba will be fine don’t you guys worry your pretty little heads”

      ————

      OH, I’M NOT — Y-O-U MORONS ARE THE ONES WITH 70% DROP IN TOURISM, AND YOU S-T-I-L-L THINK WE OWE YOU SOMETHING.

      YOU NEED US; WE DON’T NEED YOU.

      HAVE ANOTHER NICE, DOLLARLESS DAY.

      BTW, RUN ASK, OH, ANYONE ON YOUR “POLICE FARCE” —
      WHERE’S NATALEE?

    24. mitza4u on February 22nd, 2008 11:13 am

      I hope tourists continue to find other places to vacation. Aruba makes me sick. Girls in Aruba and the Netherlands have every reason to be afraid if that monster is around. I wouldn’t take the chance sending my kids there, good chance they may not make back home just like Natalee didn’t. That kid is one sick puppy. There is no justice on that Island, and for what? To cover for a sick monster like him.

    25. Scott on February 22nd, 2008 11:19 am

      I can assure you there is no drop of 70% in tourism. You don’t owe me anything, your just stating a fact that is false.
      Aruba has enough tourists from other countries, that they will be fine, that is what I mean. I feel for the family, and maybe you should try doing something different, than bashing a country that want nothing else then to get this case resolved.

      ______________________________
      SM: Cruise passengers are down:

      http://www.arubabycruise.com/stats/index.html

    26. Cerril on February 22nd, 2008 11:22 am

      Slow down! The boycott is not hurting Aruba. We are just fine. Oh you mean it is just the beginning LOL (after 3 years). Let’s wait and see!
      If you manage to let the State dept. pronounce a boycott then Aruba may have a problem.
      However the State dept will never do this for one missing person on Aruba. Yes. Still missing because no body has been found or a confession of a crime. The so called confession of Joran have lot of lies (again) in it and the judge ofcourse did not accept because he don’t know what to believe. According to the crime experts in Nancy Grace show in USA Joran will also walk free. And don’t come with cover-up. Aruba will never cover-up for Joran & family. Aruba must be naïve in doing this for the vd sloots. Aruba, Netherlands giving themselves a bad name worldwide for Joran & family? Laughable!!
      People who believe this cover-up thing must be really stupid.
      ________________________
      SM: Cruise passengers are down:
      http://www.arubabycruise.com/stats/index.html

    27. brie on February 22nd, 2008 11:22 am

      Just did some research on the Caribbean Courts of Justice…Aruba is not included but Suriname is…is it any wonder the untouchables didn’t want to sign the treaty….Hey Paulus, another one of your moves….

      It’s been said that you drug Joran around like a toy in the Netherlands…bars, casinos you name it…you did your damage…

      Anita is completely filthy describing Natalee’s underwear to Beth….Natalee had to of been at your house….how do you see at night on the beach…Greta or Beth should of decked you…but they have way more composure…

    28. JusticeforNatalee on February 22nd, 2008 11:32 am

      #17

      You can make your own buttons by downloading a Natalee pic
      and then inserting them into buttons that you buy at craft stores.

      Someone more computer and craft savvy than me can explain.

    29. Dar on February 22nd, 2008 11:32 am

      BREAKING NEWS:

      Joran Van Der Sloot and his Father Paulus Van Der Sloot found over dosed on GHB. Apparently the victims of their own decietful sport.

      They were scouting for a new “Drug and Rape Victim.”

      Witness said they had saw the two talking with a young blond girl they were buying drinks for.

      Witness stated that within moments both Joran and Paulus fell to floor convulsing and shaking uncontrollably. It is speculated that they had accidently drank from the victims drink instead of their own and their scheme backfired.

      Anita plans to have services in Aruba placing their remains in a crab cage for internment in the deep blue sea off of the coast of Aruba….

      More on this story as it happens….
      ___________________________
      SM: Note the above post is satire (klaasend)

    30. brie on February 22nd, 2008 11:35 am

      I guess they are contemplating there next move…are there any left…..just grab the bull by the horns and get it done…..Hans sticking your tail between your legs doesn’t help……you need to find the document…torn up or not what did it say? That would be your job…..!!!!!

      Many people would lite the fuse!!!!! So go figure…!!!

    31. brie on February 22nd, 2008 11:38 am

      Hans, if you don’t get your act together it’s going to be “RAGE ON ARUBA”

    32. WHERE'S NATALEE, AZZHOLE JORAN? on February 22nd, 2008 11:58 am

      I APOLOGIZE, SCOTTY/PAULASS — GOT MY STATS MIXED — THERE ARE SO MANY THAT GIVE TECHNICOLOR EVIDENCE THAT YOUR ECONOMY IS GOING DOWN IN FLAMES.

      WHAT YOUR OWN ODD-DOOBER SAID WAS THAT THE ARUBAN ECONOMY DEPENDS S-E-V-E-N-T-Y P-E-R-C-E-N-T ON U.S. TOURISTS.

      FROM DUTCHNEWS.NL & THE HORSE’S MOUTH:

      “Natalee affair hits Aruban economy
      Wednesday 06 February 2008

      The disappearance of American teenager Natalee Holloway and the ensuing police investigation has cost the former Dutch colony of Aruba tens of millions of dollars in lost income from American tourists.

      The comment was made by the island’s prime minister Nelson Oduber on the Dutch tv current affairs show Nova on Tuesday evening. Aruba’s economy depends for 70% on US tourists, he said.”

      YOU’RE DEAD WITHOUT US. YOU KNOW IT. WE KNOW IT.

      BUT KEEP WHISTLING IN THE DARK; IT’S MOST AMUSING.

      YOUR CORRUPT COUNTRY CHOOSES EVERY DAY TO KEEP TRYING TO COVER UP THIS THING.

      I HAVE NO PITY AND FEEL NO OBLIGATION.

      YOU’RE WORRIED, OR YOU WOULDN’T BE POSTING HERE. IT WOULD BE A NON-ISSUE TO YOU.

      PUH-LEEZE.

    33. WHERE'S NATALEE, AZZHOLE JORAN? on February 22nd, 2008 12:04 pm

      ODD-DOOBER SAID YOU HAVE LOST T-E-N-S OF MILLIONS OF TOURIST DOLLARS IN UNDER 3 YEARS.

      WE’RE NOT BUYING WHAT YOU’RE TRYING TO SELL HERE, ARUBAN DING-A-LINGS.

      YOU JUST MAKE YOURSELF LOOK EVEN MORE STUPID AND CALLOUS.

      WHY DON’T YOU CARE AS MUCH ABOUT FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO MISSING TEENAGED TOURIST NATALEE HOLLOWAY?

      REMEMBER HER?

    34. buster on February 22nd, 2008 12:13 pm

      What’s this about anita telling Beth about Natalee’s
      underwear ??? Is there a link to this story ???

    35. Miss-Underestimated on February 22nd, 2008 12:16 pm

      All in all, Joran and his butties, oopps buddies have to drug and incapcitate women to have sex with them. That pretty much says it all. BUTT UGLY GUYS, WHO DRUG, RAPE AND MURDER INNOCENT WOMEN.

      Did anyone ever check out the bangbus theory?

      SAVE INNOCENT WOMEN, BOYCOTT ARUBA..

    36. Terri on February 22nd, 2008 12:24 pm

      #28 – that’s a great idea. I didn’t see any buttons with her pic on the website. That would be a nice touch. Thanks!

    37. Patti on February 22nd, 2008 12:32 pm

      The longer Aruba keeps up the charades and applauds the comical Joran and Pauly Show, the more they will suffer. The public is tired of the lies, the cover-up and the run-around. We want Natalee and justice against those that harmed her.

      .

      Boycott Aruba!

    38. disgustedmom on February 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm

      Anita sounds like a lesbian pervert for talking about Natalee’s underwear AND in the way she seemed to get off talking about the alledged sexcapades! Of all the information that could have been left out in this case, Anita’s preverted drival was IT!

    39. brie on February 22nd, 2008 1:09 pm

      Cerrill……middle finger! Natalee lost her LIFE!!

      Oh, we drug and rape tourists…disgusting pigs!!!!

      But not a problem hasn’t effected our tourists….where have you been!!!!

      Where is the document for Joran…answer that one!!!! And while your at it…get off of here!!!

      YOUR A TROLL….and a shitty one at that!!!!

    40. Richard on February 22nd, 2008 1:10 pm

      I’ve been told that a car of Natalee adherents is driving up from NORTH CAROLINA to BOSTON … in weather that is not the best … just to take part in this protest.

      Take that, Aruba! You thought we would forget about Natalee, did you?

    41. Hoepelman on February 22nd, 2008 1:18 pm

      Scott (25), Cerril (26),

      Lets just say that tourists keep coming to Aruba in masses and influx of tourists has not decreased. If this is true, then we have to conclude that the composition of the tourism business and the quality of the tourism population has changed to the detriment of the Aruban economy. This deterioration in economic wellbeing is palpable in across the board market price increases, increased unemployment, increased taxes and the frequent complain of the general population and the workers unions that operate in Aruba. If tourism has not declined in Aruba, where is all this inconformity and state of unrest coming from?

    42. brie on February 22nd, 2008 1:22 pm

      Aren’t there any restrictions on people to maintain physical shape to protect the island of Aruba…Dennis Jacobs is walking, waddling heart attack………! I bet he has stink hinney too!!!

      I can’t see you right now Beth I have to shave and eat my Frosted Flakes…meanwhile she waits…while this fat pig has to consume enormous amounts of food…..so disgusting!!!

    43. brie on February 22nd, 2008 1:27 pm

      Taco you know good and well Joran and Paulus are guilty…your suppose to be an American..I think your a disgrace to your law firm….as well as Paulus, the ditch…

    44. kaye on February 22nd, 2008 1:27 pm

      brie #27………just curious, i must have missed something in all the stories that have been posted, there’s so much, how did anita van der scum come to see or have natalees underwear?

