Natalee Case Discussion #747 4/11 - 4/17/08

[Pita]

Posted today on the front page of the Aruba Chamber:


Today, Thursday April 17th, at 4 pm at the Radisson Hotel, KvK, ATIA & AHATA will express our concern for the current impasse between the Government and the Unions representing the Public Sector. This situation has gone on too long! We want to demand that these parties enter an open dialogue to come to a final solution. Our economy and the continued prosperity of our Nation are at stake. We are requesting that you, as a part of our business community, to stand by us as we deliver this message. We are counting on you to be a part of the solution.

www.arubachamber.com

[LilPuma]

http://cbs4.com:80/local/Brilliance.of.the.2.700385.html

Apr 15, 2008 7:51 pm

Feds Find Kilos Of Cocaine Stashed On RCCL Cruise

MIAMI (CBS4) ― A luxury cruise ship, which docked at the Port of Miami over the weekend was carrying more than just passengers, it was carrying an illegal load of cocaine.

Agents from US Customs and Border Protection and Immigration Customs Enforcement seized 16 kilos of cocaine from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines 'Brilliance of the Seas.'
Security personnel on the ship found the drugs in a passenger cabin on April 11th. The cabin was sealed off until the vessel docked at the Port of Miami.

The drugs, 26 bricks of cocaine, was found hidden behind some ceiling panels. 16 kilos is about 35 pounds.

Officials say they think the cocaine was brought on the ship by passengers and left behind in order to be smuggled off the ship at a later date.

The ship had just returned from a voyage that included Aruba, Panama, Costa Rica and Grand Cayman.

NEW YORK August 5, 2005
Cruise Passenger Mystery Deepens
CBS) United States authorities are probing the disappearance early last month of a Connecticut man who was on a honeymoon cruise through the Mediterranean. They say it appears foul play may have been involved.

George Allen Smith IV was halfway into the cruise with his bride, Jennifer Hagel, when he vanished while the ship was off the Turkish coast, according to The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm.

"The captain came on and announced to everyone that there was a passenger missing," says Linda Bruck, who was on board the Royal Caribbean's "Brilliance of the Sea" with her husband, Larry Bruck.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/08/01/earlyshow/main712989.shtml

[Tamikosmom]

on Fok :
On Wednesday, April 16, 2008 19:10 wrote secunda the following:

Those who suggest that there is one behind Steve Cohen is Shango?
Those stories still come from somewhere.

Is Steve Cohen at AHATA someone who has worked or is that just a verzinsel?

AHATA means Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association? On Aruba?


I do not know who said that, but Steve Cohen has indeed AHATA. He was also a member of a kind of "damage control" gang that The Strategic Communications Task Force said. I do not know if they still exist, but in those club were all sorts of notables that Aruba must 'protect' against bad press releases.

I am not sure, but I think he departed in 2006/2007 to America for the principal purpose of some kind of head to a local tourist office.

Yes Steve Cohen helped the damage control a great deal when he announced in front of millions that at least 2 of the boy had sex with Natalee before she dissapeared forever. He is now working for a company in Seattle Washington..

Cohen has/had major ties to CourtTV (along with Greta, Tacopina, and even Dan Riehl who was offered a commentary gig.) I still think there is a major connection to the PR coverup.

Court TV creator becomes spokesperson for the Strategic Communications Task Force of Aruba
According to Steve Cohen, we have to straighten out Aruba’s image
DIARIO Aruba
12/03/2005

ORANJESTAD(AAN): A press conference given by the Strategic Communications Task Force (SCT) took place on Friday, where the CEO of AHATA and members of the SCT that they held a meeting and they came to the decision to name a special person to be spokesperson for SCT, for everything that has to do with the case of Natalee Holloway.

ATIA’s president, Serge Mansur, said that the decision was to name Steve Cohen for this post.

Steve Cohen has worked as a reporter and presenter in the US, where he was a ‘Senior News Executive’ in Los Angeles and New York.

