Continuing correspondence from readers on the situation in Aruba

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Caribbean Net News continues to receive a great many emails from readers concerned about the situation in Aruba regarding the investigation into the disappearance of 18-year-old Natalee Holloway:

Just cancelled my trip to Aruba this fall… something "fishy" about government protecting the investigation. I'll spend my money elsewhere, not anywhere in the Caribbean. Bad enough what happened to the Alabama girl, but legal system is really corrupt.

Laura Keener

I have been to Aruba with my wife but after the way you people bungled this investigation, we will not be going back. Even with national pressure, the officials in Aruba are stonewalling it. How about if it was just a American tourist that was mugged or robbed. It would take ten years for the investigation to start. Goodbye Aruba, goodbye Caribbean and hello Hawaii.

Walter Gibbs

My husband and I have been to several of the Caribbean Islands and have enjoyed every one of those vacations. We were planning a trip to Aruba -- emphasis on the word "were". We are no longer interested in giving our money to a place where people end up missing and the government does everything in its power to "cover up" what may have really happened. 

It is funny though that every one of the people in custody are somehow "prominent" citizens on Aruba. That tells me right there that this will be swept under the carpet. We think the people in that Caribbean are warm, friendly and very welcoming. It is the officials on the island of Aruba with whom I have a problem. Therefore, I will never visit the island and encourage others to do the same.

Mary Seale 
Washington, DC

Have these people ever heard of a show called unsolved mysteries? The reason this show has been on the air for so long is because there are so many unsolved mysteries in this country. I have never heard such an ignorant remark.

Now is it fair to boycott a whole country because of something 3 or maybe 4 individuals may or may not have done? If we were going to boycott every place where crime occurs, we wouldn't be able to leave our houses. I can even believe you guys published this garbage.

Suzy Wesley

I just wanted to express that I am deeply upset over the Holloway case and how it has been handled. This certainly does not extend comfort in the Aruba justice system. The information that Aruba had from the beginning was enough to solve any case. You knew where she was, who she was with, where she went and how much she drank. It amazes me that in Aruba you can detain a person for 116 days, however, in this case the people with her and the ones that knew the most of where she was and who she was with were let go within hours of her disappearance. This certainly does not instill comfort and certainly does not make me feel safe if I ever choose to visit the island again. 

It is so obvious that there is information being held back, and that the government is protecting these kids, it is as if they think that if the answers are not out there for everyone the whole thing will go away, people will forget. I will not forget nor will I give up hope that someone on that island has a conscience and will do the right thing. If this does not happen then my respect for Aruba will be lost. 

The whole investigation was and continues to be handled poorly. Mrs Twitty has the right to know what happened to her daughter and she deserves more answers than what has been released to date. We all know there is information out there that is being held back. Here in the United States there are many crimes, however, our government investigates, gets answers and provides closure.

The American view is that because of the relationship this boy had with the training judge the three kids were let go to give them time to destroy all and any evidence that may have been present. The government has not given us any other reason to think differently. 

My heart goes out to Natalee’s family and friends and I sympathize with the agony Mrs Twitty is dealing with and her frustration with the Aruban government. It is quite frankly inhumane what they are doing to her. Give her the answers so she can deal with the outcome and either bring her home or have some sort of closure. What happened to protecting the innocent? Why is the government protecting people that very well may be the guilty?

If Aruba does not do the right thing here they will certainly lose respect among all nations. 

Kim Mcgaughran

It is obvious to see the turmoil and potential catastrophic loss of revenue from tourism that Aruba is encountering and which will continue until this case is solved. But as the weeks go on without a positive outcome likely it will eventually get to the point where Aruba has a black mark that is not erased. I would think with such important items on the forefront the police would be working tirelessly to make an arrest? 

Unlike the US where crime is unfortunately a way of life, I believe Aruba is seen as a safe haven for tourists who enjoy the tropical climate, beaches and carefree, safe lifestyle. I would think the power of one judge would be more important than the economic welfare of an entire country. If 70% of your economy is tourism, each day is costing millions with bad press, uncertainty and the perceived lack of interest in solving the case by Aruban police. 

I would think every minute would be seen as another chance for another tourist to choose another island for a vacation so why not tell the judge that he must tell the truth and whomever is responsible must be held accountable.

George Hess
Pawtucket, RI

I have to say that I’m am completely mortified, watching everyday, all day, hoping and praying for Beth Holloway Twitty to get the answers she needs and the strength she needs to go forward in all of this. We are all watching and waiting for this tragedy to come to an end. I am among many other Americans that believe that the Aruban Government has intentionally "botched" this investigation and that they are being secretive and dishonest.

I believe that Saturday morning when it came across the news that *One of the three young men confessed, was taking the police to the body, police confirmed that it was Natalee's body, and confirmed that she was in fact dead* to be the truth, then just a few short hours later be told "we can neither confirm or deny these allegations".

But because of who the prime suspect is in this case, Joran Van der Sloot, and who his father is, Natalee or "the body of Natalee" may never be found, we may never know what happened to her, the evidence (if any) has been compromised tremendously.

