The Aruba Times 29 Jan 2010

FRIDAY, 29 JANUARY,2010

| Margrietstraat #3,Oranjestad, Aruba | Tel: (297) 583-1400 | email: info@thearubatimes.com

Many Haitians visited the Ministry Discussion taking place of Justice for family visas

for a national airline

ORANJESTAD-This past Wednesday a large quantity of Haitians living on the island approached the Ministry of Justice in Macuarima, Santa Cruz with the intention to autencify their signature in order to be able to petition to DIMAS (immigration department handling permits) a visa to bring in family members from Haiti.

There was a very long line of people indicating a huge interest by Haitians to have their family members come to Aruba. The autencity of their signature is very important to process the required visa, because through their signature they will be held responsible for the visitors from Haiti. Apparently, the Dutch Kingdom Ambassador based in Santo Domingo has decided to give Haitians a preferential treatment in issuing visas. The moment

In campaign time, now Minister Otmar Oduber for the AVP Party, has had on his program a national airline. He expressed his wishes for a carrier that will bear the Aruban flag alongside Tiara Air, which has been doing a great job. Following up on this point, the question was raised and Minister Oduber that at one side he has ongoing conversations with Tiara Air to look into the possibilities to increase their float on the routes that they are flying right now.

that this decision was made public, yesterday those residing in Aruba

could have contacted personally the Ministry of Justice in Santa Cruz.

On the other side, serious conversations are taking place to also consider having alongside Tiara Air an airline that will help on the various busy routes between Aruba and other destinations. Carriers from those destinations could be interested in flying into Aruba.

Dismantled and captured gang of organized crime An intensive and rapid investigation conducted by Special Agents (Recherche), ended in the dismantling of a group that dedicated themselves at skimming. These people were using stolen credit card numbers from their owners. They were using a scanner to scan the numbers of credit cards when these were used by the cardholder.. By obtaining the scanned numbers they were able to make identical cards but with new names. This past Wednesday in the early morning, a team of special agents, made an official entry at a house in Pindastraat. The criminals were staying at this house.

At place they detained three suspects and they confiscat-

ed various merchandise purchased with the false credit cards. At the same time they confiscated a sophisticated computer equipment which was used to make the cards. At the time of detention, one of the suspects tried to run by sliding his slippers off his feet and with his hands chained behind his back he took a run.

Two agents rushed behind him, and while he entered another house’s yard, he got stuck and but still managed to throw a plywood shield down and continued his escape. After that he stumbled, got up, but his run ended with his capture by special agents. The agents were planning their tactics since early that day, because

they were aware that some of these bad individuals will try to escape.

The Immigration Department at terminals was put on alert.

Two of the suspects were captured at the point trying to leave from the cargo terminal in Barcadera by boat. The captain and another sailor were hold as well by the special agents.

The Police Department has in custody seven people. The investigation continues. Officials are already concluding from the investigation that quite some merchandise has been stolen by using false cards produced this way and the crime committed could be in thousands and thousands of Aruban florins.

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The Aruba Times

Friday, 29 Januray, 2010

Ex Mininter Swaen is disappointed with agreement concerning Valero Ex Minister of Finance, Nilo Swaen, is disappointed with the tentative agreement the Government of Aruba reached with Valero. It not what concerns the refinery, because it is important for Aruba. His disappointment is the fact that Aruba has lost such a big chance to make a large company as Valero, contribute in a more of a justified manner. It is known that the refinery gains a lot of money at times and not so much at other, indicating that when their margins of winning money is low, they close down their production.

Mr. Nilo Swaen, serving now a Parliament Member of Aruba’s new Government, has not been consulted in such an important matter for our country.

From the news in the media he got

the big lines of the agreement that entails that Valero will pay 10 million dollars per year as tax money and if the refinery is sold, the Government will receive 10 million dollars as a gift from Valero. In the event that Valero reaches a sale agreement for the plant, the buyer has to pay as per agreement 15 million dollars tax per year.

As an exchange for this super deal, the Government receives Valero’s money that is tied up at the Banks. The money is tied due to the dispute about the 1% BBO (tax on turnover), introduced by Cabinet Oduber in 2007 on export.

The result is that Valero will walk away from this dispute and Cabinet Mike Eman will eliminate the 1% BBO charge on export for future exports.

