11.05.2005

Opportunity for Government to show a new face!
Natalee’s family asks a new investigative team
Request for Commissioner Dompig and Prosecutor Janssen to be removed!
DIARIO Aruba
11/04/2005

ORANJESTAD (AAN): Beth Twitty made her lightning visit to Aruba with only one goal. To hand over a letter signed by all 4 members of the direct family of Natalee Holloway, to the Attorney General Croes Fernandez-Pedra.

Today DIARIO published this letter in its totality and in its original language so that the people can see how certain steps were not right, from the first days of the search, as well as the strange attitude of the functionary Dennis Jacobs, as well as certain statements of Commissioner Dompig and also prosecutor Karen Janssen.

The six page letter clearly shows how difficult it is for the family to remain quiet, related to all that they have encountered, which they have written in the letter.

They believe that it would be best to have a ‘fresh start’ in the case. One can look at this step for Aruba face this with a new face and form a new investigative team.

The letter was written by Arthur E. Wood and at the end it is also signed by the 4 family members.

[translated by Getagrip]
Beth Twitty leaves Aruba
DIARIO Aruba
11/04/2005

ORANJESTAD(AAN): After Beth Twitty’s arrival a few days back, where she expressed that she wants to speak with prosecutor Janssen and Gerold Dompig, she left Aruba Thursday afternoon.

Mrs. Twitty came to Aruba with people of NBC, as well as people from Paramount Television, who put many people in Aruba to started asking them what their intention was.

Mrs. Twitty granted a few interviews, while she was able of meeting with the police corps, as well as prosecutor Karen Janssen.

Natalee Holloway’s mother also met with the Strategic Communications Task Force, where they were able to exchange thoughts about this case.

A DIARIO photographer was able to capture moments when Mrs. Twitty was at the airport where Mrs. Twitty was preparing for her flight back to America.

[translated by Getagrip]
Jossy Mansur defends Aruba again
Against Dr. Phil’s comments
DIARIO Aruba
11/04/2005

ORANJESTAD(AAN)—Last night, in an interview with MSNBC Mr. Jossy Mansur tore apart Dr. Phil’s comments related to the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, and strongly defended Aruba.

Despite that he is in Miami for health reasons, every night various TV channels look to interview him, and last night he also showed that the probability that the young woman is alive is very small, and also that Aruba doesn’t have anything to do with the sex slave trade, nor cases or issues related to ‘sex slaves’.

[translated by Getagrip]
Dr. Phil believes that Natalee is alive
DIARIO Aruba
11/04/2005

ORANJESTAD (AAN): Last Wednesday night, Dr. Phil was a guest of the Tonight Show on NBC, and revealed that he is convinced that Natalee Holloway is alive and kept captive as a sex slave.

Dr. Phil didn’t what to say why he believes that with “too much information”. The conversation with Jay Leno was serious, when he discussed the issue of the teenager from Alabama who went missing in Aruba. “Without giving up too much information…we believe Natalee Holloway is still alive”. Dr. Phil showed as the principal focus of their investigation what he calls the “sex slave market”.

Some observers commented that it was very interesting that just that night Dr. Phil appeared on one of the most influential tv programs in American, on the same night that the family was in Aruba to hand over a letter to the Attorney General to request that a new investigative team be put in place. Was it a nice concerted effort between Dr. Phil and the Twitty family, or was it pure coincidence?

[translated by Getagrip]
Twitty is gone
Amigoe
11/04/2005

ARUBA – After having stayed in Aruba for a few days, Beth Twitty left again. It’s not clear what she came to Aruba for. During her visit she met with representatives of the Strategic Communications Task Force. In the presence of her lawyer Helen Lejeuz, she also had a conversation with chief of police Gerold Dompig and prosecutor Karin Jansen. Dompig indicated later that Twitty made a statement and answered a few questions. He didn’t want to go into details regarding the contents. Same as a day earlier, Twitty didn’t want to talk to the media.

[English language original text]
Cabinet-Oduber IV
Amigoe
11/04/2005

ARUBA – Cabinet-Oduber IV was presented this morning at 10:30. Nelson Oduber (MEP) is making the history books by being the first Prime Minister of Aruba with four terms of office. Marisol Tromp will be his assistant as vice-prime minister.

Surprisingly, at the time of presenting the new ministers team, instead of seven ministers and one minister plenipotentiary, only three showed up. No ‘landing picture’ could be made at that time. This has probably to do with the problematic way the new cabinet was formed with Rudy Croes and Ramon Lee that walked out during the negotiations and threatened to continue independently. If that had happened, MEP would have lost the extremely tight majority of 11 of the 21 Parliament seats they got in the elections of September 23rd.