I do believe those 3 guys hold the answers to her disappearance, and I have to admit that Beth Hollaway Twitty is a better person than I because I would have completely blown my cool and demanded these 3 guys see me separately (1 on 1) and look me in the eye and tell me they have no idea what happened to my daughter.

I would have blatantly accused the Aruban government officials of conspiring to hide the truth, lying to me, and protecting/favoring these 3 guys, 18 days have gone by, what in all honesty did they think the helicopter with infrared would find? If she is dead her body has to be completely cold and decomposed, that’s only if he/they didn't toss her body out into the ocean in which case the sharks have probably gotten to her by now.

All I can do is keep praying for the people involved, I pray that 1 of these guys comes forward with the truth so that the Holloway-Twitty family can either "rescue" their daughter or lay her to rest respectfully. In closing, I will do everything that I can to discourage my fellow Americans from vacationing on the island of Aruba.

Lori Madrigal 
Nevada USA

We are extremely concerned about the safety of the young girl Holloway. The safety of your island is in issue. As such, my wife and I, both newly retired, will definitely take Aruba off our list of places to visit unless this issue is resolved properly and not covered up. My neighbor, who is a tour analyst, will also hear of my concerns.

Bill Strickland
Georgia

I feel it is a shame that it has taken so long to get any information from the three young men being held. I hope Joran van der Sloot is actually questioned as a suspect and not given things easy due to the status of his father. It is wonderful to come from a good and wealthy family, but with this comes the responsibility that if you make a mistake you be a man and take on the consequences. 

It breaks my heart to see the suffering in the parents of this boy. But yet even stronger I feel for the family of the missing girl that they have the torment of wondering what happened to their little girl. It seems to me that things have taken too long to be investigated. Maybe giving time for things to be cleaned up and not found.

We were planning a trip to Aruba with my family, but have cancelled due to the fact that I would not feel safe in a place that seems to take its time researching a crime from one of its own. 

Sylvia Glade-Webber

This is in response to B. Huggins of Canada…

Obviously, we are not a perfect nation and we are not expecting Aruba to be. All we ask for is answers. Everything has been kept “hush-hush”. Friday night on “The O’Reilly Factor”, a spokesperson for the Aruban Government finally said it was so nothing would hurt the investigation. That’s all America wants to hear. It just took them almost 4 weeks to say it! I’m not sure why you were so harsh on America. You seem hateful towards us and obviously jealous that you don’t live in the greatest land on earth, America! Canada is wonderful; love the land you’re in! But don’t degrade America just because we care about one of our citizens. I know what goes on in Canada… could bash you for the same reasons you bashed us! So, B. Huggins, God bless you and God bless America!

P.S. Her name is Natalee

Kelli Whitt
South Carolina

Here is yet another example of an area of the world that is using its weak legal system to mask what is becoming a cry for swift conclusion! Four weeks have passed since that young woman has been missing. Your police have dragged their feet at every turn. Waiting for 2 weeks to search the prime suspect’s property! 

I think your government and the US for the matter knows that you are masking this because of the man’s family political ties! Your “Island paradise” should be held responsible for the outrageous crime and for the way it is being handled! A boycott of your tourist trade I am sure would motivate you to get the answers and find that poor girl.

Have you honor? Do the right thing and bring to justice the man you know is guilty of this awful act!

Michael Williams

I am the father of two girls. The disappearance of Miss Holloway has been an opportunity for my children and I to discuss the perils of being a young woman in this world. My daughters will never go to Aruba, despite the protestations of security made by its people. If it is such a safe place, and all efforts are in place in an effort to determine the young woman’s fate, why it is taking so long to determine what happened? If the majority of the island searched for her, why has she not been found? 

As absurd as it may sound, I am beginning to think Miss Holloway may have been drugged and sold by the four detained men. If so, then to whom? And, where is she? Is this part of a larger organized effort to kidnap young women? I may be completely wrong, but as a father who is unable to read any salient facts, this possibility seems plausible. That is, if the young woman is still alive.

Roger Cotton

I must say that for four years I planned on getting married in Aruba. We traveled there before and felt that was the place that was perfect for our families and friends. Being from NYC I realized Aruba would be ideal, both for climate and leisure. About one month ago when we started to let people know about our idea, out of the 300 people invited, over 125 gave positive feedback in saying they would join us for our destination wedding.

Now I can't tell you how our numbers have dwindled, all for the same reason. Nobody can understand how the Aruban authorities have not found the killers / those involved in the murder / disappearance of that young girl from Alabama. Being a former NYC Cop, I realize these things take time, but I also realize that in foreign land, different rules apply. 

From most of my conversations with friends and guests, many people understand that this incident is rare. However it is a disgrace that she has not been found or those involved, and as Americans we want justice. Those that are involved need to be caught and given crude punishment to ensure that this does not happen again.

Robert Keiley
NYC, NY

I have been reading about the Aruba case (Natalee Holloway) and can't believe that the family and chaperons get on TV and blame everyone else for the disappearance of Ms Holloway. What happened to the chaperones on this high school trip and also her so-called friends that watched her get in a car with 3 strange guys? 