According to Mr. Mansur, Cohen is one of the creators and producer of the famous Court TV in the US, where he had experience in more than 150 big cases in the courts of the US.
Steve Cohen was also vice president of CBS during 12 years.

This person was on the case from the beginning and has been coming to Aruba since 1979.

Steve Cohen took the podium, where he thanked those who gave him the position of spokesperson.

According to Cohen, 6 months ago, Aruba was a country that was considered as safe, where tourists were safe in their beloved vacations.

Now, 6 months later Aruba is still the same, but the image that the US has o Aruba has changed, because of a worried family and others who think that Aruba did not act fast enough, speak and think badly of Aruba.

The objective in the months to come is to change this back. We do not have the amount of criminality that America has and we have one of the best police corps in the area of the Caribbean.

This, according to Cohen, who said that this is the message that has to be heard for Americans, but Beth Twitty is still saying that the judicial system of Aruba is not working and that it is corrupt.

The fact that a person or family is sad, does not take away that they always have to speak the truth about what has happened. According to Cohen, his role is going to be to let the truth continue to prevail.

The press asked Cohen how he thinks he will do this. According to Cohen, he will try to go on talk shows to try to relay his message to Americans.

SCT also will work closely with the Public Ministry and the investigators of this case, where they will try to let representatives of the Public Ministry or the group of investigators go on one of these programs, after they have had good coaching.

He said that attorney Arlene Ellis Schipper has done a tremendous job, but cannot confront alone all those that they have put against her in the American programs.

Posted by Getagrip at 12/03/2005 11:39:00 PM

[Dayhiker]

Posted today on the front page of the Aruba Chamber:


Today, Thursday April 17th, at 4 pm at the Radisson Hotel, KvK, ATIA & AHATA will express our concern for the current impasse between the Government and the Unions representing the Public Sector. This situation has gone on too long! We want to demand that these parties enter an open dialogue to come to a final solution. Our economy and the continued prosperity of our Nation are at stake. We are requesting that you, as a part of our business community, to stand by us as we deliver this message. We are counting on you to be a part of the solution.

www.arubachamber.com

One minute the Aruba airport authority is exclaiming huge profits from an increase in tourism yet they have had a strike going on for well over a month now (causing extreme inconveniences to their tourists) and can't give their employees a cost of living raise. What is it, is Aruba rolling in dough or strapped for cash?

[Rob]

Posted today on the front page of the Aruba Chamber:


Today, Thursday April 17th, at 4 pm at the Radisson Hotel, KvK, ATIA & AHATA will express our concern for the current impasse between the Government and the Unions representing the Public Sector. This situation has gone on too long! We want to demand that these parties enter an open dialogue to come to a final solution. Our economy and the continued prosperity of our Nation are at stake. We are requesting that you, as a part of our business community, to stand by us as we deliver this message. We are counting on you to be a part of the solution.

www.arubachamber.com

One minute the Aruba airport authority is exclaiming huge profits from an increase in tourism yet they have had a strike going on for well over a month now (causing extreme inconveniences to their tourists) and can't give their employees a cost of living raise. What is it, is Aruba rolling in dough or strapped for cash?

Hry Bro, I say  - FLAT COLD BUSTED! No one in their right mind would hand delivery a campaign talking point like the MEP does if Aruba was not outta cash. They are hand delivering the 2009 elections right to the AVP. Brilliant!!!

you know they say the memories of the voters are not all that reliable. But this is only about 18 months away. No one should confuse the Arubans for rocket scientists, but they will remember it was the MEP that burnt the whole island to the ground.

[caesu]

Posted today on the front page of the Aruba Chamber:


Today, Thursday April 17th, at 4 pm at the Radisson Hotel, KvK, ATIA & AHATA will express our concern for the current impasse between the Government and the Unions representing the Public Sector. This situation has gone on too long! We want to demand that these parties enter an open dialogue to come to a final solution. Our economy and the continued prosperity of our Nation are at stake. We are requesting that you, as a part of our business community, to stand by us as we deliver this message. We are counting on you to be a part of the solution.

www.arubachamber.com

One minute the Aruba airport authority is exclaiming huge profits from an increase in tourism yet they have had a strike going on for well over a month now (causing extreme inconveniences to their tourists) and can't give their employees a cost of living raise. What is it, is Aruba rolling in dough or strapped for cash?

that was for the year 2007. but the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2008 is different i think.
i think the aruban government has to make some though decisions now.