The new team of ministers consists of 7 ministers that have also been in the cabinet-Oduber III. Education-minister Frido Croes goes to The Hague and Marisol Tromp gets the education portfolio and keeps Social Affairs and Infrastructure. Rudy Croes keeps Justice but without the responsibility for the Coastguard, which goes to the Prime Minister, same as the visa policy. The permit policy and Administrative Affairs go to Booshi Wever and he keeps Public Health. Lee keeps Labour, Culture, and Sport. Nilo Swaen keeps Economic Affairs and Finance. Eddie Briesem keeps Tourism and transportation.

[English language original text]
Re-grouping meeting of Strategic Committee about Natalee Holloway was good
Advice to the commission is to not fall in the ‘fuel the fire to the media’ trap
According to Myrna Jansen to Bon Dia Aruba
Bon Dia Aruba
11/04/2005

ORANJESTAD – The regrouping meeting of the Strategic Committee about Beth Twitty was short due to other engagements. They discussed different options to proceed forward, according to Myrna Jansen.

However, she took out a public declaration to better show what was discussed during the meeting about Beth Twitty.

SHORT MEETING

There was a short meeting with minister Rudy Croes to see what type of statement will be given and where it would take place. “The process that we have found must take place” said Myrna Jansen.

ADVICE

According to Jansen there was some advice from experts who are also in Aruba, among others Peter Greenberg who was one of the speakers at an ATCA event, who said that something must be done. Official statements have to be given and move on. “Do not fall in the 'fuel the fire to the media' tramp” Jansen said. This is what the American press is doing.

CONFLICT

It was shown what someone wants to say and then they want to create a conflict with the other. There is some plan that has to be concretized. There should be a type of encounter where a strong decision to move forward will be taken. There have been some things done, but none was strong. “You have to decide to either remain silent or speak openly”, Jansen said, something that the Task Force has to decide.

[translated by Getagrip]
Police interrogated Beth Twitty a couple of hours despite that
Natalee Holloway’s mother recorded her declaration on tape to hand over to police
Bon Dia Aruba
11/04/2005

ORANJESTAD— After much anticipation, Natalee Holloway’s mother arrived at the police station in Shaba to give answers to various questions to police in charge of the investigation had.

Mrs. Twitty came with a group of American journalists who were at all times walking with her. And although she told the Strategic Commission that she did not know that some media would follow her to Aruba, it was obvious that they had a very close relationship. Her friend was in the car with an MSNBC producer, for example.

The police station was awaiting the arrival of Mrs. Twitty and would not let the press stop their cars too close. They also didn’t let the cameramen arrive first.

Mrs. Twitty entered accompanied by her friend Carol followed by her attorney Helen Lejuez who also came in. But her brother Paul Reynolds, who arrived in a taxi, could not enter. Police did not permit this.

The conversation, which was more like an interrogation, lasted a few hours, contrary to what Mrs. Twitty thought, given that she brought two recorded tapes with her declaration and what from what can be deduced from the time that she remained inside, police decided to make some touchy questions.

At a certain point, the friend left in Helen Lejuez’s car to go check out of the hotel, given that the group had to be at the airport for 12 noon.

The presence of lead prosecutor Karin Jansen was also noted, but she did not remain long at the Shaba police station.

Finally, Mrs. Twitty was able to leave the police station, but as was the case from the first day, she did not give any comments.

Despite that at the moment she also did not speak to the American press, it won’t be strange for them to get a declaration, seeing that they’re traveling with her.

What’s more, after the meeting with the Strategic Commission, when Mrs. Twitty was asked for a comment, she said she didn’t want to say anything. She was also asked if she was going to speak with the American channels that night, and Twitty said she had no plans to do so. But as is usual with Mrs. Twitty, this did not turn out to be the truth, since that same night she was on Greta van Susteren on FOX News saying that the Strategic Commission is in agreement with her about changing those who are working on the case.

This was completely denied by the Strategic Commission.

[translated by Getagrip]












Although not wanting to divulge much

Commissioner Gerold Dompig considers meeting with Beth Twitty as good
“We took a statement and there were a few questions” – Gerold Dompig
Bon Dia Aruba
11/04/2005

[front page blurb] – Bon Dia publishes that yesterday Beth Twitty presented herself at the police station to be interrogated. In the interrogation were present prosecutor Jansen, attorney Helen Lejuez and Beth Twitty. In today’s edition, one can read a few articles about this interrogation

ORANJESTAD – The meeting between investigators and the mother of Natalee Holloway, Beth Twitty went well, according to Gerold Dompig. “It went well. That is the only thing I wanted to say”. Dompig said that there were two types of statements. A witness statement and suspect statement. “We took a statement, a declaration and we had a few questions” Dompig said.

DECLARATION ON PAPER

The fact that Twitty came with a written declaration on paper, Dompig did not want to confirm. “Normally, the group of investigators handle the verhoor[?] and in this case, they also handled it”, said Dompig.