Nilo Swaen feels that Cabinet Mike

Prime Minister Mike Eman visits Archeological Museum on a surprise visit

In his open speech everybody present could notice Prime Minister Mike Eman’s admiration and respect for our late fighter Mr. Betico Croes. Not only was he a leader with a big vision, but he was a man who sacrificed himself It and his family for his country he loved so much. It is with this in mind, that P.M. Eman accompanied by his wife Doina, and some members of his Cabinet and his green party Parliament Members paid a surprise visit to the Archeological Museum located in Schelpstraat.He was welcomed here by the museum director, Mrs. Arminda “Fifi” Ruiz.

In the museum one can admire Aruba’s oldest cultural heritage. The permanent exposition of ornaments includes ceramic pieces, shells and stone tools which gives the visitor an idea of the historic and pre-historic period of the island. After an extensive and impressive explanation done by Mrs. Ruiz herself on the special exposition with the theme “Rancho”, the Prime Minister took off again to visit the various cultural activities on the island of Aruba.

Eman is once more lying to the community, because there is no guarantee that the refinery will open and as such there is no guarantee that Valero will make the necessary investments to have an operational refinery on a long term for Aruba.

He also stressed on the fact that the investments to be made does not guarantee either the international demands for the environment. It is well-known that the refinery is closed because of the margins of profit are negative and there is pressure on the international markets. Consequently it is not profitable business wise to produce, because you can’t profit. The ex-Minister believes that the Government could

have reached another type of arrangement in order for Aruba to come out more beneficial from any agreement.

With the agreement reached so far, the actual operator and or future ones, can or will not produce a fair income for the country Aruba.

District Attorney’s Office strict management of cases involving drivers continues On February 4, 2010 the Court will be handling all cases where drivers violated the speed limits. The District Attorney’s Office and the Aruban Police Corps continue to very fiercely prosecute drivers exceeding the speed limits in a short time. Hard driving and the combination with excessive use of alcohol caused many traffic accidents recently, where the outcome was fatal and regretful. The District Attorney’s Office and the Aruban Police Corps is very worried and concerned with the hard driving on the roads in Aruba.

It has been decided that violations in excess of 30 kilometers or more are being subjected to the so-called “snelrecht”(Dutch term). “Snelrecht” means that the DA’s office takes the accused as soon as possible to court after committing violation so he or she gets what he or she deserves as punishment. The District Attorney’s Office discussed separately with the Court in First Instance about the application of this “snelrecht” procedure and the Court decides to put an agenda especially for these cases coming February 4th. During the sitting, the presiding Judge will treat

10 and more cases.

All drivers that were hold during traffic controls by the police for violation of traffic laws on the weekend of January 16 and 18 will come forward to account for the violation of exceeding the speed limit with 30, 40 and even 50 kilometers.

The group that will appear before the Aruba Court of Justice on February 4, risks to lose their drivers license. The judge can, in cases of serious violations of speed limits, unconditionally cancel permission to drive a car. This is for sure if the case concerns an individual that already had been punished for driving hard.

The DA’ office has increased since July 2009 all the penalties and the demands for punishment for traffic speed violation. Maximum speed in developed areas (bebouwde kom) remains 50 kilometers per hour and outside developed areas, its is 80 kilometers per hour. The 80 kilometers maximum speed is also valid for Sasakiweg.

Friday, 29 Januray, 2010

The Aruba Times

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Parliament member Mrs. Dr. Lainda Only a few arms Kemp Westerhof points out to a non- were delivered in an acceptable situation action by the District Attorney’s Office

On Friday morning, a few hours before the start of a long weekend, various officials of Government entities, Aruba’s Parliament members and government ministers were invited by the board and teachers of Maria College to personally witness the situation that teachers and students alike are living by every day. The invited guests were welcomed by various teachers and the Maria College school board and after listening to the reason that they were invited to the school, they go the opportunity to walk around the whole complex and see with their own eyes the circumstances in which classes are taught daily.Mrs. Dr.Kemp-Westerhof as a Parliament holds as well the chairwomanship of the Education Committee composed by Parliament Members.

In her press release she is expressing that she is totally disgusted and sad for what she saw.

