Amigoe, Aruba: “Growing poverty in our society” … Post Natalee Holloway Aruban Economy

So do those that thought the “individual” boycott of Aruba by those following the disappearance and handling of  Natalee Holloway will have no effect? Of course it is not the only reason why Aruba finds itself in the predicament they are; however, it has a great deal. Does it really come as an surprise to anyone what the outcome is when cost of living increases, revenue decreases and government spending remains the same. What is the answer? Tax the little guy.

Governments raise taxes on its citizens in a desperate effort to generate revenues from losses in other areas. In Aruba’s case it was the loss of tax revenue generated from tourism. When the cost of living naturally goes up, Aruban’s were done no favors by their government officials  when they had to endure higher taxes, higher oil prices and a declining pay check. The fact of the matter is that Aruba’s economy saw a decline following how the Natalee Holloway investigation was handled. As the rest of the Caribbean saw increases, Aruba’s economy saw a decline.

(The face of Aruban Tourism)

Did Arubans really not think that this was going to affect them in their pockets?

Nearly two years later as  Aruban tourism tries desperately to sway tourists to coming to Aruba they are met with protests like at the Tourism trade shows in Boston and Miami. One only needs to take a look HERE to see how ineptly the Aruban government has handled what has turned into a PR nightmare and economic disaster known as Post Natalee Holloway cover up.

It is no coincidence that all of this began in full swing following the disappearance of Natalee Holloway and many tourists refusal to travel to an island that would handle a missing persons case as they did. The effects are still being felt today. An economic ship takes a long time to turn.

Amigoe: May 3, 2007, Cabinet Oduber causes poverty    

Mike Eman ( AVP ) listens.

ORANJESTAD – The cost of living has increased in such way that people on a minimum wage have massively run into problems.   But not only the people with a low income, also the ones with a medium income are about to run into problems.   Mike Eman of AVP says that it is so sad that the Oduber-government refuses to consider the problems of the Aruban citizens.    

The increase of the price for food is an omen.   Eman quotes figures from the Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS), which shows that in January, the price for food has increased with almost 10 percent compared with January last year; The price of fruit and vegetables has even increased with 27 percent.   “We noticed that many families are running deeper into problems, because the prices of food, cloths, and transportation have increased drastically.   Because of this, many families can no longer pay their current obligations, like rent or mortgage, electricity and water, and loans.      

More and more families are in a financial crisis.   The result of this is a growing poverty in our society and an impoverishment of many more people.   It starts to look like the poor ones are getting poorer”, said Eman.

We hear and see everywhere how the social problems are increasing due to the money eating policy of the government.   And in order to keep the costs down, the government constantly comes with new measures, and the people can no longer bear this.”