    45. Vicki on February 22nd, 2008 1:32 pm

      Those of you that have donated should be receiving a little something in the mail….SURPRISE and I hope you like it….
      Yes, Richard we have qute a few protesters from out of the state going to Boston…..GOD GO WITH THEM….

    46. brie on February 22nd, 2008 1:45 pm

      I’m Anita a schoolteacher…want to see my underwear…!!!! How could anyone identify what Natalee was wearing in the dark on the beach…Freddy the porno freak was at Joran’s that night…money being made off of the porno sights…I believe I read something about a porno labeled Natalee and then it disappeared…way back when!!!!

      They are the sick, disgusting filth of the earth..

      Why does Freddy always wear that beanie…??? ((edit))

    47. Miss-Underestimated on February 22nd, 2008 1:49 pm

      44. That is what we all want to know. Anita described Natalee’s underwear in detail.

      Was Anita there or was a picture on her LOST camera?

    48. brie on February 22nd, 2008 1:49 pm

      Aruba has done too much…it is time for our FBI to come in and clean up..regardless of what you say…knock ‘em down take ‘em out and protect our American’s……this is total bull S~~t….

    49. LilPuma on February 22nd, 2008 2:22 pm

      SCOTT: If you followed this case and how it was handled, you would know that there are people in Aruba’s legal system that covered up for Joran. The Aruban people, like the Holloway family and U.S. media, have been lied to by Aruban officials. I wish that Arubans had spoken out against the poor handling of this case and the blatant preferential treatment given Joran because his father was friends with some in authority in Aruba. Instead, they were angry that their police were being criticized. They became defensive and blamed Beth and the U.S. media. BTW, Americans are just as outspoken and determined to uncover and right the injustices and corruption we see in the States. The difference is that we can, through our government officials and the media, get action on these things here in the USA. In Aruba, we can only use our voices and wallets. If Arubans would open their eyes and ears to what’s really happening in their justice system, if they really wanted this case solved, they’d join us in our fight for justice. So please don’t try telling us Arubans won’t cover for Joran and want this case solved. Their words and actions, or lack thereof, tell a different story.

    50. LilPuma on February 22nd, 2008 2:28 pm

      Sorry, SCOTT, my post #49 should have been addressed to you and CERRIL.

    51. Anne Campbell on February 22nd, 2008 2:28 pm

      I don’t see why this is still an issue. One tourist mishap since 2005? Sounds like a pretty safe place to me.

      As a journalist who covers the cruise industry, I imagine the decrease in the number of cruise ships and passengers is more likely the result of the declining number of ships cruising in the Southern Caribbean. Since ships sailing in this region depart from San Juan, it now costs more money to fly to Puerto Rico. Fewer ships are opting for the Eastern and Western Caribbean instead of the Southern region.

    52. lin on February 22nd, 2008 2:33 pm

      I emailed the US State Dept. demanding intervention; you can too:

      http://tinyurl.com/256vxr

    53. LilPuma on February 22nd, 2008 2:54 pm

      Don’t know if this has been posted here or in the Forum:

      Medical company Biosource Diagnostics will soon be launching a product on the market that café and nightclub goers can use to test their drink for GHB and ketamine.

      22 February 2008

      EINDHOVEN – Medical company Biosource Diagnostics will soon be launching a product on the market that café and nightclub goers can use to test their drink for GHB and ketamine, popularly known as ‘date rape drugs.’

      A spokesperson for the company said this on Friday in response to a report in the Eindhoven Dagblad. The test has been recently available in a number of cafes in Eindhoven.

      Last year police in the city warned the public about GHB because there seemed to be a marked increase in the number of cases in which people had been drugged with the substance.

      A few drops of a contaminated drink will produce a dark blue colour on the strip developed by Biosource Diagnostics. The spokesperson says that the test works for beer, soft drinks and breezers, but not for wine, milk and viscous drinks like some liqueurs.

      [Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2008]

      Subject: Dutch news

      http://www.expatica.com/nl

    54. dave on February 22nd, 2008 3:01 pm

      Anne Campbell, aside from being an uninformed idiot your also not much of a journalist. Try doing a little research before making a fool of yourself or are you just trying to send traffic to your blog.

    55. maryd on February 22nd, 2008 3:02 pm

      #51.

      Well than maybe you should take a nice little vacation there and if you have daughters send them too. If they should have a little dissapearing mishap hope it’s not too bothersome to you.

    56. MalteseMom on February 22nd, 2008 3:07 pm

      #51 You don’t see why this is still an issue! What if it was your family member?

    57. Rob on February 22nd, 2008 3:16 pm

      Hey Anne, I was gonna just let Dave’s comment speak for itself, but then I remembered you and your little industry have lost more travelers than Aruba – like 36 in 36 month as detailed by congress during the Cruise Ship inquiry of 06. Maybe you should worry about cleaning up your industry and leave Aruba to us.

      You are so uniformed it’s not even remotely funny. One person? what are you on crack?

      There are 12 missing people on Aruba since 1998 and that includes an Aruba woman. I could throw in Mr. Tromp – and that would make 13.

      An uniformed woman for an in uninformed industry. I guess when you know nothing it’s easy to tell passengers there are no dangers.

      If US Airways lost as many passengers as the cruise ship industry it would have been out of business a long time ago.

      Get some knowledge – and stop telling everyone how safe the cruise ship industry is only to line your own pocket.

    58. katablog on February 22nd, 2008 3:23 pm

      #51 Anne Campbell: If you are a journalist in the tourist business you must work for the NYT or you are Julia Renfro! What a joke! There are ships leaving from Ft. Lauderdale with Aruba on their itinerary and they are ALWAYS the last cruises to fill up and have to offer discounts.

      You should also contact Aruba’s PM who states that Aruba has lost tens of MILLIONS of dollars in tourism from the Natalee Holloway case. Oh but that’s right, the NYT doesn’t go with named sources.

      BTW the cruises leaving out of San Juan usually offer big discounts too because they can’t fill the ships and so they compensate for people having to fly in.

      Ask yourselves: why on earth would an American get on a cruise ship to Aruba or fly to Aruba for vacation when 1)They know IF something bad happens, Aruba will do everything they can to cover-up and pretend it didn’t happen 2)Aruba is far more expensive than many places 3)There are tons of better places in the Caribbean. Go look at the Aruba Beach Cam and see how many tourists you can spot on the beach at 9:30am in the morning.

      The Natalee Holloway case shows the absolute extremes to which Aruba will go to stick it’s head in the sand. It’s blatantly obvious what happened to Natalee Holloway and who did it. It’s not even a close call after all the information that has come out. The Peter DeVries tapes makes “solving” this case child’s play.

    59. kayjay on February 22nd, 2008 3:30 pm

      Here is what I sent to the State Dept. yesterday..please feel free to plagerize if you want to use any of it..but in any event I think a writing campaign to them would be a very good idea:
      Dear Secretary Rice:

      I am extremely concerned and disappointed that our government has, in my opinion, apparently looked the other way in regard to the disgraceful miscarriage of justice by the Aruban and Dutch authorities, who continue to play the blame game, in the Natalee Holloway case.

      Our government needs to take a firm stand in this matter and inform Aruba and the Netherlands that it will not tolerate such treatment of our citizens and request that those reponsible for this horrible crime be held accountable. It is particularly disappointing that when contacted your staff hides behind “we can’t interfere in their legal system etc. etc.” With all due respect, I know many people who do not buy that excuse and neither do I. One telephone call from you to the right person in the Netherlands would get justice for Natalee in a New York minute.

      In the meantime, the least the State Department can do is to advise US Citizens that it is unsafe to travel to Aruba, because if problems arise they will not be protected by their (ridiculous, and in my opinion, corrupt) legal system. This island in my opinion, and as I am sure you already know, in the opinion of thousands of others, is a place where rapists, suspected murderers, drug dealers and disposers of bodies, get a free pass in order to pander to the elite and to make sure the tourist trade is not disrupted, and probably for other unsavory reason.

      I do hope you will look further into this matter.

      Respectfully

      Address of Secretary of State
      2201 C Street NW, Washington DC 20520

    60. katablog on February 22nd, 2008 3:31 pm

      Well Monkeys, we know who NOT to purchase cruises through.

    61. brie on February 22nd, 2008 3:35 pm

      She’s just one girl says Anita…that one girl is your living nightmare….total disrespect for life….your family is not wanted anywhere..!!!! You don’t belong in any school system….!!!!!

      You allowed Joran to be the criminal he is…go suffer…!!!!! Your boys are in for a world of trouble…who wants them around..!!!!!

    62. Amsterdam020 on February 22nd, 2008 3:37 pm

      Ann Cambell is right.

      And you are all contradicting yourself.

      If someone mentions on this forum that girls dissapear everywhere and that criminal are everywhere and (although no-one knows exactly what happened) that even rape and murder happen everywhere, most people here agree and say that it is not about that but about the ‘cover-up’ and the way the Aruban police/prosecution/government (and apparently the Dutch) handeled this case.

      However, on the other hand a lot of people state that Aruba and the Netherlands (9000 kilometers away)are really unsafe places. And that there is a big risk on getting drugged, raped or murdered.

      First of all, in comparison to the USA, this is just not true. Secondly, it doesn’t make sense since everyone agreed earlier that crime is everywhere.

      So what is it? Do you want to boycott Aruba because of its corruption or because it is some sort of sodom and gomorra?
      And if it is also the latter, please don’t mind the so-called trolls comparing this case with incidents in the US….

    63. brie on February 22nd, 2008 3:41 pm

      Aruba the land of Ostriches…..!!!

    64. JusticeforNatalee on February 22nd, 2008 3:43 pm

      “I don’t see why this is still an issue.’

      posted by Anne Campell, who claims to be a journalist, but fails to do real research.

      Are you just a tourism hack, perhaps?

      You don’t see why denial of justice and corruption are ISSUES?

      Just whom do you think YOU are kidding!

    65. flippy on February 22nd, 2008 3:48 pm

      18 –

      If the phone is PapaSloots, then the phone itself would not ring. It would have been deactivated years ago. You could take the phone and get it’s phone number out of menu system, then call that number from a 2nd phone. Then the phone that “currently” has that number assigned to it would ring, or you would voice mail.

