In Aruba Dissatisfaction with Quad Racer, What about Drugs & Money Laundering … Natalee Holloway?

One wonders why more is not written and reported on when it comes to other crimes in  Aruba? Like the real issues that plague the island. Dissatisfaction with tourists on quad-racers? Is that the most pressing issue? There are actually more auto accidents with deadly consequences to native Arubans than injuries caused from quad-racers. What is it with Aruba, a so-called tourist destination where they so willingly blame the tourist at all cost?

I guess Aruba will just skip over the obvious real crime issues like drugs and money laundering. They will also gloss over the whole American tourist missing person thing as well. They seem to be more intent on public enemy number one, tourists on quad racers.

Park rangers assume that quad racers are responsible for this, because they saw tire tracks in the sand.  They will announce this Friday what measures they are going to take to prevent this from happening again. 

One wonders when they are going to come out with measures to prevent under age Aruban teens from being allowed in bars like Carlos N’ Charlie’s and in casinos. Both places where according to Aruban law, they are not allowed. In Aruba, quad racers and turtle eggs important … Justice for Natalee Holloway, not.

Amigoe; August 18, 2007: Dissatisfaction with quads increases 

ORANJESTAD – The dissatisfaction with the quad races, especially popular to tourists, continues to grow.  AZV complained earlier about the high medical costs due to accidents with these quads.  Parke Nacional Arikok is currently considering taking actions against quad racers and other motorized traffic in the Park. 

Reason for this is the incident that took place late last week, when unknown persons crossed through the dunes of Dos Playa and killed several little turtles that had just hatched out of their eggs.  Park rangers assume that quad racers are responsible for this, because they saw tire tracks in the sand.  They will announce this Friday what measures they are going to take to prevent this from happening again. 

Signs have been posted in 2005, informing the people that it is not allowed to drive through the dunes or on the beach.  But people are still crossing, with all the consequences for the vegetation, birds and turtles that lay their eggs in this area, the beaches and the dunes. 

Several instances are also worried about the traffic safety of the quads.  Two people died in accidents with quads last year.  The hospital says that an average of 25 to 30 accidents with quads take place on an annual basis.  The injuries are almost always serious.  These accidents happen because the drivers do not comply with traffic rules.  They do not wear a helmet and most of the time they are not properly dressed.   

Another problem is that accidents with quads often take place in remote areas and more people and material are needed, like a helicopter, to get to them and transport them.  Two tourists were injured in accidents with their quads last Monday and Tuesday.  Up till now, there are no figures of the number of accidents with these vehicles.