1.
ask The Netherlands for loans to pay higher salaries and the interests on those loans from that.
The Netherlands won't give loans without pre-conditions like cleaning op justice department, corruption and conflicts of interests. that could open pandora's box with all the cover-ups.
earlier loans are already a tense issue. more will have stricter pre-conditions without a doubt.
but Oduber blame it on outside factors while he begs for money.

or

2.
don't give in to the strikers and risk tourism industry coming to a standstill and civil unrest if strikers presist.
as a result of that eventually they have to ask for loans anyway to sort out the budget.
those loans will still include pre-conditions: see above.

Oduber is gambling on the strikers presistence.
now he is starting a smear campaign. blaming economy failures on the strikers.
the public is sensitive to that.
that's why he brought up that e-mail from American Airlines.
if the public opinion turns more against the strikers they will lower their demands and Oduber has won for the moment.

[Ono]

Beth, Dave...everyone can say to end the boycott.  I'm not going near Aruba until I feel it's safe....and I don't care who tells me to go.  I would have boycotted the place without an announcement.  No Way would I go to a place where the Justice and Tourism Ministers actually subsidized travel for psychics to give false testimony, where the tourism employees are sent to Justice to help out, where the local editors trash an eighteen year old or where court rulings are not available with the actual ruling and names of those giving it.  I won't go some place where the FBI has offered services and been declined.  Nobody, at this point, can ask me to give it up.  Nope...now I need proof...for Natalee...and for myself.  Quit blaming Beth...and don't think she can fix this...the cat is out of the bag.

Good post.

great post, ono, i hope you don't mind me tagging along with you.
dennisintn

Am honored....

[Rob]

just thinking here
The strike kind of highlights a few areas. One would be the amount of non-essential employees the MEP has hired and very few governments the size of Aruba can sustain that employee growth for long. It eventually catches up with you. If Aruba feels it can get by with out these employees, then that proves they have way too many employees.

And the other side could be that Aruba is intentionally letting this strike go on to keep from paying out money they don't have. In a sense let the workers strike and they save money.

it's fun either way.

[klaasend]

http://www.amigoe.com/artman/publish/artikel_41544.php

RIU Hotel niet brandveilig
17 Apr, 2008, 17:58 (GMT -04:00)


ORANJESTAD — Het in juli 2007 geopende luxueuze Hotel RIU Palace Aruba op Palm Beach, blijkt niet brandveilig. Dat heeft de Amigoe vernomen uit betrouwbare bronnen. Brandweer commandant Jaime Donata bevestigt desgevraagd dat op 2 april een brief is gestuurd naar het hotelmanagement om binnen drie maanden de zaak in orde te maken.

Don ata wil niet ingaan welke veiligheidsvoorschriften door het RIU Hotel niet worden nageleefd om brand te voorkomen. Hij benadrukt dat hotelgasten en personeel op dit moment geen gevaar lopen. “Anders hadden we direct een advies naar de minister van Justitie gestuurd om het hotel te sluiten.” Als het hotel binnen drie maanden haar zaakjes niet op orde heeft, dan wordt er volgens Don ata wel risico gelopen en gaat er alsnog een advies tot sluiting naar minister Rudy Croes (MEP).

Het voormalige Aruba Grand Hotel werd voor 120 miljoen dollar omgebouwd tot een viersterren all inclusive hotel plus; dat wil zeggen met vijfsterren faciliteiten. Het complex bestaat uit drie gebouwen en bevat 450 kamers, vijf restaurants, vier bars, een casino, twee zwembaden, een spa, twee conferentiezalen en een parkeergarage.

Bij sluiten van deze krant was het hotelmanagement niet beschikbaar voor commentaar.