      Or, perhaps the phone has phone numbers in it’s call list that are obvious, like “Home” and you could call that number (again from a 2nd phone that has service).

      The fact that any phone buried for years would have a dead battery is also a consideration, but not a big one because so many phones have mini-usb charging connecters now that it is not hard to recharge them.

    66. Minky from CH on February 22nd, 2008 3:52 pm

      I just checked Tara Beach Live Cam.
      Looks like Devels Island in a sandstorm………

    67. RM on February 22nd, 2008 3:53 pm

      DA’s office in Aruba has spoken to Patrick the Taper yesterday. His statements may be used in a trial, if it ever comes to that. Many tips still pouring in. 20 men on the case.

    68. Sherry on February 22nd, 2008 3:53 pm

      #62..well here is my answer to your question.. I have 2 reasons. The first reason is because Aruba obviously knew what was going on but just covered it up for whatever strange reasons they may have.

      Second, NO WAY would I want my family or anyone else to go to a place that has absolutely no type of police or control. I dont want to be on an island where anything goes and if you get mugged there is absolutely no one to turn to. Aruba reminds me of the wild wild west—keep your gun strapped to your side or close at all times because one has only themselves to count on for any type of protection.

    69. WHERE'S NATALEE, AZZHOLE JORAN? on February 22nd, 2008 3:58 pm

      IF YOU TROLLS WEREN’T WORRIED, YOU WOULDN’T BE HERE.

      URINE CONFESSED IN BETAIL AND ON VIDEOTAPE, AND YOUR CORRUPT DUTCH JUDGES LET HIM GO.

      HE ALSO ASSAULTED ANOTHER PERSON ON VIDEOTAPE, AND YOU KEEP MAKING EXCUSES FOR HIM.

      ARUBA, THE DUTCH ANTILLES, AND THE NETHERLANDS HAVE ALL ENABLED AND PROTECTED AND CODDLED TO THIS MONSTER. YOU KNOW IT. WE KNOW IT.

      I HAVE AS MUCH SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING FOR YOU JERK-OFFS AS YOU HAVE SHOWN NATALEE AND BETH — NONE.

      AND, AS I SAY, IF YOU WEREN’T WORRIED ABOUT ARUBAN TOURISM (WHICH HURTLING DOWN A VERY STEEP SLOPE), YOU WOULDN’T BE HERE, WHINING ABOUT HOW MISUNDERSTOOD YOU ARE AND HOW ‘FINE’ THINGS ARE.

      IT WOULD BE A NON-ISSUE TO YOU.

      WHERE’S NATALEE?????????????

    70. WHERE'S NATALEE, AZZHOLE JORAN? on February 22nd, 2008 4:02 pm

      “ARUBAN TOURISM FOR DUMMIES” = “DON’T GO THERE, ‘CAUSE THEY DON’T GIVE A RAT’S AZZ IF YOU’RE DRUGGED, RAPED, MURDERED, AND THROWN OFF A BOAT.”

    71. lin on February 22nd, 2008 4:03 pm

      Kayjay, #59, well said; I agree with a write in campaign. Those interested may also email the state department at:

      http://tinyurl.com/256vxr

    72. lin on February 22nd, 2008 4:07 pm

      #62, Amsterdam, did you ever hear of the Lacey Peterson case in the US? Or the Stacey Peterson case ongoing right now? Brianna Dennison? Or the numerous organizations the US has to help others find their loved ones, oh, for example, Equesearch? When the American public is made aware of these wrongs, we demand justice, whether it is in our own country or in defense of our countrymen wherever they were harmed.

    73. mommytraveler on February 22nd, 2008 4:08 pm

      Try and post something on Anne’s site. She monitors any comments that are not flattering to her “supposed” cruise recommendations.

    74. bobbie on February 22nd, 2008 4:15 pm

      To Anne (51), Scott(25), and Cerril(26):

      I don’t think you understand what the boycott is for. Even though a few innocents on Aruba (who are actually wanting justice for Natalee) may be hurt in the process, the fact of the matter is that justice needs to be served for Miss Holloway, and this will set precedence for future travelers. Why would Natalee not deserve justice? Would you deserve it if you were her? Would your family deserve to know what happened to their loved one if you simply disappeared one day? And if we can serve justice for Natalee, then in the future other missing persons on Aruba and maybe even other vacation spots will also have a chance at justice, because as we all know, tourists spots and cruise ships alike have little regard for human life. If you die or are kidnapped in one of these places, you’re pretty much screwed and your family may never know what happened to you, b/c the cruise ships and tourists spots including Aruba only care about your money and their image in the end. Nobody should go to Paradise and never come back. There are many stories like Natalee’s, and many families who have been ruined from the pain of a missing loved one. So yes, she may be one girl, but one human life is priceless, as I am sure you think the same of your life.

    75. Scrappie on February 22nd, 2008 4:15 pm

      Sadly the economy has always been the most important thing to Arubans–more important than the truth. So important in fact, that I believe most of the early decisions (coverup) by Aruban officials were made because a “dead American girl” killed by locals would not look good and would harm the economy. I believe concerns for their economy is what initially prompted a cover up by officials, and why a boycott was deemed as an effective way to get results–Aruba cares more about their economy than anything else. Officials hoped that the “missing girl” story would eventually just go away. Boy did that backfire! They underestimated Beth and all the Americans who “Stand With the Girl”. Even now we read posts from whining Arubans upset about a boycott–upset that they are being punished for for the act of a few “boys”. No, Aruba you are being “punished” for your response (or lack of response), your corrupt officials, and your abuse of Americans on your “Happy Island”. Why would anyone want to go to Aruba? Americans owes Aruba NOTHING! Aruba owes America a proper investigation and justice for Natalee. BOYCOTT ARUBA!!

    76. suisse71 on February 22nd, 2008 4:25 pm

      #8, Richard

      Thanks so much for posting that link about cruise victims. That was very important information. The stories just breaks one heart.

      For one, we all know GHB is incredibly dangerous. More must be done about this. A test that will work in ALL DRINKS, not just some.

      As for vanderscum, remember he is addicted to gambling in more ways than one. Just check out his “sites” or casinos/on line card shark games and no doubt you’ll find him there. What a POS!!!

      j4n!!!!

    77. WHERE'S NATALEE, AZZHOLE JORAN? on February 22nd, 2008 4:34 pm

      “RM on February 22nd, 2008 3:53 pm
      DA’s office in Aruba has spoken to Patrick the Taper yesterday. His statements may be used in a trial, if it ever comes to that. Many tips still pouring in. 20 men on the case.”

      —————

      HERE’S A TIP: GO WATCH THE VIDEOTAPE WHERE URINE VAN DER SCUM CONFESSES, LIKE THE REST OF THE FREE WORLD HAS DONE.

      ESPECIALLY TUNE IN TO THE PART WHERE HE SAYS HE DOESN’T KNOW IF SHE WAS STILL ALIVE OR DEAD WHEN SHE WAS THROWN OVERBOARD.

      THERE’S A ‘TIP’ FOR YOU, ARUBAN ‘POLICE FARCE.’

    78. longjack on February 22nd, 2008 4:37 pm

      # 62

      Look at it this way. I ‘boycott’ Memphis, TN.

      To Memphis’s credit, I don’t see them advertising scenic bus tours to One Happy South Memphis at travel shows.

      If I consider somewhere unsafe, I ‘boycott’ it.

      If I consider a country’s law enforcement to be incompetent I ‘boycott’ it.

      Apparently, many consider your country’s law enforcement to be incompetent.

      I don’t, since I have been there and have had friends there. Nonetheless, there are also certain parts of your country I would ‘boycott’.

      Considering you have (or had) politicians living in jail for their own protection indicates they are(were) even choosing to ‘boycott’ their own homes.

      The flip side of your ‘crime everywhere’ generalization is that there is a ‘nice places everywhere’ generalization as well.

      Aruba and Holland aren’t on the ‘nice places’ list for many people.

      That’s the fault of the image your law enforcement projects.

    79. yoyo muffintop on February 22nd, 2008 5:53 pm

      Wonder why the silence about tonight’s Dateline episode?
      After all it will be documenting the ocean search as well as a couple of Natalee’s friends speaking out about the trip.
      Since Joran confessed about the seizures, I am sure her friends will be asked about possible drug use and/or possible excessive alcohol consumption on the trip. When they say “absolutly not” that should clear up any doubts about that.

    80. SS on February 22nd, 2008 5:58 pm

      Does anyone have any idea who Jasper, YoYo Muffinhead, amsterdam020, and Scott are? Are they van der sloots or their friends?

    81. mommytraveler on February 22nd, 2008 6:24 pm

      #79 There is no silence about the Dateline episode. The entire hour will be devoted to the Natalee Holloway investigation, featuring the search ship, her parents, and a student who was in the group. The episode is front page featured on Dateline’s website.

    82. dave on February 22nd, 2008 6:34 pm

      The TROLL YOYO Brainlesstop once again shows its stupidity. What a pathetic loser it is.

    83. Lisa on February 22nd, 2008 7:03 pm

      SS on February 22nd, 2008 5:58 pm
      Does anyone have any idea who Jasper, YoYo Muffinhead, amsterdam020, and Scott are? Are they van der sloots or their friends?

      Who ever they are just remember that they are cockroaches. You see here in Florida we try to ignore them while they scurry about. But if they can’t be ignored, or fly at ya, then we just step on them until they go crunch.

      These trolls or cockroaches just pay them no mind or step on them with your best factual comment.

      And to Jasper, YoYo Muffinhead, amsterdam020, and Scott …Bless your Heart!!!

      BTW, Jasper, YoYo Muffinhead, amsterdam020, and Scott if you receive the response from a southern bell (like yours truly) then she just politely gave you the middle finger!

    84. Lisa on February 22nd, 2008 7:07 pm

      I missed Anne and Cerril in my previous post.

      Bless your Heart!!!

