Aruba: Tourists Beat up by Bouncers at Senor Frogs … Wasn’t Joran Van der Sloot Underage?

Aruba does realize that tourism is still their #1 economic money maker, right?

Two tourists were beaten and injured badly at Senor Frogs in Aruba and needed to be transported to the hospital due to their injuries. The injuries and beatings that they suffered were all because they did not have a proper identification. The tourists were beaten by the security guards that works there.

Interestingly enough, wasn’t Joran Van der Sloot underage to drink at Carlos N’ Charlies in 2005 when Joran, Deepak and Satish road off with Natalee Holloway and she was never to be seen again? I do not remember him ever receiving this king of treatment by the security or bouncers. In fact, Aruba knew he was underage and allowed him in casinos and night clubs without any concern. In fact they embraced it. So why is it that tourists would receive a different brand of treatment and justice? Since when does being under age get you a greater beating than, oh … let’s say participating in a homicide?

Turistanan ta wordo bati dilanti Senjor Frogs … Go to 24 Ora for more pictures of this over excessive use of force.

American Tourist Daniel Perry Dryden Murdered aboard Sailbaot on Lake Izabal, Guatemala (Arrests Made)

Another heinous murder to report from the Caribbean, “Beauty and the beast”. It was their retirement dream, it ended in nightmare …

A US tourist, 66 year old Daniel Perry Dryden was hacked to death by robbers armed with machetes aboard his sailboat that was anchored in Lake Izabal, Guatemala. Four men armed with knives attacked and killed Daniel Perry Dryden as their yacht was docked in Rio Dulce, a town on Guatemala’s Lake Izabal. His wife, 67 year old Nancy Dryden was wounded seriously in the attack as her lung was punctured from stab wounds; however, was recovering in a Guatemalan hospital.

“They poked us and stabbed us with the machetes, and they were asking for money, specifically dollars,” said Dryden, who was listed in stable condition at a hospital in the lakeside town of Morales.
The thieves were apparently unhappy with the take. “We had a few quetzales (Guatemala’s currency), but we had no dollars with us on the boat,” Dryden recounted.

After assaulting the couple, the men demanded she hand over the keys to the vessel, which has an auxiliary motor. When she didn’t — she was unable to tell whether they wanted the keys to the boat, or a small dinghy the couple used to get to shore — the men left, also apparently by swimming.

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Aruba: Large fraud in VCB Security (Van Cromvoirt) … Remember that name from the Natalee Holloway Investigation

In an article from Amigo.com, Grote fraude bij VCB Security, VCB Security in Aruba has committed “large” fraud. If this company name and its owner William Cromvoirt sound familiar, they should. His son, Geoffrey van Cromvoirt, was held in connection for a period of time in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. Interesting how the spot light always seem to come back around.

English translation can be found HERE.

ORANJESTAD - The security company with 130 employees VCB Security is bankrupt in all likelihood by fraud committed by the owner himself. It alleges the former director Suan Sweetnam in a letter to all those involved directly or minister in which he argues that owner William Cromvoirt money from customers has improperly spent. “We’re talking about millions of tons welgezegd who have disappeared from the treasury,” said Sweetnam.

Employees withdrew earlier in the bell when it appeared that they had received no salary and whether too little had been paid. They were back to the line.

Vanderbilt – ‘06

• Geoffrey van Cromvoirt to be Held for 8 Days in Connection with Natalee Holloway Disappearance
• -GVC’s Attorney, Lotter-Homan, Tries to Set the Record straight in Aruban Newspapers as to Allegations and Speculation
• Geoffrey van Cromvoirt, No Info on Holloway Disappearance
• Geoffrey van Cromvoirt; RELEASED FROM CUSTODY IN ARUBA

Double Murder: Ben Mullany, British Honeymooner Dies in Antigua from Gunshot … Catherine Mullany Shot Dead as Well

Don’t think that this heinous double murder will not leave a lasting blemish on Antigua. The double murder of Catherine and Ben Mullany is leave a lasting mark on Antigua’s tourism for many years to come. Is the Caribbean safe anymore?

