Amigoe: Strike & Unrest in Aruba, Water will not be disconnected; electricity, not sure

Amigoe; June 9, 2006: Water will not be disconnected; electricity, not sure

The police assumed this morning that approximately 2000 to 4000 activists will let the government know their dissatisfaction this afternoon. 

Police spokesman Papito Comenencia indicated that all higher ranked police officers were called to maintain the order and public safety.  The police advised the people that do not want to have anything to do with the protest action, to avoid the city this afternoon and evening and to choose an alternative route.  “The city will probably be unreachable.”

This must make for a tremendous tourist experience in Aruba? First time vacationers and those tourists that have been on the cusp of making decisions whether to return in the wake of the Natalee Holloway disappearance.

ARUBA – The vice-chairman of UEA, the union for Elmar indicated this morning that chances are that the power supply will be temporarily disconnected on Friday.  “If this evening it turns out that the action didn’t produce the desired result, than consider the above a fact.”  Water- and Electricity Company (WEB) does not anticipate problems with the water supply on Friday. 

WEB-spokesman Kelvin Augustin indicated that they have a good relationship with the union.  “We do not think that if the general strike starts on Friday, it will have influence on the water supply.  Our employees are well aware of WEB’s interests and that water is very much needed.  The water supply will not be cut off.  There is no reason for this on Friday.” He emphasized that WEB has always an emergency plan and that everybody knows what to do in case of calamities. “The WEB will be prepared for ff the situation changes on Friday.” 

The police assumed this morning that approximately 2000 to 4000 activists will let the government know their dissatisfaction this afternoon. 

Police spokesman Papito Comenencia indicated that all higher ranked police officers were called to maintain the order and public safety.  The police advised the people that do not want to have anything to do with the protest action, to avoid the city this afternoon and evening and to choose an alternative route.  “The city will probably be unreachable.”

The schools will decide tonight what they are going to do in case of a strike.  The teachers have the right to go on strike, but that doesn’t mean that the schools are automatically closed.  The school management has a commitment with the students and their parents.  There is a special plan that will become effective if it turns out that the teachers will go on strike on Friday and there will not be enough personnel to continue with the classes, said rector Hector Kolfin of Colegio Arubano. 

Staff-member Josette Daal of the Catholic Education Foundation of Aruba (SKOA) asks the parents to follow the developments over the radio and TV on Thursday evening.  SKAO will use these media channels to announce what’s going to happen on Friday.  She didn’t want to answer other questions.  “The school principles of the SKOA know the procedures.” 

“There will be no problems with the healthcare”, says Bob Harms, spokesman of Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH).  “The hospital never stops with attending her patients.”  The hospital will make sure that the Urgent Care and other critical serviced are well staffed in order to guarantee good healthcare.  We have spoken to the union and they know that it is their responsibility to keep the people working.  Hospital employees are allowed to strike, but in their own time.  Harms doesn’t anticipate problems.  The ambulances will be available as usual for people that need urgent care.  The drivers know alternative routes and can always reach the hospital.  The HOH has a crisis committee that meets every week and are ready for calamities. 

Arubus will not go on strike and the drivers know enough alternative routes to take passengers to their destination.  If it happens that the busses cannot ride, the drivers will communicate this to the company that will literally change to alternative possibilities.  But the company does not anticipate that.   

Setar does not anticipate problems with keeping the communication network operational.  The company is always prepared for calamities, including a possible strike.