[translated by Getagrip]














Hundreds of Arubans protest at plaza Betico last night

Last night’s message was to request Holland’s help on the Natalee Holloway case
Today a letter was handed over at VNO destined for the Dutch Government
Bon Dia Aruba
11/04/2005

ORANJESTAD – During a meeting yesterday at Plaza Betico Croes, a group of about a hundred people got together to express their concern about the effect of the Natalee Holloway case on our island, in particular its tourism.


With the songs of Jossy Brokke, the prayers of father Eusebio Petronia and speeches from John Merryweather and Julie Renfro, last night tried to reflect the worry felt here.

MESSAGE

The goal was not to protest against Beth Twitty or the American media who has put Aruba in a negative light as of late. Despite the frustration about the latter, the main goal was to create a unanimity among those present and to empower the commission who organized the event to send a letter to the Dutch government today. This will be done in the course of the day, in so doing to explain the Dutch governors what the people of Aruba feel about this topic.

CONCERN

According to Merryweather, as much as they are concerned about the mother’s situation which they feel sad, it is not fair that she continues with her plan to discredit the whole island for something that is not the island’s fault.
And given was have happened lately, it’s time to get Holland involved to see if the US can understand that Aruba is doing everything possible and that they don’t deserve the treatment they are getting.

[translated by Getagrip]

11.04.2005





Beth Twitty: ‘No film crew; that’s a fabrication’
Amigoe
11/03/2005

ARUBA – “Absolutely nonsense”, is Beth Twitty’s reaction on the news reports about her being accompanied by a film crew of Paramount Pictures or other media during her stay in Aruba. She arrived in Aruba earlier this week accompanied by her girlfriend Carol.

“I haven’t been on the island for some time now and I came to acquaint myself with the course of the investigation in the case of my daughter and not for other reasons. My brother, Paul Reynnold arrived earlier”, said Twitty. She denies the plans about coming with a film crew to make film recordings of Aruba and said that she regrets the fact that her arrival in Aruba went with a flux of unfounded rumours. The rumours about the arrival of a film crew caused big consternation. Yesterday, chief of police, Gerold Dompig, who is in charge of the investigation, said that he made an appointment to speak with Twitty via her lawyer, Helen Lejeuz. “It is not allowed to make film recordings without a permit and this is different than the recordings that were made for the newscast. The Justice-minister told the corps leaders that no permit will be granted for filming”, said Dompig. Lejeuz [sic] confirmed the appointment. There was a meeting with the Strategic Communications Task Force in the Radisson Hotel yesterday afternoon. This committee was established with the task to correct erroneous news reports and to provide the media with correct background and information.

[English language original text]
Aruba asks the Netherlands for help
Amigoe
11/03/2005

ARUBA – Prime Minister Nelson Oduber (MEP) has asked Minister Ben Bot (CDA) of Foreign Affairs to please exert his influence to restructure the downward publicity spiral, in which Aruba has landed due to the Natalee Holloway matter.

“The American media-campaigns have discredited the Aruban judicial system and its integrity”, said Oduber. He hinted that the Netherlands also gets drawn in this. “The call for a boycott is not exclusively for Aruba, but also for the Netherlands.” Oduber indicates in his letter that the call for a boycott mainly rests on an incorrect interpretation of the judicial system of Aruba and the Netherlands. They insinuate that the judicial system of Aruba is not integer, but corrupt. Oduber requests Bot to do what needs to be done to restore the bad image of Aruba, like involving experts in the field of media and communication. The American Justice Department and/or the FBI can be asked to issue an explication [explanation] that would inspire confidence regarding the functioning of our judicial system. Also the American media can be asked for equal broadcasting time for the Aruban/Dutch case. Oduber indicated that the Aruban government appreciates the assistance of the Netherlands in the form of F-16 fighter jets and a declaration of the Dutch ambassador in Washington. The absolute figures do not show a negative influence on the image of Aruba as a safe tourist destination. But professional market research shows a less bright image for the future. 51 Percent, of the interviewed persons, of which 33 percent are directly involved with the Holloway case, said that they are not interested in going to Aruba. 21 Percent of the travel agents are less inclined to recommend Aruba as vacation destination. The biggest concern is the fact that 27 percent consider Aruba to be an unsafe place to go to. Aruba has dropped from the second to the seventh place on the list of safe vacation destinations and is now almost at the same level as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. In his letter to Bot, Oduber points out the disastrous consequences that the continued negative reports can have on the tourist industry as well as on the investment climate of Aruba.

[English language original text]
AVP and MPA request meeting with CCCA
A.M. Digital
11/04/2005

AVP fraction leader Mike Eman and MPA fraction leader Monica Arends signed a petition that was sent to the President of Parliament Rudy Croes in connection with the Natalee Holloway case.

