Table Of Content

Saturday, January 21, 2012 Dr. Ryan Peterson brings “Confronting the Climate-Energy Challenge” home to Arubans Since Aruba’s current adminis- tration took power in 2009, a driving force of their positions and platforms has been the issue of global warming, its effects on the world and Aruba, and the financial and environ- mental advantages of realizing their goal of the island being completely fossil fuel inde- pendent. This is considered a fundamental for a system and society that has achieved “sustainability.” The Harvard-Aruba Work- shop that took place Monday and Tuesday, January 16 & 17, welcomed scientists from Har- Soulful blues 'bad girl' vard and TU Delft in many areas of expertise, but was Erosion of Aruba Beaches within 20 years Etta James dead at 73 Professor Daniel Schrag, a geologist and expert on climate change spoke of the ur- gency of action regarding this situation on Wednesday evening at the University of Aruba, presenting quite some data on its effects on a global level. His prognosis was bleak; afterwards, an audi- ence member asked, “What effect can we on Aruba-a tiny island in the Caribbean pos- sibly have to impact this global situation?” It was the follow-up com- to win six Grammys, died at a ments of Dr. Peterson that es- LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Le - hospital in Riverside, Califor- sentially correlated the data gendary US blues and soul nia. presented by Professor singer Etta James, best known “Cause of death was compli- Dr Ryan Peterson Schrag to a more personal for her 1960 hit "At Last," died cations from leukemia. Her moderated by Aruba’s own Dr. pointment, President of the level. yesterday of complications husband Artis Mills and sons Ryan Peterson, former Dean of Aruba National Council for In- from leukemia, her manager Donto James and Sametto the University of Aruba Fac- novation & Competitiveness. Continued on page 9 Lupe de Leon said. She was 73. James were by her side,” Lupe ulty of Tourism & Hospitality James, who flitted effort- De Leon said in a statement, Management and now the UN- lessly from jazz, pop and love calling the soulful singer "a true ESCO Chair of Sustainable ballads to feisty R&B and who original who could sing it all." Development in small island plunged into drug addiction states and by government ap- Continued on page 6 before resurrecting her career Check it out at: http://www.themorningnewsaruba.com/index.php/photography-contest 2 Saturday, January 21, 2012 Air Tran Airways receives Arubans Shawn Zarraga and Xander AAA’s coveted Wow 2011 Bogaerts decorated as Knights in the Award Order of Oranje-Nassau service to Aruba in December 2011 from Atlanta and twice weekly service from Balti- more on the same date. Air Tran also services Orlando. Air Tran Air- ways is a very popular carrier on Aruba and has greatly contributed towards the cater- ing of the demand from the US Mid- Xander gets his decoration Shawn is knighted west region, an important feeder market. Due to the merger with South- west in 2011, Air- Tran is uniquely positioned to serve this market. ORANJESTAD – Aruba Air- Mr. Dimitri Pavlowitch port Authority N.V (AAA) from GenAir services ground proudly awarded Air Tran handler -- proudly accepted Airways with the Wow the award on Air Tran’s be- Award 2011 during its annual half and thanked AAA N.V. Relations Party reception for the recognition and reiter- held at Suikertuin recently. ated Air Tran’s commitment Air Tran Airways was re - to the destination. With Governor Refunjol and proud family cognized for its dedication Pictures shows AAA’s and commitment towards CEO Mr. Peter Steinmetz Islanders have even more rea- the community is usually re- Team boasts quite a few excel- Aruba and its contribution handing the coveted award son to be proud of native sons served for the eve of April 30, lent players originating from with enhanced daily service over to Mr. Dimitri Pavlo - Shawn Zarraga and Xander the official celebration of Aruba and Curaçao, where from Atlanta and new service witch representing Air Tran Bogaerts, two young men who Queen’s Day. However, in spe- baseball could be considered from Baltimore. Airways. are on their way to being major cial circumstances, exceptions one of the great national sports. Air Tran launched daily league players of note; Shawn will be made. Continued on page 5 with the Milwaukee Brewers It was a particularly exhil- and Xander with the Boston arating moment for Holland Red Sox. and Aruba when the Dutch Na- They have already made tional Team made baseball his- world sports news as part of