    85. Justice on February 22nd, 2008 7:08 pm

      I’ve the commercial numerous times over the last week for the show.

    86. His Royal HighnAss Prime Minister Nellie "The Lion King" Odudirty on February 22nd, 2008 7:14 pm

      Come to Aruba or we will force many buckets of dogs to commit suicide.

      Sincerely Showing My HighnAss To The World,
      His Royal HighnAss Prime Minister Nellie “The Lion King” Odudirty

    87. His Royal HighnAss Prime Minister Nellie "The Lion King" Odudirty on February 22nd, 2008 7:16 pm

      Come to Aruba of we will force buckets of dogs to commit suicide.

      Sincerely,
      Nellie

    88. Maggie on February 22nd, 2008 7:25 pm

      The stupidest ones.. have to be the ones who believe Natalee’s case was business as usual.

      Right YoYo blame Natalee.. How many more drs. need to say a person who is alcohol poisoned does not die like that. Try to blame Natalee for drug use on her own..because she can’t talk.. There is a reason she was left voiceless. It’s so hard to imagine these lying creeps who had chat sessions about getting female American tourists and what they planned to do with them.. would do anything like that..just blame Natalee.. He might be a sociopath, but hes our sociopath and we love him? It only gets weird when these 3 enter the picture.. 3 guys going out at closing time to pick up an intoxicated girl.

    89. Lisa on February 22nd, 2008 7:32 pm

      # 25
      Scott on February 22nd, 2008 11:19 am

      “I feel for the family, and maybe you should try doing something different, than bashing a country that want nothing else then to get this case resolved.”

      Have you ever noticed that the folks defending Aruba and how they have handled Natalee’s disappearance always state they want this case “resolved” and not SOLVED?

    90. brie on February 22nd, 2008 7:38 pm

      The trolls are on the same level as Joran…could be Paulus, Anita, Joran, his brothers who knows….they are all undesirable people….and have done monumental damage….!!!!And they continue to try and harm Natalee’s family..!!!! Sue them too!!!

    91. JusticeforNatalee on February 22nd, 2008 7:42 pm

      Tonight on Dateline NBC:

      She disappeared almost three years ago. Within hours, the search for Natalee Holloway had begun, and it continues to this day. Tonight we bring you the Natalee Holloway story you haven’t heard — the story of parents who, even now, will go anywhere — and endure anything — to find answers.

      We take you inside their desperate search, reveal a cruel hoax, and hear about Natalee’s last night from one of her classmates who hasn’t spoken out publicly until now.

      Chris Hansen with the latest on “The Search for Natalee Holloway,” tonight at 10, 9 central on Dateline.

      courtesy, Observer

    92. Robert in Florida on February 22nd, 2008 7:46 pm

      # 51
      Anne Campbell on February 22nd, 2008 2:28 pm
      “I don’t see why this is still an issue. One tourist mishap since 2005? Sounds like a pretty safe place to me.”

      Mishap? I think not. Natalee did not fall down and scrap her knee or loose her luggage. SHE LOST HER LIFE! It was not a mishap but a plan and it is still an issue because Aruban Law Enforcement (ALE) and their political masters has spent nearly 3 years disposing of evidence; avoiding questioning relevant witnesses; sling mud at Natalee and her family and generally and failing in every way to SOLVE a case that Inspector Cluso could have solved on his worst day.

    93. yoyo muffintop on February 22nd, 2008 7:54 pm

      #88 Maggie – please show me where I’ve ever “blamed the victim”?
      As I’ve stated before, I, along with the Holloway family, believe Joran’s confession.
      It is you that does not.

      And btw – there is at least 1 person that feels a victim bears some responsibility if they’ve made a poor choice. LilPuma, what say you?

    94. yoyo muffintop on February 22nd, 2008 7:58 pm

      #90 – Sue who? Haven’t you heard, the posts and posts about the guy in the Netherlands suing on behalf of the Holloways was untrue. It was fun posting about it for nothing though, wasn’t it Brie?

    95. ayfit on February 22nd, 2008 8:01 pm

      vicki
      i have misplaced your e-mail address. i have designed a t-shirt and want to foward the design to you. if you still have my address please reply.i think you will like it.these shirts can be ordered in big #’s. same goes for you justice,if you guys will post me some e-mail addresses here i will foward the design.

    96. brie on February 22nd, 2008 8:09 pm

      The Sloot’s….get rid of them…ban them from your country…despise there intentions…only a family of deceit and obstruction of justice….a pity of lies…!!!!

    97. ~Angel~ on February 22nd, 2008 8:20 pm

      I hope this case will one day be over…. joran just needs to do what is right! The first story he told was where he dropped her off at the hotel… and she fell and hit her head… why did he feel this was important to say? In the taped confession he said if they find her i am f*****… wonder if that had to do with her “hitting her head”

    98. Richard on February 22nd, 2008 8:21 pm

      Suisse71 (#76) … Obviously, with the level of commentary that we get from such self-proclaimed pundits as Anne Campbell, there’s a very urgent need for people to read that forum.

      So I’ll put it here again.

      http://www.internationalcruisevictims.org

      Some legislation was introduced in California today that would help clear up the seas in two ways: cut back on the bunker fuel emissions that cruise ships are allowed, and require that private security guards not hired and fired at the whim of cruise ship companies be deployed.

      It’s also the case that the Caribbean is the “bottom-feeder” market for cruises. They are moving their ships to the European and Asian markets, now that Americans are wising up to the very real risks that the lack of security presents.

      The Caribbean may be faced with a double whammy … fewer tourists altogether, at least in hell holes like Aruba, and a declining cruise ship market. The Caribbean market for the cruise lines is, I’ve read, a real bargain-basement thing nowadays. No class.

    99. Richard on February 22nd, 2008 8:25 pm

      Ayfit (#95) … contact JusticeforNatalee@gmail.com

    100. Richard on February 22nd, 2008 8:27 pm

      Our government also seems to be silent on this missing California woman. Some of the articles, such as St. Maarten turns cold shoulder to FBI, bear an uncanny resemblance to Natalee’s case.

      Remember, Beth urged that people avoid the whole damned Netherlands Antilles. SHE WAS RIGHT.

      Never forget Amy Bradley on Curacao.

      sxmprivateeye.com
      Saint Maarten Private Eye website

      Leta Lynn Cordes – Missing in SXM

      Jess over at SXM Living has a round up from a week or so ago, including a link to this Video: video clip on Fox.
      If you find any news items or links you wish to add or share to this list, please post them in comments below.
      Flipper
      Main News stories……..

      Dog Island searched in Leta Lynn case – 20th February 2008
      US $25,000 reward for info about Leta Cordes – 10th February 2006
      False Alarm in Leta Lynn Cordes Case – 7th February 2008
      St. Maarten officials unresponsive in FBI offer to search for missing woman – 5th February 2008
      Cordes insists not involved in his wife’s disappearance – 5th February 2008
      Nothing found in search for Cordes – 4th February 2008
      Volunteers to search for Leta Cordes on Sunday – 31st January 2008
      US $5,000 reward for Leta Cordes – 30th January 2008
      TTOL discussion on Leta Lordes – 29th January 2008
      American Tourist Leta Lynn Cordes Missing in the Caribbean – 25th January 2008
      No evidence found that Cordes visited Casino – 23rd january 2008
      Missing O.C. woman a no-show at resort – 23rd January 2008
      GAL MISSING IN ST. MAARTEN – 18th Jaunary 2008
      Police: No Sign of Missing California Woman Who Vanished in St. Maarten – 17th January 22008
      Still no trace of missing woman – 17th January 2008
      American Tourist Leta Lynn Cordes Missing in the Caribbean while Vacationing on Saint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles Since 1/11/2008 – 17th January 2008

    101. disgustedmom on February 22nd, 2008 8:36 pm

      #51 Anne

      Why did you find your way here?

      I’m just curious since you don’t seem to think One missing tourist is a big deal.

    102. Observer on February 22nd, 2008 8:36 pm

      I have been writing the local TV stations in Boston. Please take a few minutes and write them if you cannot make it Boston. Only one city sends more Americans to Aruba then Boston and that is NYC. It is extremely important that the word gets out what the Aruban Govt is doing to Natalee and her Family and as of right now Boston has no clue! One of the TV stations wrote back and asked when we will be at the Boston Show,so I hope they can make it. It would be huuge if we can get at least one TV show to air our story in Boston!!!!! We are only there Saturday and Sunday and that is it for the year! The ATA spends well into the 6 figures for this show..Cmon Monkeys lets show them we can make a difference!!

      February 23rd and 24th Boston Travel Show
      http://www.searchboston.com/dir/News/Television/

      Next Saturday and Sunday is NYC!
      http://tinyurl.com/39bn4l

      Look for the contact us link on Bottom

    103. yoyo muffintop on February 22nd, 2008 8:41 pm

      Brie – do you have those links were Beth says Anita describes Natalee’s underwear yet?
      ‘Cause you know Beth stated that it was she (Beth) that did the describing, not Anita.

      Would you care for a passage from Beth’s book about that to clear up your confusion?

    104. yoyo muffintop on February 22nd, 2008 8:57 pm

      Ya know, in the grand scheme of things it really doesn’t matter, but since Brie provides zero links for anything I thought I’d help her out:

      From Beth’s Book:
      Now it’s my turn. I have no intention of matching her good-boy remarks with good-girl comments. And cut to the chase. Graphically repeating the very words said by their son a couple of weeks ago in his statements made on June 9, 10, and 13. The vile account that was read to me in the attorney general’s office. The sexually explicit words used by Joran to describe what he did to Natalee. Calmer than I have ever been in my whole life and without blinking, I tell them which fingers he said he used. Where he said he put them. How their son described my daughter’s pubic area, her underwear. How Joran said she was falling asleep and waking up, falling asleep and waking up. I tell them of his conflicting stories of what happened, the different places he said it happened. Little beads of sweat form across Paulus’s brow and forehead.

      so there ya go Brie – now if you are in disagreement with this please provide a link or source where Beth says Anita described Natalee’s underwear.
      If you don’t I will take it that you concede that it is not true.