I have visited the island on 2 occasions and loved the island and the people, I always felt safe and I will in the future visit the island of Aruba. An important note to anyone who visits another county or sends their children on a class trip to another county; you need to be very careful and cautious when visiting overseas and even in the good old USA.

Terry Armbruster 
Mt. Ephraim, NJ

Well...everyone on Aruba seems to be so annoyed that Americans just won't look the other way on this Natalee investigation. We understand that every country on earth has crime. It's how a nation deals with it that counts. A good reputation doesn’t give a country a "mulligan" when a crime is committed. The Aruban government must be more aggressive and more forthcoming. 

Sooner or later Americans will become angry as a whole. When that happens, Aruba is going to have to build some factories, because tourism will not be viable anymore. Is that arrogant? How arrogant is the Aruban government being by spurning the FBI? The "cowboy" comment by the Aruban official was not very helpful either.

Aruba, solve this crime and do it quickly. I'm not sure what the definition of quickly is in Aruba, but in the States it means NOW.

Jerome Wozniak 
Glendale, AZ

I do not know who to address this email to so I'm sending it to you. I have just changed island vacations from 15 years in St Martin to Aruba. My annual Aruba 2 week vacation cost me about 10K. Between hotel, flight, car, casino and spending. Not to forget my jewelry shopping spree to Oranjastad. Well this whole Holloway thing has got me so upset that, with the fact that they are not doing enough to solve this crime. I have decided to change my island location; I will never again spend my hard earned money in Aruba. 

I think it's disgusting how they are so lackadaisical on solving this awful crime. There are so many other beautiful Caribbean islands to visit; it's time to check them out. I usually do a Caribbean cruise yearly also to check out the different islands so I know what is out there. Adios Aruba, it's a sad thing to say goodbye, because I have made many wonderful friendships from my frequent visits. I'm just very happy I didn't buy the timeshare that I was going to purchase on next year’s visit.

Marcia J. Franzo
Tolland, CT 

This case should have been wrapped up long ago. Why does it seem certain people are being protected? Aruba should be boycotted – the very idea that the poor parents of the missing girl were able to identify the 3 boys long before the police did. 

Shame on you, Aruba. 

Mary Claire Thompson
Atlanta, GA

I plan on getting married later on this year and take our honeymoon in the Caribbean. I have never been to Aruba but my fiancée has visited your island. I have been to Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Cancun, Mexico. Aruba was my top pick for our honeymoon trip. We have decided to cancel traveling to your Island because we view it as unsafe. 

According to the national news networks there have been other disappearances that have not come to light. We would like to visit your Island in the future once law and order has been maintained. We just would not feel safe in your country knowing that a murderer or murderers are on the loose preying on women.

Macon Hardy 
Virginia Beach, Virginia

I have planed a trip to Aruba on a cruise ship that we rented for a special event and we have told them to find some where else to dock instead of Aruba. There seems to be something fishy down there and does not make sense. Better find that girl before you loose it all down there.

Eric Popovich

Aruba appears to be a beautiful island, although I have never visited and most likely, never will.

Despite all the beauty, that does not erase the fact that an American girl was evidently taken, against her will, in that country. Some may report that they think she's a runaway, but that obviously is not the case. Because scholarships are not randomly handed out, she applied for a scholarship and was awarded one from the University of Alabama. Why would she then runaway? 

She left her luggage with clothes and her passport because she was intending to come back to get them to fly back to Alabama the following day. She couldn't have gotten off that island without her passport.... so where is she?

What would concern me about going to Aruba is the fact that not just one or two people know what happened to Natalee, but it appears that MANY people know, or were involved. The police department there obviously has connections with the judge-to-be, Paulous Van Der Sloot, and if HE is being questioned in a possible connection to this apparent cover-up, what does that say for the Aruban political system or its inept police protection? 

Surely a "judge" would see that someone else's child has just as much right to freedom as his own. Natalie thought she had the freedom to vacation in Aruba and return safely home. SHE is the victim.... not Van Der Sloot or the Kalpoes... I believe they KNOW what happened to Natalee, and choose to let the poor family suffer not knowing what has become of their daughter. I can't imagine the agony of not knowing where my child is. Can you?

As an American, I would hope that no American would forget Natalee and would continue to pray that she if found safe and sound. If this were YOUR child, you would hope the same.

A. D. Holloway
Nashville, TN
(No relation to Natalee)

I live in Florida where we have significant population of Caribbean Nationals. And I've been to Aruba, Martinique, Bahamas and other Islands. I've learned they are a very close-knit group and most every one in the community knows what is going on when something happens.

So to act that no one knows what happened to that American girl sounds like a lot of garbage. The Island is too small for things like that to go un-noticed by someone… and then they talk and word spreads.

Confidentiality is important -- to a point -- in criminal investigations. But the government saying they know nothing is starting to sound like a SERIOUS cover-up to more and more people every day.

If it turns out that she is found dead, but that she was alive for a period of days after her disappearance, and could have been saved, Aruba and probably the entire Caribbean will have a public relations disaster on its hands.