Through translator:

Hotel Riu not fire safe
April 17, 2008, 17:58 (GMT -04:00)

ORANJESTAD - in July 2007 opened luxurious Palace Hotel RIU Aruba on Palm Beach, has brandveilig. That Amigoe has learned from reliable sources. Fire brigade commander Jaime Donata confirms request on April 2 that a letter was sent to the hotel management for the matter within three months in order.

Thursday ata do not want to go any safety regulations by the Hotel Riu not observed to fire. He stressed that guests and staff at this time are not endangered. "Otherwise, we had a direct advice to the Minister of Justice sent to the hotel." If the hotel within three months its business not in order, then there Thursday ata have walked risk and there is still an opinion concluding to Minister Rudy Croes (MEP).

The former Aruba Grand Hotel was for 120 million dollars turned into a four-star hotel plus all inclusive, that is to say with five facilities. The complex consists of three buildings and contains 450 rooms, five restaurants, four bars, a casino, two pools, a spa, two conference rooms and a parking garage.

In conclusion of this newspaper the hotel management was not available for comment.

[ldstlou]

Posted today on the front page of the Aruba Chamber:


Today, Thursday April 17th, at 4 pm at the Radisson Hotel, KvK, ATIA & AHATA will express our concern for the current impasse between the Government and the Unions representing the Public Sector. This situation has gone on too long! We want to demand that these parties enter an open dialogue to come to a final solution. Our economy and the continued prosperity of our Nation are at stake. We are requesting that you, as a part of our business community, to stand by us as we deliver this message. We are counting on you to be a part of the solution.

www.arubachamber.com

hate to be negative..ok..I don't...but as my son would say.."What ever dude!!"
Just a little bit too little way too late!!!

[ldstlou]

http://www.amigoe.com/artman/publish/artikel_41544.php

RIU Hotel niet brandveilig
17 Apr, 2008, 17:58 (GMT -04:00)


ORANJESTAD — Het in juli 2007 geopende luxueuze Hotel RIU Palace Aruba op Palm Beach, blijkt niet brandveilig. Dat heeft de Amigoe vernomen uit betrouwbare bronnen. Brandweer commandant Jaime Donata bevestigt desgevraagd dat op 2 april een brief is gestuurd naar het hotelmanagement om binnen drie maanden de zaak in orde te maken.

Don ata wil niet ingaan welke veiligheidsvoorschriften door het RIU Hotel niet worden nageleefd om brand te voorkomen. Hij benadrukt dat hotelgasten en personeel op dit moment geen gevaar lopen. “Anders hadden we direct een advies naar de minister van Justitie gestuurd om het hotel te sluiten.” Als het hotel binnen drie maanden haar zaakjes niet op orde heeft, dan wordt er volgens Don ata wel risico gelopen en gaat er alsnog een advies tot sluiting naar minister Rudy Croes (MEP).

Het voormalige Aruba Grand Hotel werd voor 120 miljoen dollar omgebouwd tot een viersterren all inclusive hotel plus; dat wil zeggen met vijfsterren faciliteiten. Het complex bestaat uit drie gebouwen en bevat 450 kamers, vijf restaurants, vier bars, een casino, twee zwembaden, een spa, twee conferentiezalen en een parkeergarage.

Bij sluiten van deze krant was het hotelmanagement niet beschikbaar voor commentaar.


Through translator:

Hotel Riu not fire safe
April 17, 2008, 17:58 (GMT -04:00)

ORANJESTAD - in July 2007 opened luxurious Palace Hotel RIU Aruba on Palm Beach, has brandveilig. That Amigoe has learned from reliable sources. Fire brigade commander Jaime Donata confirms request on April 2 that a letter was sent to the hotel management for the matter within three months in order.

Thursday ata do not want to go any safety regulations by the Hotel Riu not observed to fire. He stressed that guests and staff at this time are not endangered. "Otherwise, we had a direct advice to the Minister of Justice sent to the hotel." If the hotel within three months its business not in order, then there Thursday ata have walked risk and there is still an opinion concluding to Minister Rudy Croes (MEP).

