The Dutch Marines

[erpowers]

I know that someone has posted about the teenager from Alabama who is missing in Aruba, but I happen to have a question about the case. When I first saw the story and learned that the Dutch Marines were part of the search I thought the family had money and connections. However, I think I remember hearing that the American National Guard helped in search for the Run away bride. I think the American National Guard can be used to help in searches here in America. So now I would like to know if the Dutch Marines help in the searches for most missing people in Aruba or if this is a special case?

[Lithos]

1. Aruba

Is a Dutch dependency/colony/possession. Makes perfect sense for the Dutch Marines to be involved.

L-

[elehhhhna]

2. Dutch Navy has training ops there permanently, the

Island's crawling with Dutch Navymen at all times.

[leveymg]

3. Aruba is part of the Netherland Antilles - former colonies

of the Dutch in the Caribbean. Similarly, in Commonwealth areas of the Caribbean, the Brits are sometimes called in to help out with emergencies, such as air-sea rescues, medical evacuations, and such. One of the few beneficial vestiges of colonialism.

[erpowers]

4. I Realize

I realize that Aruba is a Dutch colony. What I was wondering is if the Dutch Marines actually help in the searches of everyone or if this was a special case. I am not really surprised that the Dutch Marines are in Aruba. I am surprised that they are helping in the search for someone. Does this happen all the time?

[Atman]

5. Why is THE FBI in Aruba investigating?

WTF? Is this just a sneak, a way to justify sending special ops people 15 miles off the Venezualan coast? Why is the freakin' FBI investigating a crime in a soveriegn nation??????

Aruba: Government: part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

(From the CIA Aruba web site)

[Wiley50]

6. Just wondering if Dutch Law is honored there

Ie: Is Marijuana legal?

[Mizmoon]

7. Cannabis is illegal in the Netherlands

they tolerate it, but they could theoretically arrest Cannabis smokers at any time.