tory by winning the World the Dutch National Team that Cup; it was the first time since won the International Baseball 1938 that a European team had Federation (IBAF) Champi- taken the title, wresting it from onship title in Panama in Octo- the powerhouse Cuba, which ber of last year; yesterday had dominated the competition afternoon the Dutch Monarchy for the past 26 years. It was the recognized their achievement first win for Holland in their by awarding them decorations history. Shawn played the as Ridder (Knight) in the Order catcher’s position and Xander of Oranje-Nassau. This singu- was shortstop. lar honor of recognizing indi- Considered the top team in viduals who have dedicated Europe and sixth in the world their time and efforts to benefit by the IBAF, the Netherlands Saturday, January 21, 2012 3 Together We Can Save campaign enjoys acceptance from community cal team also inspects their use of water and how efficient this is. They inspect all water lines, faucets, toilet and other water usage equipment in and around the house. The team provides each client with advice on the spot regarding changes they should make to improve their use of energy. Many families have de- veloped certain practices and habits in their homes which do not contribute to efficiency and to saving energy of which they may not be aware. These prac- Every day the technical team a most simple manner tices may be costing them un- The home visits and audits sons who have benefitted from of WEB and ELMAR re- The technical team offers necessary high monthly utility are completey gratis! All one this program can be seen. sponds to the many calls from each client an “audit” which bills. Here is where the expert needs to do is to call the number The main objective of this citizens interested in learning includes the revision of the advice of the ELMAR and 525-4200 to make an appoint- program is to help all citizens how to reduce their consump- electrical system, the lights WEB team of the Hunto Nos ment. Every Monday and Tues- on the island to become con- tion of water and electricity. being used, the airconditioner, Ta Spaar program can benefit day evening on ATV at 8:30pm scious of how they use water The reaction of customers is refrigerator and all other appli- each client significantly in and on Channel 23 TeleAruba and electricity and to find very positive because they ances and electrical systems helping to reduce their energy on Mondays at 6:45pm and ways, practical ways, to reduce have learned exactly how they which has an influence on their consumption and consequently Wednesadays at 7:45pm infor- their consumption, hence to re- can save on their utility bills in use of electricity. The techni- reduce their energy bills. mation and testimonies of per- duce their monthly utility bills. 4 Saturday, January 21, 2012 Street Car rails to be installed by August 2012...within 30 weeks! ORANJESTAD -- According will be packed in se- to Marlon Croes of DOW, the quence for shipping. rails for the Street Car (Tram) The second phase for the city center, providing is the bid that was there are no setbacks should be won by MNO Ver- installed within 30 weeks. On vat, which is the in- Saturday the container with the stallation of the rails. rails arrived here. They will lay a The purchase and installa- cement foundation tion of the rails was done in and prepare the areas Utility company, ELMAR N.V. two phases. In the first phase where the rails will the Dutch company “Nede- be laid. They will ximpo” had the best bid for the begin with the supports “I Love My Body” purchase of the rails for Aruba. straight rails and in This Dutch company repre- the second phase, the campaign sents Thyssen Krupp of Ger- curved rails will be many, which is the makers of installed. If all pro- iron products. According to ceeds as planned, the ELMAR’s Customer Marlon Croes, the first batch work is scheduled to Relations Manager, of the straight rails have ar- be completed within Wanda Broeksema rived on Aruba last Saturday. 30 weeks. Rails will related in a recent This week the DOW (Public be installed from the encounter with Works Department) will be wharf to the main- Famia Plania that sending the street layout plans street. ELMAR always to the German company that is DOW’s Marlon closed to traffic there will be stands ready to… entrusted with building the rails Croes explained that at certain points where traffic will cross .