The former Aruba Grand Hotel was for 120 million dollars turned into a four-star hotel plus all inclusive, that is to say with five facilities. The complex consists of three buildings and contains 450 rooms, five restaurants, four bars, a casino, two pools, a spa, two conference rooms and a parking garage.

In conclusion of this newspaper the hotel management was not available for comment.

are they saying the brand new hotel is a fire hazard? Nice...can you picture all of our new marketing material at the DC protest? Could they really be making it that easy for us? Airport sucks, new hotels unsafe...police dept inept...government corrupt...come on...GIVE US A BIT OF A CHALLENGE ARUBA!!!!   

[ldstlou]

just thinking here
The strike kind of highlights a few areas. One would be the amount of non-essential employees the MEP has hired and very few governments the size of Aruba can sustain that employee growth for long. It eventually catches up with you. If Aruba feels it can get by with out these employees, then that proves they have way too many employees.

And the other side could be that Aruba is intentionally letting this strike go on to keep from paying out money they don't have. In a sense let the workers strike and they save money.

it's fun either way.

not saving money if airlines stop flying in. I think they are trying to pocket as much money as they can before they get the boot. Totally corrupt and unethical. And they claim us protestors are costing the average Joe money...HEELLLOOOOOO!!! Hell...Aruba is it's own worst enemy!!!

[ldstlou]

just thinking here
The strike kind of highlights a few areas. One would be the amount of non-essential employees the MEP has hired and very few governments the size of Aruba can sustain that employee growth for long. It eventually catches up with you. If Aruba feels it can get by with out these employees, then that proves they have way too many employees.

And the other side could be that Aruba is intentionally letting this strike go on to keep from paying out money they don't have. In a sense let the workers strike and they save money.

it's fun either way.

just thinking here
The strike kind of highlights a few areas. One would be the amount of non-essential employees the MEP has hired and very few governments the size of Aruba can sustain that employee growth for long. It eventually catches up with you. If Aruba feels it can get by with out these employees, then that proves they have way too many employees.

And the other side could be that Aruba is intentionally letting this strike go on to keep from paying out money they don't have. In a sense let the workers strike and they save money.

it's fun either way.

not saving money if airlines stop flying in. I think they are trying to pocket as much money as they can before they get the boot. Totally corrupt and unethical. And they claim us protestors are costing the average Joe money...HEELLLOOOOOO!!! Hell...Aruba is it's own worst enemy!!!

[ldstlou]

just thinking here
The strike kind of highlights a few areas. One would be the amount of non-essential employees the MEP has hired and very few governments the size of Aruba can sustain that employee growth for long. It eventually catches up with you. If Aruba feels it can get by with out these employees, then that proves they have way too many employees.

And the other side could be that Aruba is intentionally letting this strike go on to keep from paying out money they don't have. In a sense let the workers strike and they save money.

it's fun either way.

just thinking here
The strike kind of highlights a few areas. One would be the amount of non-essential employees the MEP has hired and very few governments the size of Aruba can sustain that employee growth for long. It eventually catches up with you. If Aruba feels it can get by with out these employees, then that proves they have way too many employees.

And the other side could be that Aruba is intentionally letting this strike go on to keep from paying out money they don't have. In a sense let the workers strike and they save money.

it's fun either way.

not saving money if airlines stop flying in. I think they are trying to pocket as much money as they can before they get the boot. Totally corrupt and unethical. And they claim us protestors are costing the average Joe money...HEELLLOOOOOO!!! Hell...Aruba is it's own worst enemy!!!

oops..lol...computer froze..had no idea those were coming through!!! lol

[ldstlou]

O/T

Construction update in Musings 

http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=2531.msg374678#msg374678

RU will sad...no baths for 3 days? WHATEVER will they talk about??!! lol

[Observer]

Hi Janet:

My posts were declined at Patrick's blog as well as he is picking and choosing what he wants  He can accept the facts or ignore them to fit his agenda,I don't really care....He was pretty argumentative and badly misinformed so I won't waste much time on his blog if he is ignoring me. No correspondence from my emails that I sent either, but thats OK as I was just trying to educate him from what we all know..Like transcripts and interviews of the facts.