The petition is a request to the Parliament President to request representatives of the Concerned Citizens Committee of Aruba (CCCA) to meet with Parliament.

The reason for the request is because the Parliament Members find that the Natalee Holloway case is causing a lot of negative publicity for Aruba. They think that it is important for Aruba to have a national effort to protect our country from this development. In connection herewith they wish to listen to CCCA. They also think that the information that they receive from CCCA can be the base for a Parliament meeting with other organizations of Aruba. The have requested for their petition to be handled with urgency.

The Parliament members said to have been approached by a CCCA representative who indicated that the Committee wished to voice their concern in Parliament.

Both MPA’s Arends and AVP’S Lee think that this matter is taking too long and has to be dealt with seriously.

[English language original text]
ATCA starts off with positive first day and a half
A.M. Digital
11/04/2005

Annual Tourism Conference Aruba (ATCA) started off very positively with presentations of the various tour operators that sell Aruba in the North American market. Each top tour operator presented its figures, plans, strategies and requests for 2006.

In general the figures are positive and any negative effect is because of the reduced number of rooms available during 2005. The temporary closing of Allegro Resort and the remodeling of the Holiday Inn Sun Spree Resort caused a reduction of 600 rooms for an extended period of time.

The tour operators are very pleased with the professional and efficient manner in which Team Aruba (ATA and AHATA) represents Aruba in that market, and for the support that the provide to the tour operators. They are also very happy with the excellent relationship that exists between Aruba and its partners: the tour operators and airlines.

Positive news is that the affect of the Natalee Holloway disappearance case is marginal and, according to the tour operators, the economy in the US and the high cost of fuel are the biggest causes for concern because that will affect the travel pattern of the American consumer and potential visitor of Aruba.

According to Myrna Janssen, ATA Managing Director, “ATCA has always been a tremendous opportunity for us to exchange ideas with ur partners in the US and to tighten the already excellent relations. Our partners shared their strategies for 2006 and jointly we will work on the plan to promote Aruba optimally”.
Some 14 tour operators from the North American market made a presentation, as well as US Airways that here to introduce some new players after their merger with America West. The presentations took place at the Aruba Marriott Resort and at the Renaissance Convention Center on Wednesday.

ATCA 2005 continues until Saturday November 5 with its 125 participants.

[English language original text]
Beth Twitty left Aruba yesterday
A.M. Digital
11/04/2005

Yesterday afternoon Beth Twitty left Aruba on an American Airlines flight to Miami. During her short stay in Aruba we have experienced that Beth Twitty bluntly refused to give any declaration to the Aruba press, but on her arrival she did speak to some American media that are in Aruba. We do not know what she declared to “her” media.

We do know that Beth Twitty spent about three hours at the police precinct in Noord, after which she proceeded directly to the airport to board her flight. Some passengers standing in line at the airline counter were curious as to the identity of “that lady” as they had no clue that it was Beth Twitty.

In the meantime we have received copy of a 6-page letter addressed to Public Prosecutor Mrs. Theresa Croes-Fernandes Perda and signed by Dave Holloway, Robin Holloway, Beth Twitty and Jug Twitty, with the request to remove Police Detective Dennis Jacobs; District Attorney Karen Jansen; and Police Commissioner Gerold Dompig from the team that is investigating the case of the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. The letter is dated November 1, 2005 and copies were sent to the Aruba Prime Minister Nelson Oduber; Aruba Justice Minister Rudy Croes; Attorney for Beth Twitty Helen Lejuez; Attorney for Dave Holloway Vinda de Souza; Governor of Alabama Bob Riley; and US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice.

[English language original text]

11.03.2005

According to High Commissioner Bernadina
The fact that the suspects are free, is not necessarily negative for the case
This related to the case of Natalee Holloway
DIARIO Aruba
11/03/2005

ORANJESTAD (AAN): DIARIO conversed with High Commissioner Ronny Bernadina on Wednesday about the fact that Beth Twitty arrived in Aruba and what has been planned for the manifestation [planned for today at 6 pm]. According to Bernadina, it is not necessary to obtain a permit for a manifestation.

Police will control matters if something happens during and after the manifestation, where they will also survey the text on possible signs that could have text which contains insults on them.

Bernadina also said that if a sign contains insults, it will be taken away. If the group has a parade then yes, they must get a permit from police.

According to Bernadina he met with Beth Twitty some time back, when the lady went to his home and he asked Twitty to come in, but she didn’t want to. However she gave the Commissioner a letter, where she wrote that if for some reason Natalee’s body is found, for the police o do an autopsy within 6 hours and send the body to America within 8 hours.

Bernadina also said that American police sad that Twitty has good cooperation on the part of police and other agencies in Aruba, compared with how it is in America under the same circumstances. So Bernadina says that this shows that it is not the case that Aruba is not cooperating with Mrs. Twitty.