“support initiatives to ensure that they are built ac- points the Street Car will en- over from one area to the next. of a good cause that cording to the design. This counter road traffic, and at This is purposely planned as a has an impact on the means that upon arrival here it these points they will install social control and to ensure a entire community. will simply be a matter of in- automatic traffic barriers. Al- better flow of the traffic As a national electric stalling them on location. They though the mainstreet will be throughout the city center. distribution company, we are con- German tourists know how to get around vinced that the “I Love My Body” campaign is an ex- Aruba while keeping it “green” cellent example of Having visitors daily from all such a cause.” corners of the globe helps keep Arubans in touch with the lat- Continued on page 5 est and greatest, and a viable demonstration was done by German tourists off the AIDA Luna, which was in port Janu- ary 19. Anyone who saw the original “Ironman” movie will re- member the neat-o RMP (Robotic Mobility Platform) used to traverse the huge Stark industrial complex by the vil- lain played by Jeff Bridges; they could be seen on Aruba’s sidewalks being deployed in a most pleasant manner to tour With tour guides Stefan and Radu the island while truly being in touch with the environment. Led by their tour guides and instructors from the AIDA Luna, German tourists were observed gliding along the Oranjestad boardwalk on their way to Palm Beach on these silent, electrically run devices; in the evenings the cruise ship charges them up to be used at their next call. Those signing up for the tour are first trained by their guides Stefan and Radu Cotenescu, as they ope - rate much like wearing skis, lean forward, and you advance forward, lean back to back up, Their certified RMP driver’s license lean left or right to turn. They which are capable of up to 20 made their way round the is- are even issued a special km per hour and produce no land; able to see all the sights “RMP Driver’s License” certi- emissions whatsoever. while fully enjoying Aruba’s fying them to operate these Swathed in special safety tropical breezes and keeping unique and environmentally gear, the German group cre- the environment clean. Gotta friendly personal transports, ated quite a sensation as they love modern technology! Saturday, January 21, 2012 5 ELMAR N.V. supports... Continued from page 4 Although the campaign has practically nothing to do with electricity nor with the use of energy, the ELMAR decided nonetheless to support the campaign. This is because ELMAR stands for much more than just matters related to energy. Broeksema stated that ELMAR is much more inte rested in being a good corporate citizen in Aruba. Hence, the decision was taken to rather than participate in a Carnival group, to instead make a donation to an institution that is doing an excellent job during the Carnival season this year. Famia Planea has received support from many other or- ganizations in our community that are also working on the I Love My Body campaign di- rected to young people. These groups have joined forces to ensure that the message reaches as many young people as possible. ELMAR included in their financial support to Famia Planea handbags containing flyers regarding how to save electricity. Famia Planea will also include their flyers of I Love My Body and other mes- sages into these bags. Photo shows Wanda Broek- sema of Elmar confirming her company’s commitment to sup - port the campaign, and Evelyn Yarzagaray of Famia Planea. Arubans Shawn Zarraga and Xander Bogaerts decorated . . . Continued from page 2 Aruba’s Governor Fredis Re- ister Mike Eman and Minister can be or do anything they funjol, the appointed represen- of Public Health and Sport, Dr. hope for if they persevere and tative of the monarchy on Richard Visser were also took aren’t afraid to try,” stated Aruba, is a fanatical baseball time out to attend and congrat- Shawn and Xander. “This is a fan, so he took particular ulate the two young players; great honor and wonderful for pleasure in the impromptu they have used their notoriety our families, that two young awards ceremony at Fort Zout- since their return to Aruba to men under 25 should be so man yesterday afternoon. participate in various events for honored, we never thought All the players of the victo - youth with the hope of being something like this would hap- rious Netherlands National positive role models and inspir- pen. We feel very proud to be Team have been named ing other young Arubans to as- in the company of others who Knights in the Order of Oranje- pire to notable achievements have dedicated their lives to Nassau, and the va rious deco- within their