Honeymoon double murder on Antigua, from wedding to double funeral in three weeks for Catherine and Ben Mullany

I guess we can scratch Antigua off the list of places to honeymoon. On Sunday, A 31 year old Ben Mullany, a British man left in a coma after being shot in the head on his honeymoon in Antigua died at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, South Wales. His wife, 31 year old Catherine Mullany, was shot and died instantly after assailants entered their room last Sunday on the final day of the couple’s honeymoon.

British detectives have travelled to the Caribbean island at the request of Antigua’s Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer to help catch those behind the double shooting.

Antigua hotels and businesses have offered a 130,000-dollar (84,000-euro) reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. So far no arrests have been made although police are pursuing several leads.

Antigua honeymoon murder: ‘Brain-dead’ groom to be flown to UK within hours.

Police on the Caribbean island of Antigua stated that shooting victim Ben Mullany would be transferred from the intensive care unit where he is being treated as soon as an air ambulance is available. Mullany was transfered back to Wales where doctors battled for 22 hours to save his life. Sadly, Ben Mullany has now died from his gun shot wounds.

It does not get any more tragic than this. Catherine and Benjamin Mullany were married on July 12, 2008 and planned on spending the rest of their lives together in wedded bliss. Who knew their lives would end so tragically less than three weeks later in a robbery gone horribly wrong. Now Catherine and Ben Mullany will be having joint funerals. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones.

It is believed that the Newlyweds’ shooting may be linked to another murder that took place on Antigua less than two months ago. It’s great to know that there is a killer or killers loose on the island of Antigua who are linked to previous homicides, yet people remain silent in turning these murderers into police. Sound familiar?

THE shootings of newlyweds Catherine and Ben Mullany may be linked to another murder in Antigua less than two months ago, the police chief leading the investigation revealed yesterday.

Police Commissioner Gary Nelson said the crime was similar to the previous case, but the Caribbean island’s troubled force was being hampered by a “code of silence”.

The Commissioner agreed that it was “probably not the first time” the killer or killers had struck and said he believed it was “linked to previous homicides”.

“There’s something wrong with this person,” he said.

He added: “There seems to be this code of silence or lack of trust of the police. People don’t want to tell the police [anything].”

UK Telegraph: Antigua honeymoon shooting: Bridegroom Ben Mullany dies
The bridegroom who was shot with his wife on their Caribbean honeymoon has died in hospital 

UPDATE I: Police Name Clarence James as Main suspect in Double Murders of British Honeymooners, Catherine and Ben Mullany

Suspect: Clarence James

Caribbean: 28 Year Old Vincent Mark Cullen of US Found Dead at in Cay Bay, St Maarten

A death of an American on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten … here we go again.

Family members said they would not leave the island until the persons responsible for Vincent’s death had been arrested and convicted. 

A 28 year old man from the United States, Vincent Mark Cullen, was found dead in St. Maarten at the end of Windsor Road Cape Bay by police about 7pm on Wednesday evening. Preliminary results have revealed that Vincent Mark Cullen had a wound above his left eye from which he bled.

A preliminary investigation, done by the Forensic team of the Philipsburg police station revealed that the victim had a wound above his left eye from which he bled. Dr. MERCUUR who came to the scene pronounced the death of the victim, but could not determine the exact cause of death.

In an attempt to identify the victim police searched the pockets of the victim and found a container with some sort of medication with his name on, also found were some other personal items including a set of keys. The items found led detectives to a hotel apartment in Cupe Coy where the victim and his parents were staying as they are on the island vacationing.

The Chief Prosecutor, Taco Stein, said “that so far there is no trace of a crime committed but that has not been ruled out since the exact cause of death is not yet known”. Here we go again. An autopsy has yet to be completed to determine the cause of death.

However, it appears that family members are outraged and believe that Vincent did meet with foul play. The family is questioning the fact that they believe that Vincent Mark Cullen had $500 on him and the fact that his body was found in Cay Bay, an area with which neither Vincent nor the family was familiar

Vincent’s infuriated sister Jackie Cullen and their father, who spoke to The Daily Herald yesterday, explained that the family had spent a fun-filled Wednesday afternoon at Mullet Bay Beach, before returning by car to their hotel room with the intention to prepare for a movie outing.

Judging the amount of time it would take to get ready and the time the movie they wanted to see would be starting, the family cancelled the outing. However, Vincent showered, got dressed and indicated to his family that he would be out for the evening, leaving the hotel room at 5:45pm. By 8:00pm he had been found dead in Cay Bay.