As per her statement, it is very sad situation and to see how these youngsters are being taught in trailers that are extremely hot. The school has 500 students. For such quantity of student, they have to survive with only water coolers of the three available. The other two are broken. Besides that, there are only two toilets available for use of 500 students. Because of the small spaces in these trailers, some of the important subjects are not being taught.

For instance, for music, there is no adequate space available. There is no adequate space either for teachers to meet or to sit and revise the students’ work. Not to mention is the big molest with dust.

Dust is disturbing the teachers and the students of the school. Dust can affect and in fact has affected especially those students suffering from asthma. Mrs. Dr. Lainda KempWesterhof listed to some students and they affirmed that dust and the heat is a big issue at the school. Furthermore, the hygiene situation is far than normal. The situation got out of hand so far, that is affect the students and teachers. There is also a molest of skin fungus.

The overall opinion from teachers and students are that at the moment of taking the positive decision of finally renewing the building of Maria College, a good decision could have been to take into account where to locate the school. At that time, the school was relocated at a place not adequate enough and besides that, a lot of money is paid monthly on rent, while there is no positive outcome from this action.

Aruba’s District Attorney’s Office seemed to be satisfied with the results of an action that took place between September and December of 2009. This action concerned the turning in of illegal ownership of ammunition and fire weapons.

The Weapons Department of the Aruba Police Corps and the office of the Minister of General Affairs received a total of 18 fire-arms and substantial amount of ammunition.

The opinion is that the children should not have been placed just like that, without evaluating the consequences first. It is a pity that by relocating the school in its present place, those decision makers did not know better. Mistakes happen and it time to deal with the problem.

The concerned Parliament Member met with Minister Zievinger, who also attended to the invitation by the school officials and the meeting was good and positive. Minister Zievinger represented his colleague Minister Dowers.

His presence was motivated by the fact to take speedy action and to form a commission with the various concerned entities including the coordinator of the Education Ministry to tackle this problem. In the coming days, there should be a solution to the problem.

The next day as per the press release, there should be a layer of crushed gray granite spread out over the entire area to alleviate the dust problem. Minister Dowers, under which the Education Affairs lays, is doing his best to have the necessary air-conditioning installed in the classrooms. He has set a maximum of one month to have these air-conditioners installed. They state in which the students are attending classes are not fair for their production and not to mention their wellbeing. For their health, the department concerned will come up solutions and also for those affected thereby.

Mrs. Dr. Kemp-Westerhof during the meeting encouraged those present to speak up and to do not be afraid of doing so. Such occurrences cannot remain hidden, and solutions are to be worked on immediately. We are a modern island and in every child has the rights to education in a healthy and appropriate environment. She also apologized to the students, parents and teachers for the non-human way in which they encounter themselves at present.

The turned items included five long size fire-arms, seven pistols and six revolvers. The Public Ministry started this action in September 2009 to extend the opportunity of to individuals that were in the possession of fire-arms with permission or valid authorization to turn these in voluntarily at the Oranjestad Police Office Branch. This period was originally intended to end on November 20th , however the District Attorney’s Office decided to extend this period until December 4, 2009. The Ministry has repeatedly announced that those persons that make use of the opportunity of turning in the required items that they possess illegally will not be persecuted for having illegal weapons in their belongings. At the other hand however, the DA continues with its strict procedure against those individuals that still possess illegally fire-arms and ammunition. When detained, these persons can be sure that will remain in custody until they appear in court. The punishment for owning illegal arms without questions can be an unconditionally one year in prison.

Action with Auction for Haiti Socio Cultural Network (SAN), founded by Haitians youth living on Aruba is in action with an auction. The network was founded to help other youngsters in the cultural field. SAN together with another foundation to help Haiti (Stichting Yuda Haiti) organizes a very interesting auction coming Tuesday evening, February 9th. The auction takes place at the Westin Resort and Casino in the Aruba Gallery of the resort. Starting time is set at 7 p.m. This action is in connection with the recent disaster caused by a devastating earthquake in Haiti. The organizations will have on auction paintings and prints of various known international and local artists. Funds raised through this auction will be used to help the survivors in Haiti. Organizers value your presence and appreciate very much your help to help others in need, and this time it is for Haiti.

For more information, please contact: Lionel Vilsaint by mobile phone 560-6211, Maisa Faro by mobile phone 733-5803, Mondy Merveille – mobile phone 592 4910 and Mrs. Marie Therese Croes at phone 582-1187.