community and in- the Aruban community with- ration ceremonies were ternationally. out thought of recognition or With Prime Minister and Minister of Sport conducted in their home towns, “This means a lot to us for fame, just always worked qui- to heart and do what they can men proud.” to allow family and friends to how it can set an example for etly behind the scenes; we to make their fellow country- by Rosalie Klein be present. Aruba’s Prime Min- our countrymen in that they hope island youth will take this 6 Saturday, January 21, 2012 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Flowers at sea as Italy cruise wreck search resumes GIGLIO ISLAND (AFP) - Giglio and towns on the Italian island the ship was lying on Relatives of those still missing mainland, clinging to the hope two rocks -- one under the bow from a stricken Italian cruise that their loved ones survived. and one under the stern -- but ship laid flowers on the sea by The search was focussed on the middle part was suspended the wreck yesterday, a week the third deck of the ship underwater. after the tragedy in which up to where the doomed luxury The Italian cabinet yester- 32 people are feared dead. liner's lifeboats were. day declared a state of emer- And as more stories of Rescuers yesterday also gency for the island of Giglio. Mexico City : A lonely scavenger burdened with a large bravery emerged from the dis- sent down a small remote-con- Italian news agency ANSA sack of refuse walks across the "Bordo Poniente" aster, the ship's chaplain said trolled robot to determined reported the measure had been garbage dump in Mexico City, on January 18, 2012. captain Francesco Schettino -- whether the ship could be at- adopted, citing Parliamentary Some six thousand tons of garbage from the second since reviled as an incompetent tached to its resting place. Affairs Minister Piero Giarda world most populated city were daily deposited here for coward -- had cried in his arms Fresh amateur video as he came out of the meeting. about 25 years until it was closed by the government last once on shore. footage came to light yester- The state of emergency is a month. The dump has been considered as one of the Rescue workers meanwhile day, one showing a crew mem- formal measure aimed at help- main sources of greenhouse gases in Mexico. (AFP) resumed operations on that ber misleading dozens of ing operations in the area, part of giant 17-deck Costa frightened passengers wearing where there are fears that a po- Deadly suicide blast, other Concordia still above water. life jackets by saying there was tential spill from the ship's Operations had been sus- no alarm and they should re- tanks filled with 2,380 tons of pended earlier yesterday when turn to their cabins. explosions rock Nigeria fuel oil could cause an envi- the ship began slipping off a A second video from an in- ronmental disaster. rocky ledge into the open sea. habitant of Giglio shows the The Tuscan archipelago KANO (AFP) - Security forces jor explosions targeted them High waves in the Mediter- Costa Concordia sailing very where Giglio is located is Eu- in Nigeria's second-largest city yesterday. ranean had heightened fears close to the island on an earlier rope's biggest marine sanctu- battled gunmen after a suicide The city of Kano, the that the 114,500-ton ship, voyage. Lloyd's List in London ary and a popular holiday spot blast killed at least two police largest in Nigeria's mainly which is lying half-submerged said the ship had actually with pristine sandy beaches. officers and several other ma - Muslim north, erupted in on its side on the Tuscan island sailed nearer the island than chaos, with some 20 explo- of Giglio, could sink com- when it crashed. Etta James dead at 73. . . sions heard and at least five pletely, its tanks still full with Dutch company Smit Sal- police offices thought to have 2,380 tons of fuel. vage meanwhile said it was Contined from page 1 been targeted. Eleven people have been ready to pump out the fuel in Local television was report- confirmed dead in the tragedy what is known as a "hot-tap- In tribute to the singer flowers her affairs. ing that scores were feared so far including four French ping" operation, but officials were to be placed on her star A local judge ordered in dead in the attacks. Police nationals, one Italian and a say that would require sus- on the storied Hollywood Walk December that $350,000 be were not responding to phone Spaniard among the passen- pending the search on the ship. of Fame, the stretch of side- used exclusively for her me - calls, but the state government gers