There's a lot of bickering between Americans. But don’t fool yourself that we don’t have incredible solidarity in certain situations. I'm not sure that any one down there realizes how quickly, and badly, this is spiraling out of control here in the States.

Russ Kelley
St. Petersburg, Florida

I have to say that I most likely will NOT be going to Aruba this year come November! I think that the fact that the Aruban Government looks to be uncontrollably crooked in the case of Natalie Holloway... the fact that Van der Sloot is worming his way through this along with his two (equally guilty) buddies keeps me from believing I would ever get a fair shake, should something ever happen to me while there! 

No way do I want to put myself in a situation where the local government protects only its own! Between Aruba and St. Maarten, I think I'll be banning the Dutch there and anywhere else they might have power or control. I think there are two obvious scenarios here and one is the ineptness of the justice system and that is only surpassed by the crooks running the show! Bye bye and hopefully the tourism dollar will dry up both islands... they are way out of control

Lou Ann Brannan
United States

I just wanted to send an email in response to the Alabama radio station calling for a boycott of Aruba. I do not agree with the radio station asking for the boycott. I have never been to Aruba (but hope to in the next year to so). My parents have visited Aruba at least three times in the past five years and they love it! 

They have told me and all of their friends that everyone in Aruba is courteous, polite, friendly and the people working at the hotels, etc., "cannot do enough for you." I have a trip planned to visit Bermuda (for the first time) in two weeks and I feel safe visiting there and again, hope to be able to visit Aruba in the next year or so. I just wanted to send some positive thoughts your way in light of the recent events. Thanks.

Michelle Horner 
Baltimore, Maryland

I resided in Alabama for many years and have friends with a daughter in the same high school that Natalee Holloway attended. I also have granddaughters a little younger than Natalee and can only imagine what the grandparents of Natalee are experiencing. My heart goes out to any parent who has a missing child. It is a horrible tragedy and I want Natalee Holloway to be found and this matter resolved. I fear the missing girl may never be found unless the Aruba officials find out who is lying. Why aren't they using the lie detector test to find out which man is lying about her whereabouts? 

My husband and I travel frequently and we have yet to visit Aruba but would have eventually for we love the Caribbean. However, unless Natalee Holloway's disappearance is solved, we will boycott Aruba and rest assured many more Americans will do the same. To protect your citizens who may have murdered an American girl on vacation is unconscionable. 

It appears the Aruba police have botched this investigation for way too much time has lapsed without either Natalee herself surfacing or her body. Also the privileged son of an official was allowed to go free to destroy evidence as were the two brothers that also had contact with Natalee the night of her disappearance. 

I fear Natalee is in a deep ocean grave and may never be found. Get to the bottom of this and let the world know that in Aruba you can render justice to whom justice is due and find out the truth about what happened. 

The world is watching.

Marona Posey Hewitt
Rockwall, Texas

I had heard nothing but wonderful things about Aruba and had hoped to vacation there someday, now I will not! I believe some of the officials of Aruba have shown their "true colors", therefore I no longer have interest in visiting that island or anywhere in the Caribbean. I've also heard the drug pushers are a problem and that is "crime", so where they come up with "crime-free" island I will never understand that. Aruba shouldn't be mad at our media; they need to focus the blame on the Van Der Sloot family. Joran Van Der Sloot should not attempt to continue his dreams of going to school in Florida, if he manages to get out of his crime. He will not be welcome in the United States!

Amy Stanton

I visited Aruba a couple of years ago and had intentions of bringing my three daughters there. But with the disappearance of Natalie Holloway, I have changed my mind. I also thought it was an island paradise and just loved it and the people there were so nice. However, I believe that those young men know what happened to her and if their lawyers had not got to them, they probably would have told it. 

My heart breaks for her mother and family. This mother needs to know what happened to her daughter. And Aruba needs to make sure she knows. I hope it happens and justice is served. This little girl did not deserve anything bad to happen to her and Aruba does not either. I hope that I will feel comfortable in returning to Aruba and bringing my daughters someday. 

Michelle Mosley

As a parent of children approaching high school and watching the news from Aruba, I believe the people of Aruba should be very concerned about the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. They have based their economy around tourism. Their booking and hotel loading may not be affected at this time but, in the future when it comes time to book a vacation I will think long and hard before allowing any of my young adults go to Aruba. The longer this drags out the more negative publicity they will receive, and the more this “crime” will affect the tourism in the entire Caribbean area. Whatever pressure can be brought to bear on the people and politics of Aruba should be taken.

Dave Stotler 

Lorenzo Irasmus, 60, the captain of a deep-sea-fishing boat for tourists, says eventually the hoopla will die down. "We know high season, low season, and the post-Sept. 11 travel season, but no matter what, the tourists keep coming," he said.

If the Aruban government tries to protect the son of a prominent judge the American tourists will also make a judgment – there are many other sunny beaches in the neighborhood.

Keith Pulver

Please understand that not everyone in the USA feels the way the two DJ,s feel who are trying to boycott Aruba travel. I understand that these things take time and I don’t think enough attention has been paid to the so-called chaperones who were in charge of these young girls. Why were 18yr olds at a bar at that time of night anyway and drinking alcohol. 

