Oduber in New Year’s speech: ‘More tolerance in 2007′ (More Head in the Sand from Aruban PM)

In Prime Ministers Nelson Oduber’s New Year’s speech he claimed 2006 was a productive year. For who? Have you taken a look at your economic numbers lately PM Oduber,  Here … Here …. Here … Here … Here … Here.  Let alone inflation rates rising in Aruba, budget cuts, no legislation to control corruption and an inaccurately reported crime rate. What a joke. Unfortunately for the Aruban people, its being played on them as well.

Do you understand that Aruba has become synonymous with Missing Persons, Natalee Holloway and Cover up and corruption? No tourism marking plan will change that until you put worth a sincere effort to find real answers as to what happened to Natalee Holloway and prosecute those responsible.

That’s it, in a time where the rest of the Caribbean is enjoying prosperous growth in tourism and reaping the rewards of those economic windfall, keep your head in the sandy white beaches of Aruba. Hotel occupancy rates were up in nearby Curacao; however, not in Aruba. Keep spinning to your people that everything is okay. I think we can all remember another individual who disputed the facts over and over as well.

“2006 was a very productive year”, said Oduber.  He said that his government is a ‘trendsetter’ and he complemented the private sector that according to him, had done everything to contribute to the economic development of Aruba in a positive and constructive manner.

Aruban Prime Minister Nelson Oduber would dare ask for “solidarity, understanding, and toleration.” Interesting words coming from a man who’s MEP Party stated the following democratic and tolerant comments regarding summoning militants. These certainly sound like the words of a party that has the mission of “can’t we all get along”.

“If and when it comes to demonstrations and strikes, MEP will summon its militants to turn the tide and protect democracy and the constitutional state.”

MEP says that they are totally aware of AVP’s strategy and also which entrepreneurs are involved. “Do not confuse our kindness and toleration with weakness, because we warn the population that it will work out differently this time.”

Here is the cherry on the top of the ice cream, the icing on the cake. PM Oduber concludes his speech with the following line. Pardon me Mr. Prime Minister … isn’t the “safe” part the reason why you and Aruba find yourself in the predicament you do? The perception that people will not be safe and that “YOU” failed to protect a tourist on your island and you “FAILED” to provide any form of adequate answers for Natalee’e family. Keep living in a world of “denial” and things will only remain the same or become worse.

He concluded his speech by wishing everybody a happy, healthy, peaceful, and safe 2007.

Just admit it and ask yourself, “where’s Natalee?” Everybody else is. Admitting your problem is the first step in dealing with them.

(Vanderbilt – ‘06)

Read the full story at Amigoe, January 4, 2007: Oduber in New Year’s speech: ‘More tolerance in 2007’ 

 According to Prime Minister Nelson Oduber, 2006 was ‘a productive year’.

ORANJESTAD – Prime Minister Nelson Oduber (MEP) said in his new year’s speech that ‘all citizens of Aruba’ are responsible for themselves, for their family and for their country.  He wished that in 2007, everybody treats each other with more solidarity, understanding, and toleration.   

“2006 was a very productive year”, said Oduber.  He said that his government is a ‘trendsetter’ and he complemented the private sector that according to him, had done everything to contribute to the economic development of Aruba in a positive and constructive manner.

He quoted a few events in 2006, like the celebration of 20 years Status Aparte and 30 years Flag and National Anthem.  These are historic facts that make us realize how Aruba has developed herself in the past decade.  He also said that it was an honour having welcomed Queen Beatrix to Aruba.  He also mentioned the meeting with the Dutch government and the agreements between the two countries to work together on the immigration policy, the finances, and Justice. 

FINANCE

He also quoted the bbo that by now is in effect.  He considers it a historic moment.  The oil refinery that is also going to contribute, the income- and profit tax that is lowered starting this January 1st, the minimum wage that is increased from 1360 to 1460 florins.  The idea is to have a balanced budget in 2009; the national debt is then reduced from 46 to 40 percent, and the interest on income from 11 to 6 percent. 

BUILDINGS

He mentioned the new buildings that were completed and opened in 2006:  the sport complex Frans Figaroa in Noord, the luxurious building of the Aruba General Pension fund in Seroe Blanco, the new Jaburibari sport park, the expansion of the St. Michael Pavilion, the new bus stations that will be opened in 2007 in Oranjestad and San Nicolas, the renovations, investments and expansion of a few big hotels, like Westin, Riu, Allegro, Divi, Holiday Inn and Renaissance, the renovation of the old library in the Winhelminastraat and the buildings Huisje Wild and Ecury in the Schelpstraat.  He mentioned the arrival of airline companies Jet Blue and Martinair and the Fitch Ratings that rated Aruba as financially stable in 2006.     

Oduber said that the negativism of the opposition in 2006 is an attempt to destabilize the country.  He is of the opinion that the social partners and the unions showed little respect by trying to immobilize the country and stop economic development.  Also the media tried to harm the government by providing their readers, listeners, and viewers with negative information.  He hopes that all the negative statements towards his government will cease in 2007. 

He concluded his speech by wishing everybody a happy, healthy, peaceful, and safe 2007.