    105. Saoirse on February 22nd, 2008 9:19 pm

      ARUBA!

      Seizures?

      Coverup!

      Corruption!

      ArubaGate!

      Produce Natalee or will we are going to burn you to the ground!

    106. mommytraveler on February 22nd, 2008 9:23 pm

      yoyo – It was Greta who has said repeatedly that Anita described Natalee’s underwear in her interview with Anita and Paulus that was aired on TV. Greta said, “she (Greta) wanted to crawl under the table when Anita was describing what she claimed Joran told her about Natalee’s underwear and the sexual contact he had with her.”

    107. Gabriel Leo on February 22nd, 2008 9:34 pm

      aww gee wizz, tourism is down according to SM againnnnnn :( ??? But airline companies still increase their flights to the island. What AREEE those American Commercial Airliners thinking???????? Have they gone mad? Don’t they read this “Independent”, “Reliable” source of news/blogg, called SM? To think, how dare they not do exactly what SM Says????
      You have e.g. 10 port calls a month and 1 cruise ships decides to stop calling Aruba. That’s a decrease of 10%, WERE DOOMED, if you look at it percentage wise ;) . The Cruise, explanation is very SIMPLE, Carnival’s weekly visit to Aruba reached it’s end of it’s Cruising period. Due to fuel cost it has decided not to come to Aruba. Since you’re sooo interested in our business, Aruba instead has gotten a cruise liner which now calls Aruba homeport and two more are to start next month. Catering, servicing, extra flights, more people, more more more…MY GOSH THE APOCALYPSE IS UPON US!!!!
      And regarding the hotel tourists, I’ve said it before and will say it again, 2005/2006 is not a reliable year to compare numbers when you had over 3 mayor hotels under renovation and other hotels also having several rooms renovated. Like DUHHHHHHH numbers are going to be lower if you are running on minimal usage of rooms. Where should they stay, under the coconut tree????
      2007 VS 2008 is a reliable year to compare numbers (all rooms are available again)?Economy for Dummies ;) .

    108. ~Angel~ on February 22nd, 2008 9:58 pm

      anyone watching the dateline show?

    109. Saoirse on February 22nd, 2008 10:01 pm

      Q: What do you call Joe TacoPenis buried under the ocean floor in a school bus?

      A: A complete waste of a school bus. Not to mention the toxic sludge seeping from his carcass poisoning all sea life and increasing global warming and spreading just really bad karma.

      Why are TacoPenis and Herr van der Sloot still not disbarred?

      ArubaGate!

    110. ayfit on February 22nd, 2008 10:08 pm

      Dateline–Excellent telling of Natalee’s story. What’s sad is many know and are sitting back laughing at the many failed efforts to find Natalee. I have followed this case very closely.I saw things tonight I never new happened. Can there be any question of the corruption on this one happy island,I think not.

    111. maryd on February 22nd, 2008 10:09 pm

      Saw dateline it was heart rendering. But I just wondered about the guy from Nicaroqua who said he had Natalees body, how do we know for sure it was a scam and not that someone got to him before he could get to Tim Miller? If ALE had the heads up who knows what may have become of him.

    112. Miss-Underestimated on February 22nd, 2008 10:09 pm

      The beginning of the ALE cover up.

      Aruba Police: Suspect Leading Us to Scene

      ORANJESTAD, Aruba – One of three young men who took a missing Alabama honors student to the beach confessed that “something bad” happened to the 18-year-old American, police say.

      Deputy Police Commissioner Gerold Dompig told The Associated Press that one of the men admitted that “something bad has happened he confessed” and was leading police late Friday night to the scene.

      He refused to identify which young man had made the statement in the disappearance of 18-year-old Natalee Holloway, who was in the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba to celebrate her graduation from a Mountain Brook High School, near Birmingham.

    113. GutGrinder on February 22nd, 2008 10:12 pm

      Keep jerkin’ yourself off Gabe, hopefully you’ll find some relief.

    114. GutGrinder on February 22nd, 2008 10:14 pm

      102 – Observer.
      Consider it done!

    115. GutGrinder on February 22nd, 2008 10:21 pm

      Aruba is done, put a fork in it. Their only hope is the hands of a greasy slicked back slimeball gangster atty named Taco. Aruba – You Lose.

    116. Miss-Underestimated on February 22nd, 2008 10:22 pm

      From Van Susteren/Holloway interview (Oct. 4, 2007) On the Record:

      Quote:
      Greta: How about Anita, the mother of Joran, that day, what did you think of her?

      Beth: She doesn’t have any idea.

      Greta: You know, from my perspective she wept, she sat and wept the whole time, and Paulus perspired profusely, and that stood out, and you were just quietly listening to Anita and you were sort of stoic, and said yes, and sort of consoled her, and I need information about my daughter you didn’t break stride.

      Beth: Well, I certainly was not going to match her good boy remarks with my good girl remarks. I thought… let her vent let, her have the floor as long as she needed to, she talked for 20 or 30 minutes… no point for me trying to as I said match her remarks with good girl remarks with her good boy remarks about Joran.

      Greta: And there is one point she was quite graphic about what her son, and his relationship with your daughter and frankly I wanted to crawl under the table it got so graphic as she discussed sexual acts and I was sitting there almost like a voyeur and that didn’t… and I sort of sneaked a look at you and you didn’t break stride.

      Beth: Parents… parents will do anything and I think parents were so desperate for a resolution were… desperate for someone just to come forward with the truth. And would have and will still do anything.

      Greta: Not to push your buttons but when she was talking about the sex stuff …and I would have.. that didn’t, like I would, I felt so uncomfortable … you didn’t feel uncomfortable?

      Beth: No. I just wanted to get to the bottom …

    117. olliegizmo on February 22nd, 2008 10:28 pm

      Just watched Dateline and thought it was a good piece on Natalee Holloway.
      God Bless Dave, Beth and family. Almost three years of sheer torture, I can’t begin to imagine the pain they all have been through.
      aruba, you are one cold and disgusting island. I hope you never recover from all the negative publicity. I could care less if you never entertain another honest tourist. May thugs, thieves, rapists, murders, drug dealers and the scum of the earth all flock to your despicable pos island. You reap what you sow and deserve nothing less. And joran, you as well as your father and friends, or should I say accomplices, can go straight to Hell. I despise you all.

    118. Mishy on February 22nd, 2008 10:32 pm

      That dateline was just heartbreaking. I had tears running down my face
      lets pray the persistence finds natalee
      and that scuzzball tacoppino I swear hes a mofia
      lawyer…what a cold and callous creep.I hope his career tanks!!!
      my heart just goes out to her family
      Bless them and the persistence crew
      As far as JVS, 2k Paulus and the rest of the corrupt officials and Judges on Aruba ..what goes around comes around and you will all get yours one day!!!

    119. buster on February 22nd, 2008 10:57 pm

      Joe taco went to see his Psychiatris wearing see thru underwear, The Psychiatris said: Joe I can clearly see yer NUTS

    120. yoyo muffintop on February 22nd, 2008 11:10 pm

      Wow…the Dateline show was amazing.

      And who was the Einstein from Aruba that suggested their “mouthpiece” be some american dude from the tourist board?
      good lord that was dumb.

    121. Bama Mom on February 22nd, 2008 11:23 pm

      Tonight Dateline NBC discussed Natalee’s case as well as the sea search. Additional funds/donations are needed for the volunteer search team of Texas EquuSearch.

      You can mail your donations to the address below:

      Texas EquuSearch Office
      4013 FM 517, Suite B
      Dickinson, Texas 77539
      P. O. Box 395,
      Dickinson, Texas 77539
      Office: (281) 309-9500
      Fax : (281) 534-6719
      Toll Free: (877) 270-9500

      ~I personally challange everyone who reads this to donate at least $25.00 if you can~

      “JUSTICE FOR NATALEE”

    122. ~Angel~ on February 22nd, 2008 11:31 pm

      That show was amazing… i have been following this case very closely since the beginning but there were things on there that i didnt know… i wonder what else we are missing out on! i just wish they would atleast find her so maybe her family can rest!

    123. Saoirse on February 22nd, 2008 11:40 pm

      Arelene Chippers – “You stupid Americans just do not under-stand our laws.”

      Hey Aruba, you do not understand what it is to awaken the sleeping giant.

      Moslems of the world! Oduber of Aruba stated that Mohammed is not the one true Allah!

      Jihad on Aruba! Allahu Akbar!

    124. mayan_moons on February 23rd, 2008 1:03 am

      Kudos to Dateline for the great piece done on Natalee tonight!~ Head & shoulders above ABC by far…..its about time ABC got with the program btw.

      Observer thank you for the links & i’m half way through in emailing all the Boston Tv stations.

      I’ve been thinking about this for a lonnng time & i don’t think the Aruba government covered up coz they were worried about tourism one bit. They’ve proved by their stubborn inaction even when they’ve got Jipshit on tape for the world to see. These people have been so used to treating the families of those who *disappear* like garbage because in the past (before the internet connected us all) they could get away without any reprocussions. Their arrogance like the spawn they created has will be their downfall. Aruba wasn’t built in a day & won’t be torn down in one but eventually IT WILL BE TORN DOWN!~

      COUNT ON IT!~

    125. buster on February 23rd, 2008 1:11 am

      Is it Me or did the fish trap story smell fishy ??? I knew right away the crab trap was way to big when the ROV went down, It was huge !!! Way to big to fit into a fisherman’s hut and to big for a small boat and for numbnuts to handle.

    126. Deetch on February 23rd, 2008 1:23 am

      What was the idiots name from AHATA who came on with his corporate B.S. The American whore, does anyone know his name?