The Commissioner continues to say that the prosecution’s office is in charge of the whole investigation of the case and that the High Commissioner assigned all available experts, while there is a certain protocol communication with the prosecution’s office, in regards to information that is given to the press or others.

Bernadina explains also that the law prescribes that when you have suspects detained, you must have a case against them within 116 days.

In this case, this wasn’t achieved and the youngsters were let go. However Bernadina sees this as something positive for the investigation, given that there is no longer the pressure of the 116 days and the prosecution’s office and the police corps can take their time to work on the case against the suspects or find others who may be guilty.

Bernadina also says that in this case, the FBI was present in Aruba early on, where they were here within 24 hours after Natalee’s disappearance.

Aruba has now asked for legal advice, to be able to conduct certain investigations about this case, focusing also in America, where the intention is, among other things, to collect more detailed declarations on the part of Natalee Holloway’s classmates.

[translated by Getagrip]
Strategic Communications Task Force preparing for possible meeting with Beth Twitty
DIARIO Aruba
11/03/2005

ORANJESTAD(AAN): Given that Natalee Holloway’s mother, Beth Twitty, is in Aruba and given that on different American TV programs she has asked people who have the intention of coming to Aruba, to not do so for the moment, the Strategic Communications Task Force and some tourism agencies are preparing to meet with Mrs. Twitty, in order for Aruba to avoid coming off in a negative light internationally. Given this, the Task Force prepared, among other things, a list of questions they want to ask Mrs. Twitty.

Some of the questions on the list are: “where do you feel your case is?”, “How is your contact with police and the prosecution’s office?”, “What is the purpose of your visit?” and “What do we have to do for you to stop asking for a boycott against Aruba?” The Task Force and other agencies are deliberating also what they can do, in case that Mrs. Twitty decides to attend the ATCA conference, which is the most important international conference for our tourism industry.

[translated by Getagrip]
While politicians are fighting for positions
Beth Twitty is active in Aruba, without any respect for local authorities
A.M. Digital
11/03/2005

Beth Twitty is back in Aruba and this time she brought a battalion of people of Paramount Pictures armed with video and audio equipment. Beth Twitty is back to continue with her negative campaign against Aruba. We understand that she is here to try to be present at the annual meeting of the Aruba Tourism Authority and the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association with the North American Tour Operators. In that meeting Twitty has the intention to address the North American Tour Operators and tell them why she thinks that they should not continue to sell Aruba as a tourist destination. AHATA and ATA executives do not think that she can be present at this meeting just like that. Fact is that Beth Twitty is here to try to cause more damage to the image of Aruba and its authorities.

Does Beth Twitty think that she can come here whenever she feels like, harass us on our own territory, and expect that nobody does anything?

Our phones have been red hot since her arrival in Aruba. We have information that there is a group of people that will not hesitate to go into a direct confrontation with Beth Twitty of she tries anything of that sort again.

On the other hand the general question is why the Government is not doing anything about this person. The police already stated that they will watch Twitty very closely and the slightest violation of our laws will land her in jail if necessary.

[English language original text]
Nel Oduber announces resignation from politics
A.M. Digital
11/03/2005

After being sworn in as Parliament Member, Prime Minister Oduber said that this is the last time. In the same breath the MEP leader said that he will make no more political candidates’ lists, and will no longer form a Government after today.

MEP will have to prepare its people to continue with the party. According to Nelson Oduber this is the 7th time that he is elected in the Aruba Parliament with preferential votes although not always he remained in Parliament. Counting the years that Aruba formed part of the Netherlands Antilles this is the 13th time that he is elected into Parliament with preferential votes, but this is definitely the last time. Therefore his only interest is to serve the general interest because he does not have to campaign for votes; he is not looking for fame; and is not seeking personal enrichment.

In our opinion, this was a Nelson Oduber speaking who is very disappointed in his people. He said that he was willing to resign as party leader in February/March but nobody wanted to assume that responsibility.

On request of the party he agreed to lead the party for the last time at the recent election. Now he will assume the responsibility as Prime Minister once more, but after this Government’s tenure he will do what he always wanted to do.

He wishes to create an Aruba where young adults are given the opportunity to enter Parliament, as well as Government. That is a goal that he has not yet fulfilled, according to Oduber.

[English language original text]
At the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino
AHATA’S Strategic Task Force meets Beth Twitty and entourage
A.M. Digital
11/03/2005

Jeff Lesker Carlson Hospitality VP and General Manager Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino hosted a special meeting Wednesday afternoon between representatives of the government, the Aruba Tourism Authority, the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association and the Aruba Trade and Industry Association, and Beth Twitty, the mother of disappearing teen Natalee Holloway. The meeting took place at the resort’s lower lobby conference room and lasted for over one hour and a half.