Jackie expressed her bewilderment, unable to understand how her “strong and healthy” brother could have passed away suddenly within less than two hours, at a time of day when it was not yet too dark. As his wallet was not found on his body, the family believes that Vincent, who within this time frame is believed to have made a stop at a nearby casino before possibly trekking on to another casino, was lured by someone into going to Cay Bay, where he was robbed.

Doesn’t the following sound familiar? I remember hearing the same comments in the Natalee Holloway case in Aruba, a reward offered and the promise of not going home until there was justice. If this investigation is anything like the Holloway case in Aruba, I hope they plan on staying a while

Vincent’s older sister who resides in the US and other family members are scheduled to arrive on the island shortly and the family will be announcing a substantial reward next week for any information on Vincent’s death.
Family members said they would not leave the island until the persons responsible for Vincent’s death had been arrested and convicted. 

The family emphasises that anyone having any sort of information should contact the police, specifically Detective Elisabeth Anthony F., at 542-2222.

To further discuss the case, go to Scared Monkeys.net: Unsolved Crime.
 

Aruba: New Casino Permits Required to Combat Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism

Casinos in Aruba must apply for new permits and conform with the new regulations as of September 1, 2008 or risk losing their permits to operate.  The purpose of the new regulations is to promote policies to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.  Financing terrorism? Is there something we need to know?

It is too bad that Justice Minister Rudy Croes could not simply enforce the age limits of those allowed in Aruban casinos. If he had and Aruban casinos followed their own laws, Natalee Holloway would still be alive today as she and the Mountain Brook teens would never have Joran Van der Sloot.

ORANJESTAD – All casinos are at risk of losing their permits if they do not conform to the new policy regulations within one month. This is one of the new measures taken by the Ministry of Justice. The gambling lots are obliged to apply for a permit as the old agreements will be void as of the 1st of September.

Had the Excelsior prohibited an under age Joran Van der Sloot from the casino, Natalee Holloway would still be alive as he would have never met the Mountain Brook teens and never would have gone to Carlos n’ Charlies. Joran had stated that no one went there on a Sunday as it was a slow night.

The Minister of Justice, Rudy Croes, announced that the new regulations are based on recommendations of the inter-governmental organization Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This international organization is responsible for the development and promotion of the policy to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The regulations are ahead of a new law, which is currently being laid down, and were created through the collaboration between government experts and the Casino world (DAC).

As of now the casinos have to give insight into the administration and their internal control. The Minister furthermore states that only the casinos which have complied with all the stipulated conditions will be eligible for a new gambling permit. These conditions stipulate amongst others, that a casino business should have the legal form ‘NV’, that the casino should have sufficient funds to guarantee payment of winners and that the casino should possess a local bank guarantee of 500.000 dollars.

Longer Safer Runways at Reina Beatrix Airport in Aruba … What Took You So Long?

It is nice to see Aruba finally got around to making sure that their runways were safe for tourists as airplanes land and take off. Just how many planes have taken off and landed from Reina Beatrix airport with what would have been the shorter runway?

“The most important objective was extending the runways, so that extra safety zones are created. These safety zones are for aircrafts that have trouble during take off and landing”

Safety zones for aircrafts that have trouble during take off and landing? Important objective? If it was so important, why was this not done years ago, like say the 1980’s?

Longer runways ready

ORANJESTAD – The project for safer runways of the Reina Beatrix airport is officially complete. The runways are now 60 meters longer and better illuminated. The total cost of this project called Runway End Safety Area & Safety Approach Lighting System is more than 13 million florins. Aruba Airport Authority (AAA) started with this project in November of 2007. “The most important objective was extending the runways, so that extra safety zones are created. These safety zones are for aircrafts that have trouble during take off and landing”, said Peter Steinmetz, director of AAA. (Amigoe: July 1, 2008)

MEP: 2008 Successful Tourism year in Aruba …. Denial, Its Not just a River in Egypt

Who knew that “D’Nile” was not only a river in Egypt, but existed in Aruba as well.

What ever happened to truth in advertizing? The following Arubam tourism piece is a cross between “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” and Baghdad Bob telling the world that the US military was not at the gates of Baghdad.