[ldstlou]

http://www.amigoe.com/english/   04/16/208

Record year for AAA

Measured by the number of passengers, last year was a record year for Aruba Airport Authority (AAA).  The turnover was almost 15 percent higher than in 2006, and this is thanks to an increase of the number of revenue generating passengers (RGP), an increase of the number of airplanes, and the cost level that remained the same.  AAA-management is less optimistic about 2008.

With 912.218 passengers, AAA quoted a growth of 12.8 percent compared to 2006, when, in comparison with 2005, the number of passengers dropped slightly with 4 percent (1.638.126 passengers versus 1.714.523).  The remarkable increase in 2007 was realized by a growth in all regions.  The growth of passengers from European and Latin American countries, and the Neth.Antilles with each more than 25 percent, contributed the most to the increase.

The dropping tendency in the number of flight movements of the past years, was also breached.  With 35.774 aircrafts that flew to Aruba in 2007, the growth was 8.1 percent compared to 2006.  This growth is even more remarkable, because the figures for 2007 of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the Caribbean, showed a 0.9 percent drop of the number of tourists.  With an anticipated growth figure of 8.6 percent (tentative figure ATA), Aruba will score better than UNWTO.  The growth of the tourism worldwide was 6 percent in 2007.


RECORD PROFIT

The net result of AAA increased to a record amount of 11 million florins last year; 31 percent compared to 2006 (8.4 million florins).  The increase of the net result is not only the result of the growing income, but also by managing the operational and financing costs.  The managing of the operational is “one of the tangible results of the strategic cooperation with Schiphol”, said AAA-management.  Even thought the operational costs grew with 8.6 percent, it is still within the estimate.

The financing costs dropped again in 2007; this time with 17.2 percent.  AAA expected to invest 32 millions last year, but only 14.6 millions were actually invested.  Apart from investing in the infrastructure and in improving the safety, AAA started with the implementation of its commercial business plan, which implies a complete different concept for renting commercial spaces for the sale of food and beverage, perfumes, cigarettes, etc., and for car rental companies.

The gross turnover of these businesses increased with 13 percent last year.  Already in December did the official occupation of the new shopping center behind the customs in November, deliver a rental increase of a few hundred percent for AAA.   

2008

AAA anticipates big investments again this year.  The investment level will be about 33.3 million florins, including the outstanding invest of 13.5 millions in 2007.  The income from passengers and aircrafts will be a little higher this year, while the income from other commercial activities (concessions) will increase a whole lot this year. Unless the economy of the United States does not continue to drop further, management anticipates that also this year will end with profit.  That country is still the biggest ‘supplier’ of tourists for Aruba.

if the growth doesn't continue this year the government can't pay higher salaries for which the state employees (including airport) are striking right now.

I know my sarcasm is running a bit overboard tonight...so sorry...but sometimes this stuff really gets to me...ok..so who in the hey...prints a "financial report" that ends with...and I quote..."while the income from other commercial activities (concessions) will increase a whole lot this year".
HEEELLLLOOOOOO!!! Now I have to admit..econ was NOT my favorite classes in college...but I am telling you..."a whole lot" was never part of the econ classes I took. Exactly what is "a whole lot"???!!!

[ldstlou]

http://www.amigoe.com/english/   04/16/208

Record year for AAA

Measured by the number of passengers, last year was a record year for Aruba Airport Authority (AAA).  The turnover was almost 15 percent higher than in 2006, and this is thanks to an increase of the number of revenue generating passengers (RGP), an increase of the number of airplanes, and the cost level that remained the same.  AAA-management is less optimistic about 2008.