If this was a poor African-American girl from Washington DC that was missing, do you really think all this publicity would be going on? This happens every day here and nobody cares about them, but because this is a white blue eyed blonde girl from an affluent family that is missing the media is all over the story. By the way I am a white 59yr old female. 

May Hamill 
Washington DC

I am sickened by the way the Arubans have handled or should I say, not handled the case of the missing teen from Alabama. I have never visited Aruba nor will I. I've been to most all Caribbean islands and can assure you Aruba will be one that I never visit. 

Please allow the US FBI agents to use their expertise and knowledge in missing cases to help locate Natalee. I'm appalled that the Arubans have too much pride to allow the US to help. Obviously Aruba has not had much experience in missing persons cases. They themselves say that their island is the safest in the Caribbean which means they have little or no experience in how to handle this case so please allow the US to get in there and do the job. The officials in Aruba are stalling in hopes that this case will just go away and be forgotten. Little do they know that we Americans never give up!

Come on Arubans, save your tourism and allow the US FBI to interrogate the four suspects to get answers in finding Natalee! You may not see tourism slowing down at this point, probably due to trips that have already been booked for awhile, but it will hit and when it does, it will hit hard.

For you Americans that agree with how the Arubans are handling the case, move to Aruba! You belong there!

Vanessa Nowak
Texas

My letter is to express outrage about the investigation into the missing young girl Natalee Holloway. I am a mother too, and I find her disappearance incomprehensible on a small island. People don’t just vanish into thin air. After 3 wks Aruba police are not any closer to the truth. What is being done about this missing girl? 

It is the most incompetent investigation I’ve seen so far! It has worn out our patience to the fullest, and I cannot imagine what her mother is going through. The hard work of having raised a child to graduation, the tremendous grief and anxiety of having her disappear on her vacation, and then to deal with the frustration of the police / governmental incompetence! She was a good girl too, not a troublemaker. So, her disappearance is even more poignant and unlikely to be her fault.

I believe the police are afraid of some powerful colonial whites on the island perhaps like Judge Van Der Sloot, whose son seems a very likely suspect in the case. This will affect the tourism on the island, not from fear, but revenge on this obviously biased and flawed investigation which is going nowhere. Is Judge Van Der Sloot’s influence worth more than the money tourism brings? Aruba’s pristine image will now be forever stained with the blood of this unsolved crime through sheer lack of will power.

I was planning to visit Aruba for scuba diving, but will never go there now. I am absolutely furious that a young girl was probably killed or is being held captive and no-one cares enough to get the truth out of the culprits. It’s a small island where everyone knows what is going on. You cannot hide in a small place unless you are being protected by someone powerful. 

It is so obvious to the world what is going on. Time is essential in this type of kidnapping, so why are they dragging their feet? The US has offered its FBI help, but is Aruba too proud to accept it? Is that nationalistic pride more important than saving a child’s life?

The incompetence of authorities in Aruba in a crisis has been well noted by the entire world, particularly American tourists. We will now boycott your island and you will be deprived of valuable tourist dollars. My children will never visit Aruba, and neither will anyone I come in contact with via email, or in person.

Shame on Aruba for covering up such a heinous crime! I would appreciate some contact information on Prime Minister Nelson Oduber, and Judge Van Der Sloot if you would be so kind. Please publish my letter if you see fit.

Thank you,

Martine
California 

I find it hard to believe you have not found Natalee's killers or kidnappers. I will not be vacationing in Aruba any time soon. Your Police are lame if they cannot get any answers from those 3 men they arrested. Let her parents start asking questions. I see they haven't been given much of an answer… your government should be ashamed. The world is watching on CNN everyday!

Debra Haynes

My family and I tentatively planned to visit Aruba this fall. Your island appears -- at least from everything we heard from other travelers -- to be a beautiful and safe place to take an enjoyable vacation. My opinion, unfortunately, has changed. 

My opinion didn’t change because of one solitary and horrible crime, but because we believe there is an effort underway to protect the children of affluent islanders at the expense of a visitor. Would my family be safe on Aruba? I’m not sure and until I’m confident that they will be safe and free of island politics, I’ll visit Disneyland.

Marty Flask
Macedonia, Ohio

Regarding the previous "you Americans" letter from B. Huggins of Canada, I will quote this person's last three paragraphs, as the vulgarity stands on its own:

"Perhaps if Americans valued their lives they would stop drinking themselves in to a stupor so that they are unaware of whose car they get in to. Obviously the behavior exhibited by this young lady is one that she is accustomed to. 

Getting drunk and going into a car with 4 strange men is not a reason for anyone to kill Natalie but perhaps if Natalie took better care of herself and her person she would not be missing and what of her friends? Where were they and how could they let their friend go off with strangers? 

Instead of blaming all the people of Aruba perhaps you Americans should question your behavior not only at home but abroad. This tragedy could have happened anywhere and will continue to happen anywhere when young women do not value themselves. 