Also present at the meeting Aruba’s Minister of Tourism, Edison Briesen, Aruba’s Minister of Justice Rudy Croes, the Director of the Aruba Tourism Authority Myrna Janssen, AHATA’s CEO Jorge Pesquera and Twitty’s attorney Heleen Lejuez.

In a short statement give to the press after the closed-door meeting Myrna Jansen reported the encounter was candid and open and both sides pledged support of each other with the common goal of finding a fast resolution for the sad case.

Beth Twitty was accompanied by friend Carol and brother Paul Reynolds. According to Lesker the meeting covered a variety of topics. While the parties agreed on many points and found common grounds often, on some points they agreed to disagree.

Lesker also reported that there will be no call for economic sanctions, and that calm and cooperation will continue to be the right approach. The Strategic Task Force did however ask Beth Twitty to empathize with Aruba and the Aruban people who are being victimized, and in this context to discontinue the broadcast of untrue and unfounded allegations, along with any call for boycott. The Strategic Task Force found Beth Twitty and her entourage, eager for resolution and receptive, he added.

[English language original text]
Nel Oduber admits he’s under pressure
If MEP cannot make sacrifices, don’t ask the people to do so
A.M. Digital
11/03/2005

Over the week-end the talk of the town was the Government formation. Many are aware that Nel Oduber has 11 keys to the formation in his own party, and that he has to take into account each one of the 11 Parliament members who are exercising a lot of pressure on his Government formation.
Although it was the very party that gave Nelson Oduber the “carte blanche” to form the Government, that same party is now presenting him with a “red card” to abandon the playing field.

Oduber admitted last Friday that he intended to form a Government with 7 Ministers, and now it’s 8 anyway. Why the change? Oduber said that there are 11 Parliament Members and if they cannot approve the change”: 11-1=0.

Oduber does not feel that this is pressure. He says that each member is defending its own interests, they have a pool of voters backing them up and now they feel that they have the right to continue with the job that they started being a Minister.

After the elections Oduber declared that the Minister’s positions do not belong to a person but to the party. Today the 11 elected MEP members prove that the contrary is true. The MEP party leader’s defense is saying that MEP is democratic party where everybody has voice. He is not an “I’m the boss here” leader but respects everybody’s opinion.

According to Oduber maybe his proposition was too revolutionary and there are people in Aruba that are not sufficiently mature to accept far reaching changes. With this the very Prime Minister is admitting that those that are fighting for a position are giving their own benefit priority over the benefit of the people. Oduber expressed that he is there to serve the interests of the people, and that this is the last time.

The general opinion in the community is that if MEP and its leaders are not prepared to make sacrifices to solve the financial situation of the country, they should not ask the people to do so. If this Government comes with financial measures then the community does not have any reason to accept that. Some labor unions already called the Government formation a circus.

[English language original text]
“Never did I use the word ‘boycott’”, says Beth Twitty
DIARIO Aruba
11/03/2005

ORANJESTAD(AAN): After DIARIO conversing with Beth Twitty’s lawyer, Mrs. Helen Lejuez, DIARIO also conversed with Mrs. Twitty and asked her about the objective of her visit to Aruba.

She said that her visit is nothing strange, given that she was 4 months in Aruba and wants to maintain communication ties with Commissioner Dompig and lead prosecutor Karen Janssen and the best way to do this is face to face.

Twitty also said that this is why she flew to Aruba. According to Twitty she found that Dompig started out strong saying that he is focused on the suspects, indicating that they are the ones involved in the disappearance of Natalee.

He said about the confession recorded on tape, where according to him, Deepak said that they raped Natalee also is big proof in this case. Now, two weeks later, she feels that things are falling off course.

Beth Twitty tells DIARIO that it is very regrettable that he has said that the family has collected millions of dollars from people who sympathize with them.
She said that this is not true and that that false information was given to Commissioner Dompig and she regrets this, because she doesn’t want to put a negative light on the people of Aruba.

Beth Twitty said that the family collected $110,000 at the end of August, in a ‘silent auction’ and another sum of money collected by students and people from the community who sold lemonade and ice cream.

She says that if people were to account for the sums, they would realize that Dompig is absolutely wrong to make any accusation against them. There were also some other donations, but in no moment did the total arrive anywhere near a million dollars.

DIARIO told Twitty that the intention on the part of Aruba is to break the silence from Natalee’s classmates, as well as getting more information from the chaperones.

Beth explained that she also wants them to converse with these people, but this has to happen through the proper channels, so Dompig has to go through the FBI and not do this any other way.

Twitty said that she wants for this to be done correctly, where they have to speak with the indicated students.

