77466-1:n:07/21/2005:LCG/mfp LRS2005-3366
URGING ALABAMIANS TO BOYCOTT TRAVEL TO ARUBA.
WHEREAS, the Alabama House of Representatives, along with the citizens of this state, as well as the nation are deeply saddened over the disappearance of Birmingham resident, Natalee Holloway during her senior high school trip in Aruba; and
WHEREAS, of the seven men detained at various times during this seven-week investigation, only one remains in jail, a Dutch youth who admitted he was alone with Natalee Holloway in the early hours of the morning she vanished; and
WHEREAS, this Dutch teen currently faces no charges, and under Aruban law, authorities can hold him until September 4, 2005, at which time he must be charged or released; and
WHEREAS, tourism accounts for 70 percent of the gross domestic product of Aruba; and
WHEREAS, the Dutch island receives some 728,000 visitors each year and an additional 550,000 cruise ship passengers; and
WHEREAS, more than 70 percent of these tourists are from the United States; and
WHEREAS, currently, the Aruban officials have failed to crack down on the parties involved in this case; and
WHEREAS, we will not tolerate a lack of justice for an American citizen; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That we urge all Alabamians to boycott travel to Aruba.