Natalee Holloway; What Some Arubans Are Saying

There have been many hypothetical theories thrown out there as to Natalee Holloway’s disappearance. Police have speculated as well as to the mystery of Natalee’s disappearance, even suggesting today that it may have been accidental death.

However, the message boards in Aruba.com, other message boards and some of the bloggers are saying some other things as well. Amy who has commented on our site earlier and has been one of the Arubans taking part in the searches for Natalee Holloway has a different story. I thank Amy for her help in the search, but I don’t know about rumors.

Did Natalee pull off this stunt once before?

A lot of Arubian residence are questioning the truth behind Natalee’s disappearance:

There has been rumors running that Natalee has runaway once before in a different country. Or she has runned away once before.
The question is, has she pulled off this stunt once again on Aruba?
Did Natalee on purposely disappeared?

If she has, she is causing real damage to Aruba.

We are happy to find her, we want to find her!. ‘Cause it could have been one of our own eighteen-year-old girl missing.
But now we feel the pressure of finding her more than ever because this is putting ARUBA’s name is a real negative light, people’s job is on the line here.

We want to find her and get on with our Arubian lives.
No matter what our island is going to be an happy and safe island.

Amy, is this just local rumor or is there a link to site the source that Natalee has actually done this before. Rumor is not news and unless one can source it, rumors can be dangerous. It is easy to make excuses in the face of what looks like some real serious issues.

I don’t really but the run away story for a couple of reasons:

Please remember that the US news cycle just went through the “Runaway Bride” story. The first thing the cynical news media would have done in the US was to question whether this was a runaway situation. There has never been a story yet on that topic and I am pretty positive not for trying by the media.

Also, FBI agents were asked to come to Aruba. A US Representative from AL made some pretty strong comments that one does not do under normal circumstances.

Here are some interesting (disturbing) comments from U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Vestavia Hills,

U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Vestavia Hills, said Saturday there were circumstances surrounding Holloway’s disappearance that warranted the FBI being heavily involved. He declined to give details.

“The circumstances were disturbing,” said Bachus, who formally requested the FBI’s involvement. “I can’t get into it, but it’s something the family is aware of. There was an immediate recognition that this was not simply a teen who wandered off.”

I can empathize with Arubans dealing with an issue that they are not accustomed to. The signs point toward foul play and denying that is probably not the best of things. Is anything possible, sure. But highly unlikely. Rumor is an easy scape goat to deal with denial.

I do not believe that if this turns out to be really bad that it should reflect on Aruba or Arubans. You are good people. However, there are bad apples every where. Even in Aruba. Caution always must be used no matter how safe an island may be like Aruba or others that are not considered as safe.

Even in destinations that are considered relatively safe, there are pockets of danger. But that doesn’t mean plans should be changed or canceled.

Travel experts suggest you find out about a destination’s specific areas of concern and use the same caution you would in unfamiliar situations at home.

“Being aware is the biggest thing you can do,” said Nilou Motamed, a senior editor at Travel + Leisure magazine.

The comment was made that, “If she has, she is causing real damage to Aruba”. Trust me, not have as bad as if Americans start hearing Aruban rumors of a girl running away when there is no proof or fact that she ever has. Blaming the victim does not go over well. Especially if this turns out bad. I can understand the worry of the tourism issue for Aruba with bad publicity. However, this is one of the dangers that a place that counts on tourism faces no matter if it is Aruba, Jamaica or a place in the US.

Let’s stick to fact and try to stay away from rumors. Arubans have done a phenomenal job coming to help the Holloway family and they have praised your efforts. Let’s not tarnish that great show of Aruban support and caring with rumors. Better yet, let’s all pray and hope we find Natalee Holloway safe.

Update: Here is a comment from Another Father on another post that puts it brilliantly what most Americans think. Great comment.