The Aruba Times

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Friday, 29 Januray, 2010

Representatives of the MEP Party in Parliament delivered report with changes in the Dutch Constitution Ex-Minister Candelario “Booshi” Wever, who is the leader of the fraction MEP Party in the Aruban Parliament, expressed his concerns to the community in a press conference held by MEP. He expressed that the community and party took the decision of wanting to stay in the Kingdom and that everything possible has to be done to reach a better possible cooperation. He says that this does not mean that we have to give in. He says this, because he took notice that Prime Minister Mike Eman has to travel again to Holland. In his opinion the trip has to with instructions that the Dutch Government is giving to P.M. Eman to give in certain parts of Aruba’s autonomy.

Mr. Wever says that the community has already chosen to stay within the Dutch

Kingdom, and that there is the possibility to make changes in the Dutch Constitution with the other partners in the Dutch Kingdom, but that we cannot touch with Aruba’s autonomy in doing this.

In the spirit of this, he is of the opinion, that is has to occur voluntarily, and when Aruba wishes, Aruba can abstain.

Very soon, the Aruban Parliament has to submit a report. It is with this in mind, that the fraction of MEP in the Parliament, is delivering a document with their documented thoughts on how they see the changes and how to attend to the changes in the Constitution. They do not want a party that is labeled as “surrenderer” to make deals with Holland, by which these deals could affect Aruba’s

autonomy.

In one of the articles, MEP Party’s representatives are aiming at introducing an official entity that should attend to the differences of opinion that will arise in the Dutch Kingdom about the interpretations of the Constitution. The High Council of the Kingdom should take out certain discussions out of the political atmosphere when these are of jurisdictional concerns.

For what concerns the cooperation between Parliament Members, this should be on respect, equality and voluntary. It should bear one third party’s agreement in the Aruba Parliament. MEP wants to convince AVP and PDR on article 27. This part deals with the event of not complying with the treaty by Kingdom Partners.

Holland is able to take action for us in this

case. As per MEP party’s representatives in the Parliament, this is not possible, because in doing so, Holland touches with Aruba’s autonomy.

Mr. Booshi Wever admits that there are various laws that need to be changed in order to comply with the treaties that have not yet been agreed upon. He informed that in time, they requested help from Holland, but that Holland does not have available enough jurisdictional officials that deal with laws. He appeals on AVP and PDR for not permitting Holland to touch Aruba’s autonomy. He also stressed that article 57A has to be deleted from the Constitution. All these notations and many others are included in the report that will strengthen Aruba’s position within the Dutch Kingdom.

Single Mothers visit the Prime Minister and the Minister of Social Affairs Aruba’s Prime Minister, Dr. Mike Eman, met at the Governments offices with a group of single mother. The meeting was a good one and Mrs. Michelle Winklaar, Minister of Social Affairs was in attendance as well. The goal of this meeting was for the aforementioned Ministers hear from the group as such, if the necessary help and changes that the Government is extending in its program of government is reaching to those that are in more need than others.

One topic that for sure got the need attention was the introduction of a subsidy for schoolchildren. This was recently put in place by the Cabinet of Mike Eman. The initiative is to offer a subsidy to the poor families facing economic challenges in our community. The families that are already economic aide by the government and that have children in the “School Age” range. The increase was very necessary according to the group of single mothers.

In the last years, the economic pressure was extensive on each one of their families. The further informed the Prime Minister, that this initiative was well received and they expressed their happiness that Cabinet Mike Eman is the one that understood the pain and necessity that the mothers were enduring.

Another initiative that the mothers applauded was the arrangement with ELMAR, the local electricity company. The possibility exists to come to an agreement for payment of bills in arrears. The report by the group gave an indication that the arrangement is not working so well. The Minister immediately made contact with ELMAR’s director for an explanation on this case and asked the Director to take care of this particular case as soon as possible. The ladies present explained to Minister Eman and Winklaar the relationship they have with the Social Affairs’ Department and how they are being treated. The treatment varies from person to person and it something that has

to be dealt with as individual cases. The positivism and interest showed during the meeting is an indication that such meetings are means to solve problems among the citizens. The Prime Minister said that he is happy to be able to sit and listen to the problems of the group and thereby understanding their needs, their difficult economic situation of being a single parent.