B. Huggins 
Canada"

In reply: 

1) How presumptuous to accept the statements of the alleged perpetrators in order to assume she was drunk! From all I have read, only Kalpoe brothers have described her as being drunk;

2) How dare you blame the victim and state that this was her typical behavior? You know nothing about her. And how dare you imply that this young woman did not value her own life!

3) Do you always generalize and stereotype people of other countries like this, or do you reserve that sort of ignorant attitudinal deficiency for your American neighbors? Shame on you on all counts!

Jim B. 
USA

As an American mother of teenagers I am outraged that more has not been done to find Natalie Holloway. Friends and I are beginning to talk about boycotting Aruba tourism if more is not done to bring Natalie home.

Rosetta Montalbano

I am so sick of the negative comments of the American people. It is becoming more and more impossible for me to believe the American people. I am ashamed of them. They are remarkably spurious. They pretend to be appalled that a young lady who is in a drunken stupor gets in a car with (not one, not two) three men who she doesn’t know, in a country that she doesn’t know would come into harm’s way. 

I tell you what, had she pulled that stunt on the college campus that she intended to attend, the same thing could have happened. Had she pulled such an idiotic stunt in the very town she lived, the same thing could have happened. Admit it, Americans; she put herself in harm’s way. She was totally unaware of what capabilities the Aruban police department/government possessed in case something would happen to her. 

She knew nothing about the place. Therefore she should have been more careful. Her parents should feel some sort of guilt about not “training her in the way she should go” as the very Bible in which they seek refuge states. 

What “well-reared, naïve young lady” who “would not do anything rash” would first of all be in a drunken stupor in a foreign country only hours before her flight to go home? What “well-reared, naïve young lady” who “would not do anything rash” would jump in the car with 3 men she doesn’t know without telling someone of her group she is leaving? What “well-reared, naïve young lady” who “would not do anything rash” would make-out with a man with 2 other men in the car? What “well-reared, naïve young lady” who “would not do anything rash” would make out with a man she does not know in a secluded area? What “well-reared, naïve young lady” who “would not do anything rash” would leave her group in the first place? 

The answer is a “well-reared, naïve young lady” who “would not do anything rash” would not do any of the above. I would be embarrassed to have been the one to have used well-reared, “naïve young lady” who “would not do anything rash” as a description in this case. If we as Americans consider that behavior to be well-reared, naïve and not rash, I could see why our country is in its current moral predicament. 

And Americans are appalled! Are Americans appalled at the countless children who are whisked right out of the bedrooms of their suburban homes? These children did not put themselves in harm’s way. Are Americans appalled at the countless number of unsolved missing children cases we have per year? Missing children who did not put themselves in harms way? Put the blame where the blame belongs… not the Aruban government, they are doing the best they know. America is well-experienced with crimes of this nature yet thousands still go unsolved because of mistakes, oversights, etc during the course of the investigations. 

If you as an American citizen decide that you will deny yourselves the beauty of Aruba because of the idiotic choice of a “well-reared, naïve young lady” who “would not do anything rash”, good but keep it to yourself. I’m sick of hearing it. I admonish you though, to compare the crime rate/unsolved cases of the entire country of Aruba to the crime rate/unsolved cases of your neighboring largest city and tell me whether this “well-reared, naïve young lady” who “would not do anything rash” would be safer had she made the same choices in your locale. 

And ask yourself this question: Isn’t it just like an American to go to another territory and upset the tranquility of its natives? We always have a better way of doing things, don’t we? If I were the Aruban people, I would not want your kind there anyway. So if you decide to stay away, do so, but keep it to yourself and quit upsetting that beautiful, tranquil country. To Karen and her cop husband, go tour Europe… have fun. But teach your children that even there they should be careful not to jump in cars with strangers… teach them to be responsible for themselves… and since your husband solves all crimes, tell him to find Natalee. In the interim, train your children.

Catherine Berry-Brown
USA

As a visitor to Aruba many times in past years, I have decided to boycott along with my family and friends in UT, CA, OR and WA because of the obvious cover-up by local authorities in the Holloway case. The young men were never tested for drugs, were released initially in order to get help from adults to create a timely cover-up and destroy evidence, a judge who stands to lose everything professionally if his son is indicted. 

There is deliberate stalling so enough time can elapse so the body cannot ever be found and thus connected to the judge’s son. It’s absolutely despicable! And all in the name of tourism and political protection for a judge’s family. Money over life makes every citizen of Aruba look criminal as well because you have decided to look the other way!

The Aruban government and its citizens should get behind the Holloway family and demand that the judge’s son tell the truth. No more waiting, no more time!

I hope you lose millions of dollars in tourism for your choices!

J. Jacobs

I will never come to Aruba or any of the other islands again. This investigation should have been completed weeks ago. You all know what happened to Natalee Holloway. If you can’t do the job let the FBI handle the situation. Your police department has really acted poorly in handling this horrible situation. 

I have been to several of the islands but never, never again!

C. Lafferty
Harleysville, Pennsylvania

I think it is disgraceful the way the Aruban authorities are dragging their feet in the investigation of the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. Why did it take 9 days for police to question van der Sloot and the Kalpoe brothers - is that when Daddy gave them permission to question sonny - or did it take 9 days to come up with an alibi? Witnesses said that Natalee left the bar with the 3 of them. 