    127. mayan_moons on February 23rd, 2008 1:52 am

      DAVE…..if you’re reading this i want to tell you how much we love you and respect you in the face of the savagery of Aruba. You are such a good man and Natalee & your 2 other lil girls are lucky to have a DAD like you. Natalee knows her daddy’s still looking for her & she also knows how many of us are standing behind you. Natalee is so beautiful and favours you in a big way Dave. I saw a pic of Natalee i’ve not seen before on Dateline tonight and she’s just stunningly beautiful and its easy to see with parents like you & Beth what kind of girl Natalee was. Sweet…..considerate of others….smart.
      All the things we want in our daughters. Hearing the toll this has taken on you is hard to listen to coz we don’t want anything to happen to you Dave.

    128. A New Girl on February 23rd, 2008 2:19 am

      We have just finished (Fri. evening) writing to any/all local Boston media and local TV stations for some coverage this weekend at the Travel show…. We are buried in almost a foot of snow, but it’s okay….Us BeanTowners are tough.

      Dateline show was interesting, heartbreaking…Oh, Boy….there went my MOTHER TEARS again! God, Natalee and the Holloways- I get so emotional about it and my heart aches for your losses.

      At least we have 96.9FM WTKK and Jay Severin to keep our minds off of the case lately and provide us a pleasurable distraction…when Jay talks about politics and current events…it is radio at it’s finest! TUNE IN…..96.9 FM M-F 3:00-7:00 p.m. We have written Jay Severin also to plug JUSTICE FOR NATALEE on the airwaves again as he has in the past.

      Klaasend= Red would love Jay Severin…Jay has such a command of the English language–it is amazing and he DESPISES Hillary Clinton. LOL
      ____________________________________________

      To YoYo Muffinhead & Gabriel Leo- Go ahead and spend your hard earned money in Aruba if you like…we will NEVER return to that Island until Justice is finally (if ever) served. By all means though, head over to Carlos N Charlies and knock yourself out…literally!!!!!! Maybe some one will scoop you off the street and throw your lame asses into the deep blue ocean as well.

    129. EURobert on February 23rd, 2008 2:41 am

      http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/3371847/_Nieuwe_zoektocht_Natalee_Holloway__.html
      (Transl.: Google and me.)

      Sat 23 Feb 2008, 08:09

      Parents Natalee Holloway continue to search for daughter

      NEW YORK – The father and mother of Natalee Holloway continue the search for their daughter. They hope that a search with a sonarboot will finally lead them to the body of their daughter. That was said by father Dave Holloway, in the prominent researchprogram Dateline, of the American broadcaster NBC.

      The American Natalee disappeared at the end of a holiday on Aruba at the end of May 2005, after a night out. Previously the researchship ‘Persistence’ although, in vain, searched for the body of the girl.

      “If she’s there, then they will find it. If they do not find her, we have done our very best”, said a visibly emotioned Dave Holloway, who describes the search as very painful, and thinks “it’s a miracle he has not yet been killed by a heart attack”.

      “They have the possibility to find an object as small as a dime on the ocean floor,” said Dave Holloway about the advanced ship.

      The Holloways believe that the body of their daughter by accomplices of Joran van der Sloot was dumped in the sea around Aruba. Van der Sloot was the last person who has seen Natalee alive.

      The report showed how employees at the researchship ‘Persistence’ last December for a momont even thought they found the body of Holloway. The cameras followed divers who descended to a large fish-cage on the ocean floor, where a research-specialist earlier, in radar images, believed to have recognized in a human skull.

      Viewers saw, however, how the divers made a thumbs-down gesture, which meant: no body. Dave Holloway responded beaten. “I mean, how many times more can I take this.”

      The Holloways themselves decided to launch an investigation because they had little faith in the Aruban authorities. Beth Holloway called the local police in the program Friday even corrupt. The parents are looking for financial support for their quest with the sonarboot.

      The Holloway-case was recently in the news again in the United States, following the broadcast of crime reporter Peter R. De Vries. There it was shown how van der Sloot, in the presence of hidden cameras, told about his involvement in the disappearance of Holloway. Later Van der Sloot said that he had lied during those conversations.

    130. EURobert on February 23rd, 2008 2:45 am
    131. suisse71 on February 23rd, 2008 4:50 am

      125, Buster

      NOTE SIZE OF THAT TRAP????

      Huge is an understatement. I watched it again w/ DVR and that does not make sense. It is 3 X 3 or 9 sections. When the 2 divers were next to one section, 1 person could fit into that section alone [sorry, but I am trying to explain the enormity of the fish cage/trap]

      SM – Do you know the size and dimensions of the “trap/cage” that went missing from the FH???? I don’t recall ever seeing a report in the news w/ those details, but I figured if anyone has that it would be SM.

      As well, thought it was an interesting piece. Heartbreaking really…… God Bless Tim Miller and the Persistence Team, Beth & Dave…….

      j4n!!!

    132. brie on February 23rd, 2008 5:33 am

      They can’t arrest Joran because he can disprove his confession….so prove to us that Daury isn’t Daddy…prove to us that your life long friend you refer to and have known since you were babies is not Koen…can’t be anyone else…prove to us that Natalee was not thrown into the ocean….prove to us that you didn’t drug and rape Natalee…you do that all the time…stalking young women the last night of their stay…prove to us that your Dad didn’t visit an ATM machine at 4 in the morning…prove to us that the computer in your house was not used that night to research drugs and alcohol…prove to us that Natalee didn’t receive a severe blow to her head…..prove to us that you don’t have a bad temper….

    133. brie on February 23rd, 2008 5:56 am

      Prove to us that you are anything but insane…can’t do it….prove to us that you didn’t confess…can’t do it….prove to us that your not a pimp…can’t do it..I doubt if you’ve heard the last from Peter and Patrick….

      Give it up Joran and take your punishment or live like a fugitive…no school for you, no education, no job, no money, no future, NO LIFE!!!

    134. Hoepelman on February 23rd, 2008 6:16 am

      I can’t figure out why some forum members insist on calling YoYo stupid, when it is obvious that he/she isn’t. To call someone stupid because one doesn’t agree with his/her style of comments, without giving consideration to the validity of the posting content and the possible lait-motiv of the comment, is truly pointless.

      YoYo is most likely a paid or voluntary grassroots communication specialist, assigned to work on changing attitudes towards opinion leaders within the Scared Monkeys constituency.

    135. WHERE'S NATALEE, AZZHOLE JORAN? on February 23rd, 2008 6:46 am

      HEY, ARUBAN TROLLS, HERE IT IS FROM YOUR OWN DUTCH PSYCHOPATH’S MOUTH (YOU KNOW — THE ONE YOUR COURRPT DUTCH JUDGES LET GO FREE?):

      — Van der Sloot said on the tape that his Aruban friend, alone, took Holloway out to the ocean and dumped her apparently lifeless body.

      But was she really dead?

      “How were you so sure she was dead, Joran?” van der Eem asked on the tapes. “You know, people can also go into a coma.”

      “Yeah, I wasn’t sure about that, but it really startled me to death,” van der Sloot admitted.

      “But she could also have been in a coma,” van der Eem said.

      “That’s possible, too, huh?” van der Sloot answered. “That’s very possible.”

      Van der Sloot said he immediately began crafting an alibi.

      “I have to do normal things,” he said. “And I am going to casino tomorrow night so I’m on camera.” —

      SHALL I AGAIN POST ODD-DOOBER’S QUOTES AND STATS ABOUT HOW YOUR ECONOMY IS CRASHING (OUR TOURIST DOLLARS COMPRISE 70% — S-E-V-E-N-T-Y P-E-R-C-E-N-T — OF YOUR ECONOMY, AND YOU HAVE LOST 10′S — T-E-N-S — OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN THE LAST 3 YEARS?

      I KNOW; WHY DON’T YOU READ SOME STATISTICS, OR LOOK AT YOUR ARUBA-CAMS, OR TALK TO OR READ COMMENTS FROM THE FEW VISITORS YOU DO HAVE — “IT’S DEAD,” “EMPTY,” “A GHOST TOWN,” ETC.?

      YES, YOU’RE WORRIED … YOU’RE VERY WORRIED, OR YOU WOULDN’T MAKE A POINT OF COMING ON THIS SPECIFIC BLOG TO KEEP CHANTING THAT EVERYTHING IS “FINE, FINE, FINE.”

      WE B-O-T-H KNOW THAT IT MOST DECIDEDLY IS N-O-T, AND THAT IT IS GETTING WORSE.

      THERE ARE SIMPLY SCADS OF BEAUTIFUL, S-A-F-E TROPICAL VACATION SPOTS WE CAN VISIT INSTEAD OF “ONE CORRUPT ISLAND” — AND WE ARE.

      HAVE ANOTHER NICE, DOLLARLESS DAY TODAY.

      ARUBA SUCKS.

      THE DUTCH ANTILLES SUCK.

      THE ENABLING AND ABETTING NETHERLANDS SUCK.

    136. brie on February 23rd, 2008 7:22 am

      A nice way to wake up…go to Listen Now To Pure Piano Music…it is peaceful..click on Ageless Hymns of Faith…..makes one fell good…my dogs are snoring…of course, I am a piano lover and was raised with music…but you might find some serenity in listening…! Just a thought!!!

    137. glad2bAmerican on February 23rd, 2008 8:35 am

      #52 & #71
      Yes this is the website for the U.S. Department of State. If every blogger would just send a brief question of concern we may get an answer.
      To date, I have not ever received an answer to my many emails, but maybe in mass emails we may. I wrote for example:
      How can the U.S. Department of State NOT get involved in an American, Natalee Holloway missing in Aruba when their legal system has obviously mishandled this case. I am appauled to think any American could just disappear and the U.S. has not taken any actions against this country.
      We are Americans who want to know WE will be protected if we travel abroad. Why the silence in this case?
      Concerned voter, and taxpayer
      then sign legal voting name to this also.

    138. glad2bAmerican on February 23rd, 2008 8:39 am

      Has anyone ever heard if Beth or Dave have ever received any explanation or help from the U.S. Department of State as to their missing daugher, Natalee, or offerred ANY assistance?

    139. JusticeforNatalee on February 23rd, 2008 8:42 am

      Gabe,

      Is it possible that some of the hotels on the “Renovations” list were just hotels that had low occupancy?