She says that she understands if Dompig says that there are more questions about the student declarations, but on the other side the FBI has to interrogate Joran van der Sloot, because there are big holes in his declarations, where for example, after Joran declared that he thinks Deepak killed and buried Natalee Holloway, there were no follow-up questions.

DIARIO asked Mrs. Twitty also about the fact that Dompig said that the father of Natalee, Dave Holloway, and for example Equusearch who is helping to look for their daughter, do not have access to the collected monies.

Once more, Beth explains that this is not true, where she says that they just paid more than $20,000 so the group could come to Aruba.

She also said that she was hoping for the police corps or Karen Janssen to call the FBI, to get access to additional sophisticated equipment to help with the search.

Mrs. Twitty said that she came with a written declaration with the intention to give Mr. Dompig, so that they don’t have any erroneous declarations from her.

DIARIO asked Mrs. Twitty about the fact she said certain things against our island on American TV programs. According to Mrs. Twitty, at no time did she use the word ‘boycott’ and she doesn’t have the power to do this.

According to Twitty this is something that only a government can do. DIARIO asked Beth about the fact that she said not to come to Aruba. Beth Twitty explains that she only asked of those who support her, to not travel to Aruba, but only for the period until Natalee is found.

She said that what she said was not against the citizens of Aruba, because they always helped and supported her. Accoriding to Twitty what is disappointing is what now Commissioner Dompig’s manner in which he says negative things about her, which are not consistent with the truth.

Twitty said that she realizes that perhaps Natalee’s body will never be found, because she doesn’t know what the youngsters did with her body after they were finished with her.

She said that she doesn’t believe that they will stop trying to find what happened and she is sure that in the same token, Dompig also knows that Deepak, Satish and Joran are the only ones responsible of causing harm to the country of Aruba and not Natalee Holloway nor the people of Aruba.

[translated by Getagrip]
Beth Twitty meets with Strategic Task Force
DIARIO Aruba
11/03/2005

Yesterday Mrs. Beth Twitty had a meeting with the Strategic Task Force at the Radisson Hotel.

She presented herself with her lawyer and companions and according to Mrs. Myrna Jansen of ATA, the meeting was sincere and open, while Mr. Jeff Lesker let it be known that a variety of topics were covered, also with the parties agreeing to disagree on certain points. Read more about this meeting in this edition.

http://www.diarioaruba.com/diahuebs/noticia/news3.html

[translated by Getagrip]
At the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino
AHATA’S Strategic Task Force meets Beth Twitty and entourage
Solo di Pueblo
11/03/2005

Palm Beach. – Jeff Lesker Carlson Hospitality VP and General Manager Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino hosted a special meeting Wednesday afternoon between representatives of the government, the Aruba Tourism Authority, the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association and the Aruba Trade and Industry Association, and Beth Twitty, the mother of disappearing teen Natalee Holloway.

The meeting took place at the resort’s lower lobby conference room and lasted for over one hour and a half. Also present at the meeting Aruba’s Minister of Tourism, Edison Briesen, Aruba’s Minister of Justice Rudy Croes, the Director of the Aruba Tourism Authority Myrna Janssen, AHATA’s CEO Jorge Pesquera and Twitty’s attorney Heleen Lejuez.

In a short statement give to the press after the closed door meeting Myrna Jansen reported the encounter was candid and open and both sides pledged support of each other with the common goal of finding a fast resolution for the sad case.

Beth Twitty was accompanied by friend Carol and brother Paul Reynolds. According to Lesker the meeting covered a variety of topics. While the parties agreed on many points and found common grounds often, on some points they agreed to disagree. Lesker also reported that there will be no call for economic sanctions, and that calm and cooperation will continue to be the right approach.

The Strategic Task Force did however ask Beth Twitty to empathize with Aruba and the Aruban people who are being victimized, and in this context to discontinue the broadcast of untrue and unfounded allegations, along with any call for boycott. The Strategic Task Force found Beth Twitty and her entourage, eager for resolution and receptive, he added.

[English language original text]
Annual tourism conference
Amigoe
11/02/2005

ARUBA – The annual tourism conference (ATCA) is this week. Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) and Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (Ahata) have organized this together. The most valuable partners in the travel world come together to work on keeping the product Aruba on the highest level.

This week, representatives of hotels, airline companies, and tour operators from especially the United States will get information on the latest news in the field of tourism. They will discuss statistics, new initiatives, products, and projects and they will assess the contributions of several partners. Myrna Jansen, manager of ATA considers the conference as a chance to thank the partners for their efforts and to continue build on continuity. Highlight of the conference will be the lecture of Peter Greenberg during the lunch of tomorrow. Greenberg is the travel editor of NBC’s Today Show. Even though the subject Natalee Holloway is not on the agenda, it can still be discussed upon request of the participants. Beth Twitty is back in Aruba accompanied by representatives of Paramount Pictures and NBC. Only invitees are admitted to the conference and Twitty is not one of them.