And it took 2 weeks before they went to the home of the Judge to search for evidence - is that how long it took the judge and his wife to clean up after their son? In 2 weeks you could paint, re-carpet, even have new furniture delivered and then sterilize the entire place. 

Shame on the Judge who thinks he and his son is above the law - and shame on the Aruban police department to allow politics and friends in high places to interfere with the investigation - and please stop telling me that you believe she is alive Mr. Chief of Police - you are investigating a murder! This is one American who will never go back to Aruba.

T. Sica
New Jersey

Missing Natalee Holloway is not a reflection on the island but on the governing body of the island. The government needs to act swiftly to close this matter and stop protecting the young men responsible. If the young man in question were not the son of a high official would the officials act differently towards the young man?

Betty A. Burris
Austin, Texas 

Please be advised that people in the US are extremely concerned for their citizens’ safety and well being.

From what I have heard on TV, there is no enforceable law in Aruba. I cannot understand why it has been so difficult to solve a case that is so clear cut. Van de Sloots apparently think they are above the law and from the actions of the government I believe they have just cause to think so. The people in the US can shut the door on Aruba’s economy and I will do everything in my power to see that this happens as long as the Natalee Holloway case is not solved and the people prosecuted properly!

I own a travel company in Alabama and I am expressing my concern to everyone that contacts me about a cruise that stops in Aruba or interested in traveling to Aruba. I will never be a part of telling one of my clients to travel to a place that has the type security for its visitors that I have seen in the last 3 weeks!

Wake up Aruba, this is a very serious problem for you to consider. Have the government, polis and anyone else that has been used to evading common sense in solving crimes come clean.

Alys Liddy

I am appalled at the lack of information coming from the Aruban police regarding Natalee Halloway. My family has been putting together a Caribbean trip for a few months now, to be taken in March of 06. Aruba was high on our list of islands but because of the way we view our countrymen are being treated, we will opt for another location. Aruba has always been known as a safe place to visit. However, this incident and the way it is being treated, shows me that that assumption is not correct.

For me and my family, a less expensive destination is in order. There is obviously no need to pay for the added security that doesn't exist.

Bobbi Morton

Something is wrong when a crime can't be solved on an island. My family won't be taking any more trips to the Caribbean.

Jimmy Shearouse

My family has been to Aruba 8 times and we feel the Island is very safe. In fact my son and I just returned from Aruba last Friday after staying 9 days and will always come back. 

I believe the Dee Fine the big mouth talk show host should talk about something else instead of boycotting the island. I wonder if she has ever been to Aruba. All she is trying to do is get press for her talk show, what a jerk.

I have a 23 year old son and when he was 18 years old we first came to the island I would never let him go to a bar without one of us. In fact I would never let my children go out of the area without one of us parents. My son traveled many time for sports and one of us always went along. 

So, the parents are just as much in fault as anyone. But all you hear is Aruba has sharks, big community for drugs. Our local high school has drugs and the city of Columbus Ohio had over 100 murders last year. We think Aruba and staying at the Marriott is safer than Columbus Ohio.

The press and some Americans need to report on other things than picking on Aruba. Focus on the Boy Scout that is lost, not some wild 18 year old blonde.

M. Barilla

While I briefly scanned other letters, I did not see any pertaining to the question I have posed: why is Aruba spurning the US offer to help search for her? 

I am a travel agent in Denver, Colorado and have been following the Natalee Holloway story. While I am not currently dissuading any clients from traveling to Aruba, I am very curious why Aruba has spurned the offer from the United States to help in her search. This fact, alone may change my current opinions. What is Aruba hiding? 

Whether or not Natalee made a wise choice in her decisions the night she disappeared is another matter but what is important now is that we have offered help in searching for her and that offer has been declined by Aruban officials. Why? Do they know something we do not? Think about it.

Karen Rodenheiser

I have been watching with great interest the tragic events that have unfolded in the little island of Aruba. I would like for you to know as well as any of your readers, that the events of the past few weeks concerning the Holloway girl are indeed sad. But, these events occur in the States each and every day. Why they are picking on the good people of Aruba is mystifying to say the least. I have, for one, never seen such wonderful people in the rest of the world as the people of Aruba.

How on earth could you not have at least some problems with 97,000 people living there? You tell your listeners that are worried about losing tourism, to get that out of their heads. That is not going to happen! People like me that have been to your Island for at least a week every year for the past 13 years, will certainly return year after year. Why? Because of your people, that’s why! They are proud of what they have, and should be. 

One incident is not going to change the souls of your people. When this is over they will be the same loving people they are. That is why I will be returning again next year and the years after that.

For the good people of Aruba, don't bow your head, hold your head up high, and be proud. You have more reason to be proud than any other country in the world and that includes the USA.

Gary Bensinger 
St Johns, Michigan 

I am from Maryland in the United States, and I went to Aruba on my honeymoon last year. In my life I have been nowhere that comes close to Aruba. The people were the best on earth. I know that one bad apple can spoil the bunch, but not on that island. Aruba is the jewel of the Caribbean, and the world for that matter. And always will be. I long for the day my budget allows me to return.

