The problem of stray dogs causing issues on Aruba’s beaches and the increasing number of homeless individuals becoming a disturbance is becoming an increasingly serious concern, especially in the Palm Beach area, which sees a large number of tourists.
Tisa LaSorte, CEO of AHATA, shared in a recent interview that she receives numerous complaints about this issue from people working in the area. According to the CEO, the situation has escalated to the point where visitor and worker safety is being compromised, with reports of stray dogs even biting people.
LaSorte emphasized that AHATA supports organizations like the Stimami Sterilisami Foundation for their efforts to reduce the stray dog population. However, she pointed out that the problem persists.
Aruba has a stray dog law, but according to LaSorte, the big question remains: who is responsible for enforcing this law and taking daily action? “The police are overwhelmed, and in the end, no one knows who is in charge of handling these issues,” LaSorte stated.
Regarding the growing issue of homeless addiction in the hotel area, LaSorte mentioned that a long-term solution has yet to be seen. AHATA is in constant dialogue with Stichting HUNTO, an organization considered an expert in strategies to address this social challenge.
However, LaSorte stressed that they are awaiting an integrated plan from the government, as the situation has reached a point where it is putting pressure on the hotel sector and could ultimately damage Aruba’s image as a tourist destination.
Concerning Aruba’s Tourism Security Patrol, LaSorte clarified that their main function is not to handle such issues. They act as ‘extra eyes,’ reporting problems to the police, but they cannot take direct action like the police can. AHATA continues to maintain dialogue with KPA (Aruba Police Corps) to find a solution for the worsening situation in the country’s tourist areas.
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