and two crew members -- Experts say the luxury ship walk in the tourist heart of dical care. announced a 24-hour curfew a Peruvian waiter and a Hun- is slipping off a rocky sea shelf Hollywood dedicated to stars Born Jamesetta Hawkins, until further notice. garian violinist.Three of the at a rate of around one cen- past and present. James has won four Grammys It was not immediately bodies reco vered have not yet timeter (0.4 inches) every hour James, who retired from and 17 Blues Music Awards. clear who was behind the vio- been identified. towards the open sea. stage appearances in 2009, has She was inducted into the Relatives of the 21 people Earth sciences professor lived in Riverside, east of Los Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in lence, though previous such at- still missing have travelled to Nicola Casagli said from the Angeles, for the last two 1993 and was awarded a Life- tacks in Nigeria's north have been blamed on Islamist group decades. She was diagnosed time Achievement Grammy in Boko Haram. with cancer two years ago. 2003. A senior police source said Her $1 million estate has She is also known for her the suicide blast occurred at a been the subject of a legal bat- soulful rendition of such songs tle between son Donto James as "I'd Rather Go Blind" and regional police headquarters. and her husband Artis Mills, "All I Could Do Was Cry." Residents reported blasts and who is not his father. "At Last" was sung by gunfire at the state police head- Mills filed a suit last year R&B diva Beyonce when she quarters and said that at least seeking to have access to his serenaded new US President two other police posts ap- wife's savings account. Donto Barack Obama and First Lady peared to have been targeted. James resisted the claim on the Michelle Obama for their first An explosion was also grounds that his mother gave dance on inauguration night in heard in the area of a secret po- him power-of-attorney over January 2009. lice office. Saturday, January 21, 2012 7 Dutch teen sailor to complete solo international news world tour today Bird flu researchers THE HAGUE (AFP) - Dutch agree to 60-day halt teen Laura Dekker, who went to court for the right to go to sea, will become the youngest WASHINGTON (AFP) - Inter- international forum in which sailor to circumnavigate the national scientists yesterday the scientific community globe alone when she reaches agreed to a temporary two- comes together to discuss and the Caribbean island of Sint month halt to controversial re- debate these issues." Maarten today. search on a bird flu virus that The US journal Science and "At 3.00 p.m. (1900 GMT) may be easily passed among the British magazine Nature tomorrow, Laura will arrive in humans, citing global health have been working with re- Sint Maarten, at the Dutch part concerns. searchers on edits to the ma - of the island, a year after her Two separate teams of re- nuscripts but have not said departure on January 20, searchers, one in the Nether- when or if they would eventu- 2011," her manager Gerard lands and the other in the ally be published. van Erp said yesterday. United States, found ways late Until now, bird flu has been The teenager, who turns 17 Dekker sailed from port-to- we don't do any personal last year to engineer the H5N1 rare in humans, but particu- virus so that it was transmitted larly fatal in those who do get on September 20, will beat the port and was never at sea for records, age doesn't matter," among mammals, something sick. H5N1 first infected hu- current record by some eight more than three weeks. John Reed, the council's secre- that has previously been rare. mans in 1997 and has killed months, as she effectively has Dekker's achievement will tary, told AFP. The breakthrough raised more than one in every two to complete her journey before not be entered in the Guinness Dekker's manager has alarm that the method could fall people that it infected, for a September 16 to beat the Book of World Records, which stressed that what matters to into the wrong hands and un- total of 350 deaths. record for the youngest sailor has refused to recognise the teenager is not the record. leash a massive flu pandemic The concern is the virus to make an unassisted world records by minors which are "What is important, is for her that could cost millions of lives, could mutate and mimic past tour. considered "unsuitable." dream to become reality," he and a US advisory panel in De- pandemic flu outbreaks such The current record holder is Neither would the World said. cember urged that key details as the "Spanish flu" of 1918- Australian Jessica Watson, who Sailing Speed Record Council A welcoming ceremony has remain unpublished. 