      There are all kinds of ways to spin numbers, you see.

      And if things are so peachy keen, then why are you obsessed with coming here and posting?

    140. glad2bAmerican on February 23rd, 2008 8:56 am

      #124
      I have in the past traveled to Aruba many many times. Up until the last 8 years, you could walk down the darkest streets there and never worry about your safety. Then it started with offers to buy drugs while walking on the beach to watch a volleyball game then later, while ending a parasaling adventure with another couple, we were openly asked if we needed anything else they could provide us with anything we needed. We were astonished. Then came the next approach, you need some drugs. Haven’t been back since!
      They hang out by jewelry stores and casino’s to see who has the money to spend. SICKENING!
      One local told me the crime in Aruba is caused by American tourists flaunting their jewelry and money when they visit. In Aruba there is no middle class, either poor or rich. He was actually blaming Americans. Those were his words! I was disgusted.
      They were turning into Jamaica who openly offer openly on their street the sale of drugs or in the shops.
      No thanks to Caribbean traveling even if they solve the Natalee Holloway case…too little too late to ever feel safe. Others BEWARE!

    141. Richard on February 23rd, 2008 9:18 am

      Here’s the link to the transcript of the Dateline show:

      http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23301056/

      GladtobAmerican (#140): up above I posted a link to a St. Maarten discussion board that is following the case of a missing American woman.

      There, too, they spurned the FBI’s offer of assistance. What appeared to be an empty grave was found.

      Remember when Joel Gove disappeared on the island of Saba, and after minimal initial cooperation, the authorities refused to allow missing-person posters to be put up. Might hit tourism, you see.

      And of course, the CONTINUING saga of Amy Bradley.

      Beth said it right the first time: until we get answers for Natalee, boycott not only Aruba, but the whole Netherlands Antilles as well.

      A hotbed of crime and drugs.

    142. Justice on February 23rd, 2008 9:37 am

      Taken care of OBSERVER. I wrote to them. Anybody else have any links they needed e-mailed. Link them up.

    143. disgustedmom on February 23rd, 2008 9:52 am

      Dateline was awesome! Lots of new information for me.

      Some thoughts…..

      Wonder why the Persistence website didn’t say anything about the cage they found that Tim was so sure he saw a skull inside?

      Funny how it was just right there in the place Tim had suggested it could be based on his working out currents etc. Was Tim starting from a drop point someone had suggested to him?

      That cage was HUGE! The divers looked like ants next to it. It would have taken a big boat and several people to throw that overboard. Or was it put in by hoist? I mean, if it was not upside down then chances are it wasn’t put it by tossing it over the edge of boat but by letting it down from a hoist….people can’t levitate to make sure it goes in right side up you know. Could someone have known there was a cage already there and misled Tim?

      And they found it on what..Dec 24th did they say? And then didn’t get to check it out until 5 days later? Someone could have removed the bones in that time….if there were any bones in it in the first place or just a skull that was later removed during those 5 days.

      And then Marcos calls in January and says he was supposed to dump Natalee in the ocean but he didn’t and instead buried her on Nicaragua? And then he goes to all the trouble to put a tracker on the spot so Tim can find it, then lets Tim dig, only to tell him later he already unburied the bones and has them in 2 ice chests? How convenient after the cage turned up empty.

      She was probably never buried on Nicaragua either. It’s too stupid to put a tracker on a spot and then go dig yourself but still let Tim dig.

      Those involved in the cover up could have waited until the Persistence found the cage for them, used the coordinates, then went to get the bones and any other possible evidence during those 5 days after Dec 24, then used Marcos to explain why the skull was gone…that is, IF there was ever a body in that cage.

      Was that really Marcos we saw talking with Tim? I mean, was that real time? Because it makes no sense for Marcos to not want his face seen but let the back of is large body and charactertic head be seen. He’d have to know he’d be recognized by his anterior so I don’t know why he would agree to being filmed if he was afraid.

      I just smell a horrible hoax all the way around! So cruel! Why do these people hate Natalee’s family so much?

      Maybe someone needs to find out who the locals were that George Twitty took on in 2003. It couldn’t hurt.

    144. katablog on February 23rd, 2008 9:55 am

      I also watched the Dateline program last night and my heart broke all over again for Dave and Beth. It appears to me that the gut wrenching pain is really hitting Dave right now like a lead balloon.

      I think Paulus, Anita and Joran and all the others involved in helping them cover-up should be forced to watch this program and then answer how they can possibly continue these parents pain.

      For Gabe: yeah right, we believe you. After all, we already knew your PM was a liar so when he says tourists aren’t coming, guess it’s just another lie. If tourists are flocking to Aruba and the voluntary boycott is not working, why are you and Yo Yo trolling here? Who are you trying to convince? After 3 years you’d think both of you and Aruba would get the message: we are NOT giving up! I can promise you that there are at least 4 people NEVER coming back to Aruba. Those are the people in my family. I know there are many more here who can make you the same promise.

      Just watch the Dateline videos of Dave and then tell us how you can possibly speak out against these parents who have been put through the worst agony imaginable for almost 3 years now? Watch those videos and then get very disgusted with yourselves for standing with a murder/rapist, his family and all the corrupt people involved in this cover-up. If you can do that and then still troll here, you have absolutely no soul or heart.

    145. MBS on February 23rd, 2008 10:09 am

      # 126, Deetch – That was Rob Smith, he used to be a manager at one of the hotels, he started a rumour early on that Beth had told the employees at his hotel that she was afraid, because someone was following her, then said when they offered to call the police or help her, she declined their help and backed off the story. He was in on the early attempts to discredit Beth.

    146. yoyo muffintop on February 23rd, 2008 10:16 am

      #137 glad2bAmerican – I call it crickets chirping. And Mr Sobel, our Ambassador to the Netherlands in ’05 and a bit in ’06 – nada.
      Although it really doesn’t mean anything, I thought it interesting what Mr Sobel (now Ambassador to Brazil) had to say to this american family just a week ago. I gotta feeling Mr Sobel is a typical do-nothing Ambassador. Shame actually since there are a few good ones:

      According to authorities, it is likely that a Brazilian-born woman suspected of returning to her homeland after being accused of killing her husband in their northeast Ohio home will not be returned to the United States for trial.
      Prosecutors allege that Claudia Hoerig, 42, fatally shot her husband, Karl Hoerig, 44, at their Newton Falls home, approximately 40 miles southeast of Cleveland, on March 12 and fled to Brazil immediately thereafter.
      A federal warrant obtained by The U.S. Marshal Service charges Claudia Hoerig, a naturalized U.S. citizen since 1999, with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
      Hoerig’s husband was a Southwest Airlines pilot who had formerly served in the Persian Gulf as an Air Force Reserve Major.
      It was stated in an e-mail to the victim’s relatives from the U.S. ambassador to Brazil, Clifford Sobel, that Brazil has acknowledged Claudia Hoerig as a U.S. citizen, however, due to her status as a Brazilian national she will not be extradited to the U.S.
      Sobel went on in the email to inform Paul Hoerig, the victim’s brother, that the U.S. is currently trying to negotiate a treaty with Brazil that would allow the extradition of their nationals to the United States. However, Sobel continued by noting that, ”Even if this change is made, it would almost certainly not be retroactive and would not affect your brother’s alleged murderer.”
      AP (2/11/08)

    147. Vicki on February 23rd, 2008 10:21 am

      Gab, You are an UGLY EVIL person thru and thru…
      what drives you,man???How do you sleep at night..you need to watch the COLUMBIANS you let into your VOLCANIC ASHE…They may be your downfall….

      DEDICATED PPL IN BOSTON. Thank all of you guys who made this possible…

    148. SS on February 23rd, 2008 10:26 am

      I am just heartbroken for the Holloways. I have to feel that Marcos was a plant by the corrupt ALE or the Van der Sluts to divert attention away from the ocean search. How horrible. I wonder how much the scum on that crappy little island paid Marcos. Is there any way that Marcos can be tracked down? If he met with the Embassy and Tim, they must have some information about him. Somebody is desperate for Persistence not to find Natalee.

    149. disgustedmom on February 23rd, 2008 10:36 am

      I’m still not sold on the ocean being where Natalee was put.

      The ALE is too keen on it! So it must be a lie.

    150. disgustedmom on February 23rd, 2008 10:41 am

      Yoyo is not a paid anything. It is a Natalee Family Hater….and I’d like to know why.

    151. disgustedmom on February 23rd, 2008 10:46 am

      Why did Paulus tell Jug he was ‘out of his jurisdiction’ when Jug was asking questions at the VDS compound yet apparently didn’t have the same problem with Jug being out of his jurisdiction asking questions at the HI?

      Why did Paulus go along to the HI?

    152. SS on February 23rd, 2008 10:46 am

      suisse71 – here is some detailed information about the fish cage.

      The fisherman described the cage as made of 3/8-inch iron (such as that used in concrete reinforcing—”rebar”) with a frame size approximately 5 ½ feet by 4 feet by 17 inches. He described it as a large fishing cage with its frame wrapped in chicken wire with its familiar hexagonal openings but with an opening in one panel which allowed them to trap fish. He believed that, given its size and weight, it would take two men to manage the cage. Once aboard, it would lay low on the floor of the nearby fishing boat.

      Go to the website of Dr. Andrew Hodges. http://forensicthoughtprints.com/default.html
      On his section about his Aruban Journal, click on “read more”. This is his journal about his two recent visits to Aruba. He met with the fisherman who worked at the huts and lost the fish trap. He also described the knife that was stolen when the locks on the huts were forced open. There are some great pictures.

    153. LilPuma on February 23rd, 2008 10:50 am

      140. Glad2BAmerican:

      “One local told me the crime in Aruba is caused by American tourists flaunting their jewelry and money when they visit. In Aruba there is no middle class, either poor or rich. He was actually blaming Americans. Those were his words! I was disgusted.”

      This is the same attitude they had about Natalee. They’re not responsible for their actions, it’s the tourists who provide the opportunity and lure them into committing crimes. ???????