The tour operation will experience Aruba via a marketplace and a road rally. The conference will be concluded with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Ahata.

[English language original text]

11.02.2005


Beth Twitty regrets that authorities did not make appointment to speak with her
People preparing for a demonstration!
DIARIO Aruba
11/2/2005


ORANJESTAD(AAN): Monday afternoon, mother of the disappeared American Natalee Holloway arrived in Aruba.

After her arrival she went at once to office of her lawyer Helen Lejuez to speak to each other.

DIARIO got in contact with Ms. Lejuez, to see if it would be possible to obtain an interview with Mrs. Twitty, however, the lawyer explained that now that Mrs. Twitty is here, she will speak to the press and perhaps today or tomorrow this will happen.

DIARIO went to the office, to get a photo of the American lady’s visit, which arose after she expressed on American television that she all those who have the intention of coming to Aruba, to reconsider, as long as the disappearance of her daughter is not solved.

After Mrs. Twitty finished at her lawyer’s office, DIARIO was able to briefly converse with Beth Twitty, and she said that now that she’s arrived in Aruba, she is very disappointed because she had the hope to converse with Commissioner Dompig and prosecutor Karen Janssen.

She explains that prosecutor Janssen apparently doesn’t have time today or Thursday.

She expressed that this is very frustrating and regrettable, given that she lived on the island for almost 4 months and it was very difficult to achieving communication with authorities regarding this case.

According to Twitty, now that it’s been about 5 weeks that she hasn’t been on the island she has heard all sorts of things that are worrisome, and she doesn’t understand that it is being said that she is not cooperating with authorities in Aruba.

She said that this is far from the truth and that now that she is here, her wish is to meet with then and they don’t have the decency to arrange something to meet with her.

[translated by Getagrip]
Beth Twitty arrives in Aruba today
On the same day of the start of ATCA
Bon Dia Aruba
11/1/2005

ORANJESTAD— According to all indications and her own admissions on a few programs in the US, Beth Twitty, mother of the disappeared youngster Natalee Holloway, arrived in Aruba today.

The Holloway mother, who sustains boycott calls against Aruba’s tourism industry, arrived on the same day as the annual tourism conference, ATCA, begins.

Members of the Strategic Commission do not have the key information, but believes that Aruba will give the mother of Natalee Holloway the necessary courtesy.

This is a difficult request, given the amount of negative publicity that this lady has and is giving to Aruba constantly. The Commission is aware of this also, but looks at the importance of showing the same American media that Arubans are courteous and decent people. “We will stay in contact with the police corps regarding this matter, since it is important for them to know her itinerary while in Aruba. We will extend all cooperation to arrive at a solution to the case” said Jorge Pesquera.

But the Commission is also aware that every trip Beth Twitty makes, she speaks on American television and creates a bad impression of Aruba, and because of this he will try to contact Twitty to speak about this matter.

About the question if Beth Twitty planned her trip to coincide with ATCA, where there will be a large quantity of American tour operators, neither Mr. Pesquera nor Ms. Myrna Jansen would comment. However, in any case, ATCA is reserve for official participants who are registered, therefore it would not be permitted that the lady enters into the conference room.

Members of the Strategic Commission also ensure that Beth Twitty is in Aruba at her expense, and that they have no intention of covering any of her expenses.

[translated by Getagrip]

10.31.2005

It is suspected that it could be a human bone
Bone previously found by a tourist has now gone to Holland
DIARIO Aruba
10/29/2005

ORANJESTAD (AAN): There has been a lot of cristicism about the fact that a tourist found something resembling a human bone on the beach a little to the North of the Fisherman’s Huts and that after handing it over to police...he heard nothing more of it. A few American TV channels questioned this day and night and no one in Aruba wanted to give a response.

There are now details relating to this issue. It is now known that the bone was found around the boat Baboo II in Malmok. Apparently a person discovered the bone and had indications that it could be human.

The discovered bone was handed over to High Commissioner Ronnie Bernadina in connection to the disappearance of the American student, Natalee Holloway.
It is known that for some months there has been an investigation about the location of the American girl. Related to this, there have been a few detention while all of these suspects have now been set free.

Searches on our island have been organized by foreigners and also locals. They have presented themselves with sophisticated machines to look in certain areas of the sea for any trace. However, so far no trace has been found.
Nevertheless, Natalee’s family continues to search because they want to find where their daughter is located.

The bone that was previously found, according to reports, was examined by local experts to verify if it could be part of a human being. According to reports, the bone could be a few months or years old, but experts will be able to determine this based on their investigation which is taking place in the institute located in Rijks Laboratorium in Holland.

[translated by Getagrip]

10.30.2005






Five Months: Natalee, we will never forget