1919 which killed 50 million achieved it in May 2010, three -- the official body that vali- been planned for Dekker's ar- "Resulting from concerns people, and outbreaks in 1957 days before she turned 17. dates such records -- acknow - rival, with her parents, island about recent research on avian and 1968 that killed three mil- But unlike Watson, who cir- ledge the feat. officials and journalists ex- influenza, scientists working lion. cumnavigated non-stop, "All that matters is speed, pected among guests. on transmission of the H5N1 Cuba dissident buried in home town The Dutch teen originally strain have agreed to halt this set off from Gibraltar on Au- area of research for 60 days to gust 21, 2010 in her yacht allow time for international HAVANA (AFP) - Cuban po- of Contramaestre, some 900 Rights and National Reconcil- Guppy after winning a 10- discussion," said the letter litical dissident Wilmar Villar, kilometers (560 miles) south- iation, told AFP that Villar had month court battle with child from the researchers, pub- who died after a 50-day prison east of Havana, and afterwards spent several days in "critical welfare authorities. lished by the journals Science hunger strike, was buried yes- he was buried in a local ceme- condition" at a hospital. But a change of her planned and Nature. terday in his home town in tery, activists said. "The Cuban government course led her to make the "We recognize that we and eastern Cuba, rights activists Jose Daniel Ferrer, an ex- bears complete moral, political starting point from her trip Sint the rest of the scientific com- told AFP. political prisoner living in the and legal responsibility for the Maarten instead. munity need to clearly explain Villar, 31, died late Thurs- nearby city of Santiago de death of Wilmar, because he A Dutch court had blocked the benefits of this important day after protesting a four-year Cuba, said he was one of se - was in the custody of the au- plans for her to cast off a year research and the measures sentence he received in No- veral activists unable to travel thorities," Sanchez said, call- earlier -- when she was just 14 taken to minimize its possible vember. to Contramaestre.More than 30 ing it an "avoidable death." -- and placed her in the care of risks," it added. A wake was held for Villar dissidents in several towns Cuban authorities have not welfare officers on the grounds "We propose to do so in an at a funeral home in his town were been arrested to prevent commented on the case, but that she was too young to guar- them from going to the fu- the official blogger Yohandry antee her safety at sea. neral," Ferrer added. wrote that Villar died of "mul- She ran away to Sint Ferrer, one of 75 dissidents tiple organ failure due to gen- Maarten, an island of the arrested in a 2003 sweep, eral sepsis," a blood disease Lesser Antilles divided be- heads the Patriotic Union of caused by a bacterial infection. tween France and the Nether- Cuba, an opposition group ac- Villar is the second Cuban lands, and police had to escort tive in eastern Cuba that the dissident to die in a hunger her back home. late Villar belonged to. Ferrer strike in recent years after Or- Born on a boat in New was released from prison in lando Zapata -- considered a Zealand of a seafaring family, 2010. "prisoner of conscience" by she also lived on a boat in the Elizardo Sanchez, who Amnesty International -- died Netherlands with her father leads the banned but tolerated after 85 days without food in Dick and dog Spot before set- Cuban Committee for Human February 2010. ting out on her voyage. 8 Saturday, January 21, 2012 Health & Living Tips for Beautiful Lips Bird flu researchers agree to Lips take a lot of abuse, but they lack the protection that the rest of our skin enjoys. They have no oil or sweat glands, and they're constantly exposed to irri- 60-day halt tants: the tip of the tongue, our food and drinks, en- vironmental pollutants, the weather -- and measures WASHINGTON (AFP) - In- the scientific community biological weapon, it would should be taken in home to help protect your lips. ternational scientists on Friday comes together to discuss and not be controllable. Whoever Hydration - First of all make agreed to a temporary two- debate these issues." used it would doubtlessly dec- sure that you drink plenty month halt to controversial re- The US journal Science and imate their own people as of water, Lip balm should search on a bird flu virus that the British magazine Nature