      All the more reason not to go there. We don’t want to continue to contribute to their criminal tendencies. I say close the hotels and casinos as these too provide the opportunity and are likely to lure Arubans into committing crimes. Once all the tourism in Aruba is gone and they have nothing but drugs and money laundering, it will be our fault because we buy some of the drugs and put our money in their banks. They’re responsible for nothing, but they’re proud and believe in their legal system. @@

      BTW, I live in an area frequented by tourists. Lots of hotels and wealthy business people shopping and going to nice restaurants, theaters, etc. Not ONCE have I been tempted to commit a crime against them. So I may be 3rd generation Dutch, but there’s apparently no Aruban in me.

    154. SS on February 23rd, 2008 11:03 am

      Just a reminder for anyone who missed my previous boycott information. Please send letters and emails.

      ATA’s website for travel agents (“experts on aruba”). Look in “book now” and “find an aruba expert” Enter your zipcode for local travel agents. http://www.aruba.com

      ATA’s Public Relations email – ata.pr@aruba.com

      Aruban Boycott Blogspot has information about the case, a petition to sign, and addresses and emails of government officials in the Netherlands and the US – http://arubanboycott.blogspot.com/

      Senator Joseph Biden is Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His email is from his website at – http://biden.senate.gov/contact/

      The Texas Equusearch address is P.O. Box 395, Dickinson, Texas 77539. Indicate on your check that the donation is for Persistence/Natalee Holloway.

      Contact Aruba:

      Diario Aruba:
      diario@setarnet.aw

      Aruba Today
      news@arubatoday.com

      Amigoe:
      webmaster@amigoe.com

      Aruba Tourism Authority
      Public Relations
      L.G. Smith Blvd. 172
      Eagle, Aruba
      Dutch Caribbean
      Phone: International code +(297) 582-3777
      Fax: International code +(297) 583-4702
      ata.pr@aruba.com

      The names below are a partial list of businesses who are currently thriving on the miserable little island of Aruba. These are names that we all recognize. Perhaps we need to be mindful of where we spend our money here at home, until there is a resolution to Natalee Holloway’s disappearance.

      Radio Shack, Heineken, Benetton, Fendi, Gucci, Sears, Servistar, True Value, Cartier, Terminix, Hooters, Tony Rama, Ernst and Young, Nautica, Athlete’s Foot, Red Sail Sports, Hugo Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Nike, Mango, Hyatt, Radisson, Marriott, Occidental, Westin, Holiday Inn, and La Quinta.
      Re/Max, Orbitz, Wyndham, American Express, Harley Davidson, Toyota, MacDonalds, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Wendys.

      The following cruiselines currently have scheduled stops on the island of Aruba, during the next six months. During the period of time that US citizens disembark in the port of Oranjestad, they could be subjected to theft, kidnapping, drugging, and murder. The corrupt legal system in Aruba does not protect American citizens. Please do not support these cruiselines until the disappearance of Natalee Holloway is resolved.

      AIDA Cruises, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Pulmantur, Holland American, Hapag Lloyd, Majestic, Celebrity, Fred Olsen, Crystal, Cunard, P and O, Club Med, Astor, Dolphin Maritime, Windstar, and Disney.

    155. EURobert on February 23rd, 2008 11:15 am

      # 141 Richard on February 23rd, 2008 9:18 am

      Thanks Richard for the link to the transcript AND VIDEOS of Dateline! Just saw the first clip; already saw some new stuff! Great!

    156. dave on February 23rd, 2008 11:18 am

      yoyo brainlesstop

      Find another hobby to get your rocks off. you sick TROLL.

    157. Saoirse on February 23rd, 2008 12:16 pm

      Everyone that cares should write to dateline@msnbc.com and let them know a few facts about the cover up and corruption that we have seen for years.

      Provide links in emails.

      Maybe then they will open the can of worms on Aruba and expose them and all the dirty little secrets.

      Money laundering
      Police corruption
      Judicial corruption
      Government corruption
      Drug trafficking
      Mafia
      Cartels
      Tax evasion
      Human slave trade
      Porn industry
      Murder
      Efforts to harass & intimidate the family
      Bad karma

    158. cbtampa on February 23rd, 2008 1:07 pm

      Go to the website of Dr. Andrew Hodges. http://forensicthoughtprints.com/default.html
      On his section about his Aruban Journal, click on “read more”. This is his journal about his two recent visits to Aruba. He met with the fisherman who worked at the huts and lost the fish trap. He also described the knife that was stolen when the locks on the huts were forced open. There are some great pictures.
      ____________________________________

      One of the most interesting articles that I have read. I would like to think that someone would eventually break down and tell the truth.

    159. buster on February 23rd, 2008 1:24 pm

      yoyo wishes he was urin, yoyo wishes he was getting all this attention !!! Hey yoyo do you even know who your real dad is or do expect paulass is the one ??? Very sick minds to say the least

    160. Shannon on February 23rd, 2008 2:27 pm

      I was in a popular book store the other day and i was just curious to see how many books there were for travel to Aruba and there was ONE!! LOL and it was shared with other islands. I dont mean to laugh i know people there need the tourism but I dont feel one bit bad about it if they want this story to go away and the media and attention on aruba to go away then make a stand together and demand to have joran and his father banned from aruba or demand joran be arrested. Your whole island is turned to shit all because of ONE douchbag kid?? i dont understand how can all of Aruba stand to allow this Kid to take over everything? oh yea i know thats because aruban govt covered this whole story from the beginning and they cant risk the fingerpointing now!! throw paulus and his awful son in the fire no matter what he says no one will believe him arrest them or Boycott aruba!!

    161. Minky from CH on February 23rd, 2008 4:19 pm

      Aruba
      you can not s$$$kidding the whole world any longer.

      Nobody believes you anything, but everybody knows what happened to Natalee.

      She was drugged, raped, murdered and her body “disapeared”. He? Vanished? Evaporated? He?

      It’s over Aruba! Give it up!
      Don’t you get it?

      Look at your own “Live Cam”. A empty devels piece of deserted lava rock with sandstorms?
      Must be very much inviting to spend vacations and money there??

      Arrest Paulsloot, Jurin, Straaten, dumpig, Cornflakes, Janssen etc.etc.etc.

      It’s a huge cover-up from the beginning, to protect the high-ups, involved in drugs, money loundering, prostitution etc.
      Big money, money, money……….

      Paulus is your perp #one!!

      The whole case is so upsetting!
      Everybody with an average comon sense knows what happened.

      There is a confession, but under the influence of Hasch…blablabla….
      (Littlesloot smokes every day Hasch!!!!, so it’s not possible to catch him without)

      You can lie as a suspect, but not as a witness etc.
      What garbage are ou talking about?

      Aruba you don’t have Laws whatsoever! You don’t have Justice.
      That’s why people have problems to understand your Legal System. Because you have NONE!

      A uniform does’nt make a police officer or a judge! It’s a little bit more asked behind the fabric!

      Wake up Aruba!
      We want Justice for Natalee!

      Paulus, Joran, Anita it’s time to come clear!
      Your live is already miserable and a mess, but it will become worse!

      JUSTICE FOR NATALEE !!!

      Paulus perp #one
      Paulus perp #one
      Paulus perp #one
      Paulus perp #one

      Aruba, arrest that guy!!

      IMO every time a witness is coming up, they get murdered. But they can not murder 97’000 people!

    162. kayjay on February 23rd, 2008 6:17 pm

      Any word on the Kalpoes lawsuit against Dr. Phil?
      Has anyone heard anything?

    163. yoyo muffintop on February 23rd, 2008 8:16 pm

      #150: “Yoyo is not a paid anything. It is a Natalee Family Hater….and I’d like to know why.”

      I challenge you – find 1 post of mine where I have said anything bad about the family.
      Just 1. Find the posts then you can call me a “Natalee Family Hater”. Good luck.

      and btw disgustedmom – how do you think Natalee’s family would have responded to your little “song” you wrote about their daughter and how she was drugged and called a ho? Do you think the “family” would find that funny? Make sure you’re clean before you accuse.

    164. Scared Monkeys on February 23rd, 2008 10:25 pm

      New FP post:

      Scared Monkeys at the Boston Travel Show Reminding Aruba and All … Justice for Natalee Holloway (Part I)

      http://scaredmonkeys.com/2008/02/23/scared-monkeys-at-the-boston-travel-show-reminding-aruba-and-all-justice-for-natalee-holloway-part-i/

    165. Saoirse on February 23rd, 2008 10:50 pm

      Island Life
      February 2008

      When asked about the illegal immigration problem Oduber responded, “It is all of those Moslems. And Mohammed eats my camel’s dung. No control.”

      Jihad on Aruba!
      Allahu Akbar!

    166. WHERE'S NATALEE, AZZHOLE JORAN? on February 24th, 2008 11:01 am

      SHUT UP, YOYO — YOU SLIMY TROLL.

      DO YOU EVEN CARE ABOUT NATALEE? REMEMBER HER?

      OH, OF COURSE NOT — YOU’RE ARUBAN.

      IT’S “JUST SHUT UP AND GIVE US YOUR MONEY.”

      WELL, WE’RE NOT.

      OUR TOURIST DOLLARS MAKE UP 70% OF YOUR ECONOMY.

      YOUR TOURIST DOLLARS MAKE UP MAYBE 1/1OOOTH OF 1% OF OURS.

      GUESS WHOSE AZZ IS IN A CRACK, DOLLARWISE?

      WE DON’T O-W-E YOU ANYTHING. WE ARE UNDER
      N-O O-B-L-I-G-A-T-I-O-N
      TO SPEND MONEY IN ASCREWBA.

      HAVE ANOTHER NICE, DOLLARLESS DAY.

      ARUBA — “ONE CORRUPT ISLAND.”

    167. Dolf on February 26th, 2008 8:08 am

      166, my dear clueless CAPSLOCK user

      you just insulted an US citizen who is trying to help the Holloways.

      and go ask your mother how to use the keyboard.

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