Baghdad Bob (Former Iraqi mouth piece)

Notice the resemblance?

Nelson Oduber: Current Aruban PM and mouthpiece

Aruba is going to have another successful year in 2008. Another? Doesn’t that presume that they had earlier successes? Talk about a desperate attempt to pat one’s self on the back. Is it election time already in Aruba where the Oduber government feels the need to inflate the truth about tourism? Also, it was not too long ago where there were news articles condemning the Minister of tourism and MEP for their handling of Aruban tourism and the Natalee Holloway case … HERE, HERE and HERE.

Thanks to Briesen, the tourism on the island increased from 691.000 tourists in 2001 to 754.000 in 2007.

This is thanks to the dynamic policy of the Oduber-cabinet and the huge efforts of Minister Edison Briesen of Tourism and Transport.

First, who knows whether the numbers are actually accurate and factual. Second, Aruba is touting head counts as a victory and a successful year? Talk about spin. Any one who knows anything about numbers knows they can be changed to show anything in a positive manner. Let’s take the pathetic attempt above to show Aruban tourism is a positive light.

• Spin cycle #1: Aruba uses initial tourism numbers from 2001 as their starting point. Question, what event happened in 2001 that greatly affected all travel and visits abroad? Answer: September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center in NYC, the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93 when brave and heroic passengers took down the plane in a field in Pennsylvania preventing more carnage. Tourism to a severe hit in 2001 in the Caribbean for obvious reasons in the aftermath of 911. Aruba has held safety and tourism conferences on the impacts of tourism in a post 9–11 world. So we know that Aruba is staring from a baseline tourism number that is lower than normal.

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Aruban Government Tackling the Big Issues … The Proliferation of Palapas … Toleration of an Issue Until its an Issue …

The Aruban rule of look the other way government and if we look away hard enough, maybe it will just go away and disappear.

The Aruban Government is finally getting serious and taking on the big issues that plague its citizens and tourists. Is it public safety and the increased crime rate? Is it drug trade and money laundering? Is it the increasing inflation, taxes and the bbo? Is it the drug addition problem? Is it Aruba’s excessive government spending? Is it Aruba’s economic dependence on tourism? The answer is, no, no, no, no, no no, and no.

The Aruban government is tackling the hard biting issue of the proliferation of “Palapas” on its beaches. Way to take on the issue of the day that so greatly affects the Aruban people and tourists.

The proliferation of palapas has consequences for the beaches of Palm beach and Eagle Beach. A lot of structures have risen lately on Palm Beach in front of the hotels. Especially the number of palapas is growing on Eagle Beach. This is due to the many timeshare complexes that are being built on the other side of Irausquin Boulevard.

Maybe the real reason why the government is stepping in with regards to the proliferation of palapas is not because they are being built on public beaches, but instead the fact that there now appear to be more reed huts than actual tourists in Aruba.

One may ask why suddenly Aruba finds itself with a proliferation of “palapas” on public beaches. The reason is like everything that takes places there, it was tolerated and everyone looked the other way until the situation got out of control where it suddenly becomes a concern. It appears to be the MO in Aruba. Looks the other way until it becomes a glaring problem. Sound familiar?

The government is going to take on the palapas’ proliferation
(June 28, 2008 Amigoe)

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Economic Slow Down Spells Tourism Worries for Caribbean (Aruba, Puerto Rico …)

The first things to go when there is an economic slow down are the luxuries. One such luxury to Americans are vacations abroad. Thus with the soaring fuel costs and a worrisome US economy, the Caribbean tourism waits in the balance to see the effects of high ticket prices and reduced airline flight. The result will be a decline in tourism to the Caribbean. The second thing to remember is discounted hotel rates to meet hotel occupancy standards mean that occupancy rates are no longer comparable from year to year.

Expensive jet fuel and a soft American economy are threatening to sink Caribbean tourism as airline ticket prices soar and flights are sharply reduced, choking the flow of the vacationers that many tiny islands depend upon.

Tourism is the economic cornerstone of the Caribbean, which drew more than 15 million visitors last year to colonial cities and carefree beaches.

”Billions of dollars of investment are being exposed and thousands of jobs are being exposed,” said Allen Chastanet, chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

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