well," said Keim. be applied on lips to keep may be easily passed among have been working with re- Soon after, National Insti- them moisturized and humans, citing global health searchers on edits to the man- tutes of Health experts began shiny. concerns. uscripts but have not said working with researchers and Moisturize and nourish - Two separate teams of re- when or if they would eventu- editors to pare back the reports You can use honey to mas- searchers, one in the Nether- ally be published. for publication, despite outcry lands and the other in the Until now, bird flu has been from some scientists who said sage your lips as you can United States, found ways late rare in humans, but particu- the work must be shared. use it combined with olive last year to engineer the H5N1 larly fatal in those who do get Among them was top Dutch oil or vitamin E oil or can virus so that it was transmitted sick. H5N1 first infected hu- scientist Ron Fouchier, who also use ghee vaseline among mammals, something mans in 1997 and has killed downplayed the threat to every night before going to that has previously been rare. more than one in every two biosecurity and told AFP in bed. The breakthrough raised people that it infected, for a December that the data "needs Exfoliation - A simple and alarm the method could fall total of 350 deaths. to be shared with countries handy tip: in the morning, gently massage your lips into the wrong hands and un- The concern is the virus where H5N1 viruses cause with a soft toothbrush. leash a massive flu pandemic could mutate and mimic past outbreaks so that the countries Avoid Bad Habits - Bitting on lips will cause tissues that could cost millions of pandemic flu outbreaks such can now be on the lookout if to swollen, torn and sore . Also avoid too much of caf- lives, and a US advisory panel as the "Spanish flu" of 1918- these mutations arise." feine and smoking, this can cause dehydration and in December urged that key 1919 which killed 50 million However, Fouchier and skin darkening. details should remain unpub- people, and outbreaks in 1957 other top researchers all Lip care is an integral part of beauty regimen. Only a lished. and 1968 that killed three mil- signed on to the latest letter "Resulting from concerns lion. agreeing to a temporary halt to few simple steps ensure that you have a beautiful and about recent research on avian Shortly after the research research. healthy looking lips. influenza, scientists working came to light, the US National on transmission of the H5N1 Science Advisory Board for strain have agreed to halt this Biosecurity, a non-govern- area of research for 60 days to mental panel of 23 experts, allow time for international urged the two leading scien- discussion," said the letter tific journals to edit out key from the researchers, pub- details. lished by the journals Science "The US government is the and Nature. one that paid for these experi- "We recognize that we and ments, so I think that it is the the rest of the scientific com- responsibility of the US gov- munity need to clearly explain ernment to step forward at this the benefits of this important time. But it needs to be a research and the measures global effort and we need a taken to minimize its possible global consensus," NSABB risks," it added. chair Paul Keim told AFP in "We propose to do so in an December. international forum in which "This is such a dangerous Saturday, January 21, 2012 9 Dr. Ryan Peterson brings “Confronting the Climate-Energy Challenge” home to Arubans Continued from page 1 effect of the reduction of oxy- me, poor me, poor me; is not gen in the seas and the loss of going to help us,” asserted Dr. their natural environment, and Peterson. “I strongly believe, eventually, those making their in the spirit of John F. lives as fisherman and a pop- Kennedy and Albert Einstein ulation whose diet is based on that our problems are man- the bounty of their surround- made and therefore can be ing waters, will be left jobless solved by man. BUT, only if, and hungry. Photos of Aruba’s by examining how we create marine environment punctu- these problems we can rise ated that “climate change is above these mechanisms, not something that is happen- whether that be through re- ing in the rest of the world; it silient technologies or public is happening here, where we diplomacy. We need to think are not looking at it. If you in terms of showing where look at the marine envriron- Aruba IS leading the way, and ment like the canary in the how Aruba, as an island, as a coal mine, you will see that community, CAN make a dif- some of