With 912.218 passengers, AAA quoted a growth of 12.8 percent compared to 2006, when, in comparison with 2005, the number of passengers dropped slightly with 4 percent (1.638.126 passengers versus 1.714.523).  The remarkable increase in 2007 was realized by a growth in all regions.  The growth of passengers from European and Latin American countries, and the Neth.Antilles with each more than 25 percent, contributed the most to the increase.

The dropping tendency in the number of flight movements of the past years, was also breached.  With 35.774 aircrafts that flew to Aruba in 2007, the growth was 8.1 percent compared to 2006.  This growth is even more remarkable, because the figures for 2007 of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the Caribbean, showed a 0.9 percent drop of the number of tourists.  With an anticipated growth figure of 8.6 percent (tentative figure ATA), Aruba will score better than UNWTO.  The growth of the tourism worldwide was 6 percent in 2007.


RECORD PROFIT

The net result of AAA increased to a record amount of 11 million florins last year; 31 percent compared to 2006 (8.4 million florins).  The increase of the net result is not only the result of the growing income, but also by managing the operational and financing costs.  The managing of the operational is “one of the tangible results of the strategic cooperation with Schiphol”, said AAA-management.  Even thought the operational costs grew with 8.6 percent, it is still within the estimate.

The financing costs dropped again in 2007; this time with 17.2 percent.  AAA expected to invest 32 millions last year, but only 14.6 millions were actually invested.  Apart from investing in the infrastructure and in improving the safety, AAA started with the implementation of its commercial business plan, which implies a complete different concept for renting commercial spaces for the sale of food and beverage, perfumes, cigarettes, etc., and for car rental companies.

The gross turnover of these businesses increased with 13 percent last year.  Already in December did the official occupation of the new shopping center behind the customs in November, deliver a rental increase of a few hundred percent for AAA.   

2008

AAA anticipates big investments again this year.  The investment level will be about 33.3 million florins, including the outstanding invest of 13.5 millions in 2007.  The income from passengers and aircrafts will be a little higher this year, while the income from other commercial activities (concessions) will increase a whole lot this year. Unless the economy of the United States does not continue to drop further, management anticipates that also this year will end with profit.  That country is still the biggest ‘supplier’ of tourists for Aruba.

if the growth doesn't continue this year the government can't pay higher salaries for which the state employees (including airport) are striking right now.

I know my sarcasm is running a bit overboard tonight...so sorry...but sometimes this stuff really gets to me...ok..so who in the hey...prints a "financial report" that ends with...and I quote..."while the income from other commercial activities (concessions) will increase a whole lot this year".
HEEELLLLOOOOOO!!! Now I have to admit..econ was NOT my favorite classes in college...but I am telling you..."a whole lot" was never part of the econ classes I took. Exactly what is "a whole lot"???!!!

ok...AAAAANNNNDDDD!!! When you end your article on finances with a prediction for 2008 as "a whole lot"...tends to make me doubt everything that came before it. And remember...I am no math genious...but DAAAAH!!!!

[Buckeye]

I do not, for one minute, believe that American Airlines would e mail anything.  They might fax a concern but I have never heard of a big company emailing any type of directive.  Fed Ex is more their style.

[Destiny]

Those who suggest that there is one behind Steve Cohen is Shango?
Those stories still come from somewhere.

Is Steve Cohen at AHATA someone who has worked or is that just a verzinsel?

AHATA means Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association? On Aruba?


I do not know who said that, but Steve Cohen has indeed AHATA. He was also a member of a kind of "damage control" gang that The Strategic Communications Task Force said. I do not know if they still exist, but in those club were all sorts of notables that Aruba must 'protect' against bad press releases.

I am not sure, but I think he departed in 2006/2007 to America for the principal purpose of some kind of head to a local tourist office.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The notables   notabelen in dutch
It must be a group that can be accessed from the beginning mislead want to expand what has actually happened. Higher Powers
It also fits that Shango with its cryptic messages in the Vodoo style.
And the group of Renee Gielen etc.
They are also continually confusion spades.
This should almost be paid by this or that.
But that is what we wil find out soon !

Give me his damn number...I call him and ask him if he is Shango....