Greg Perrine

The disappearance of Natalee Holloway proves Aruba is not equipped to handle any type of crime. This may be the worse case of covering up that America has seen. Most folks come to Aruba to relax and get away from what happens quite often in the United States. 

I believe the three young men in question and their families were given more than ample time to help authorities find this young girl. Aruba will more than likely suffer the consequences on this tiny island. When tourism drops people want to feel some what safe in a strange place. I have been to Aruba numerous times and felt safe. But I am rethinking how safe things may really be. 

People will more than likely not want to take their families to a place where they cannot believe or trust authority. There should have been more time focused on this case from the beginning. Why is it taking so long to obtain information from the 3 people who saw Natalee last. This case will not go away! United States will not forget Natalee.

Dana McDonald 
United States

The following is what I have written to TV and Radio stations in Alabama that I have read are calling for a boycott of Aruba. I don’t know where or if this helps you out. But I also read that they are sending message to you as well. I think this is a ridiculous action to cover up their own mistakes and problems. So the following is not directed at you, but to the people calling for a boycott.

I have read on a national article that you are asking for a boycott of Aruba. I hate to tell you but that is completely an asinine idea. There is no rhyme or reason to take that step. Aruba is not the problem here; it is a very safe and friendly destination in the Caribbean. The problem lies with people who don’t do very smart things. No matter your age, one should never leave your group of friends to go off with a local day or night, let alone 3 members of the opposite sex during the early hours of the morning. So instead of telling people not to go to Aruba, and blaming these events on an island and ALL of its people, we need to go back to the basics and see where the problem lies. People need to actually go back to the basics and parent their children and reiterate to them “Never accept candy from strangers.” This is a terrible situation; trust me I feel for the family. But they/you are doing no good by looking past the facts and asking for a boycott of Aruba. Let me present it to you in this manner, if every time someone from another state or country was murdered in Alabama would it be right for the rest of the country or world to call on a boycott of Alabama? I think not. Don’t look past the basics.

Thank you,

Justin French
Ultimate Cruise & Vacation

Natalee Holloway disappeared and the next day her family found the names, identity, and location of the three men who were with her that last fateful night.

It took the Aruba authorities 10 days since she vanished to question and hold the three men. Ten days that allowed those three men and their lawyers: time to rehearse their stories and perhaps destroy any circumstantial evidence they had including personal clothing or incriminating evidence.

Meanwhile, they pinpointed two security guards as the last persons who saw Natalee.

The three men were caught in lies to protect themselves. They almost tried to destroy those two security guards lives and character, and financial well-being.

They assassinated Natalee's character and implying that she was a drunk and deserved what happened to her. What does that say about the character of these men? Natalee cannot speak for herself. Yet, these men speak lies. Whose is protecting them? The civil authorities? Who protected Natalee? 

What does this say about your culture that you encourage young people to drink and party and offer no public safety for these tourists or your own citizens? Aruba makes money off of these American tourists and other multi-national tourists and provides no safety or justice to an American girl and her family! You point to your crime record? Shame on Aruba authorities. Change your laws or follow up with appropriate safety measures for citizen and tourist safety. 

I have written to all American TV stations calling for a more thorough investigation. Perhaps the Aruban authorities are afraid to dig into their own dirty laundry. Perhaps the drug and prostitution trade are big business here in this general area and dirty money is laundered.

Katherine Borovic

I have seen on the news about the Alabama teen and I think it is horrible, but to boycott the country or anything like that is wrong. Crime is everywhere American people came up missing or killed in other countries as well the Americans still go there to vacation. 

The young teen left with 4 men she didn’t know and was drinking. The worse thing that can happen in Aruba is the drinking age should go up to 19 or 20 years old. America had an 18 year old drinking age too and they moved it up to 21 because the 18-20 year old couldn’t handle their drinking. 

But to make Aruba a bad country to visit is wrong. I never been to Aruba but would like to visit and some day will.

Good luck

Janine Disney
Michigan

I speak for the majority of my co-workers and friends who all agree that Aruba's great crime-rate may not be all that they make it out to be. The investigators are so inept that they cannot even crack a couple of kids. It makes one wonder how many other crimes couldn’t be solved by these so called investigators, and were just swept under the rug to make it appear as though the crime-rate was better than it actually is.

Americans are not stupid. We know what has happened here. If these boys were here in America, we would have the truth by now. Then again, maybe someone doesn’t want us to know the truth?

Count one more family than will not be visiting. Not that we are afraid, but that I couldn’t see us visiting a place without knowing there is some kind of intelligent law enforcement there. And I have more than doubt about Aruba.

Audrey Jolly
North Carolina

Aruba has no problem taking American dollars. Why don't they take help from American law enforcement officials like the FBI? This case would have been solved 4 weeks ago. It is obvious to most people following the story here in America that a cover up is going on, or at least amateurish police work. It is sickening and insulting that it would take this long to interrogate ignorant young men and 17 year old boys. It is clear that Aruba doesn't want to solve the case.

John Hubbard

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