our species, both in ference in that discussion and the air and under the sea, are somehow symbolically lead disappearing. Within a decade, the way by showing what can certain endemic species, such be done rather than sitting as our prikichi, will not longer back and thinking…oh well, be there. ” we can’t do anything about “What is the cost of our in- this situation.” action?” he asked. “Yes, tech- The bottom line in this dis- Economic loss from distruction to the environment nologies are expensive; action cussion and the primary goal is not cheap…we may think is sustainability, and Dr. Peter- our contribution is insignifi- son feels that how we integrate cant globally, but does that physical and social systems is mean we sit back and do noth- vital, as it is not only about the ing? Can we not take actions development and deployment locally that could have impor- of technologies, but commu- tant implications internation- nity building and support by ally? Ask yourself: where all levels of the population in would you rather swim? With their daily actions. He sug- glory on one hand or among gested there are industries, dead reefs?” such as the hotel industry, that As a nation where nearly could contribute greatly to the all our foodstuffs are im- advancement of renewable en- ported, how do we prepare for ergy sources on Aruba, and he a world where food shortages feels that incentives should be are inevitable? Not only will considered in bringing such this effect those living here industries and the general pop- who may not be able to buy ulation onboard with the pro- what they need, but how will gram. it affect a tourism industry de- Dr. Peterson pointed out in pendent on offering excellent closing, as to why he believes dining options? Aruba’s main the importance of these ac- rine life is an integral part of tions and their necessity, by Photos of flooding taking place since 2004 the island’s culture and citing the famous Native lifestyle, as well as its econ- American proverb “We do not He responded “The short an- “this is happening someplace determine. However, these omy, so one of the questions inherit the Earth from our An- swer is yes; our contribution is else.” It has been creeping up storm surges are moving well examined during the work- cestors, we borrow it from our less than 1% to global warm- on us over the past 100 to 300 way into the communities, shops was how to preserve it. Children." ing, yet, there are other av- years and will continue. It is which then requires an ele- “The attitude of we are enues we may come to reflect happening…the effects are ment of community involve- small and insignificant-poor By Rosalie Klein on as we show Aruba can play there…which begs the ques- ment, community design, a leading role in impacting the tion, what do you do regarding “urban renewal” if you like. discussion on climate the effects of climate change?” These are elements which change.” Looking at scenarios and have been integrated into the His first suggestion was we data of what climate change current discussion.” all learn to SCUBA dive, as it can mean for Aruba, he admit- Images of flooding Aruba appears with rising sea levels ted there is an “uncertainty” has experienced over the past it will become a vital skill in factor of how it will affect our 10 years, brought home the the not too distant future, as beaches, a prime attraction of point of what the island could one of the great issues, and ac- Aruba’s principal pillar of the face, as well as a dramatic cording to the data, destined to economy, tourism. Scientists graph of the permanent loss of impact us in the next 50-100 are projecting flooding, not a substantial amount of shore- years, is the dramatic rise of necessary by the 1 meter rise front. sea levels due to the steady in sea levels predicted in the Combine this with the neg- melting of ice packs in south- 50 to 100 year scenario, but by ative effects of rising sea tem- ern Greenland and other areas only a few centimeters in the peratures on bio-diversity and fringing the polar circles. next 20 to 30 years. the bleaching of the reefs, and “We are not going to duck “We see some of this hap- Aruba and surrounding islands climate change,” he contin- pening already, whether it is are looking at the loss of over ued. “We cannot just put our climate change or effect due to $400 billion in revenues from heads in the water and say storm surge, we have yet to these vital systems. Add the 10 Saturday, January 21, 2012 JAN 21 - JAN 28 O’stad :’ Botica Oduber ’ - S.N : ‘ Serv. 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