Aruban Protests Against “Big Development” of Downtown Renovation … Civil Unrest, Always Good for Tourism

Aruban police moved in quickly in on this illegal action, why are they AWOL on others? It would appear that the Aruban police can act quickly when they care to. When its not about a cover up, justice is swift in Aruba. When its a pressing issue like Arubans expressing their freedom of speech against their government officials selling them down the river. However, when it comes to the disappearance and murder of an American tourist, that gets put in the deny and stall at all cost category. Amazing what Aruban police find to be a priority and what they do not.

According to the police it was an illegal action. Incidentally, it didn’t take that long; police officers were quickly able to remove the chains, which were smeared with oil, after which the traffic jam in the main street was soon dissolved.

Amigoe, August 14, 2007: Caya Grandi closed down  

ORANJESTAD – An unknown number of activists have temporarily closed down the Caya Betico Croes this morning with boards and chains. They protested against the course of action the case surrounding the renovation of the main shopping street is taking and the plans of Downtown Development Corporation. 

The activists labeled the plans as a ‘sale of the Caya Grandi to Raoul Henriquez’. According to the police it was an illegal action. Incidentally, it didn’t take that long; police officers were quickly able to remove the chains, which were smeared with oil, after which the traffic jam in the main street was soon dissolved. It is not known who was behind this morning’s protests. The inquiry at the AVP party’s office, the opposition party is a fervent opponent of the manner in which the government is handling the initiatives of the Downtown Development Corporation, amounted to nothing.

Since long, the Caya Betico Croes was incidentally just as busy last Saturday as in the old days. The street was fenced off and shop keepers had put out stalls where they sold their products at sharply reduced prices. The action was especially geared towards school children under the motto ‘back to school’. Especially shops which sold writing material, school bags and study books witnessed the stampede. The holidays are almost over; Thursday will be the first day of school for secondary school students. The elementary schools start on Monday the 20th of August.