MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Carmichael

Senate Concurrent Resolution 507

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING MISSISSIPPI RESIDENTS TO BOYCOTT TRAVEL TO ARUBA.

     WHEREAS, the citizens of this state, as well as the nation, are deeply saddened over the disappearance of Birmingham resident and former Mississippi resident Natalee Holloway during her senior high school trip to Aruba; and

     WHEREAS, tourism accounts for 70% of the gross domestic product of Aruba.  The Dutch island receives some 728,000 visitors each year and an additional 550,000 cruise ship passengers.  More than 70% 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 SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby urge all Mississippians to boycott travel to Aruba.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded by the Secretary of State to the President of the United States and members of the Mississippi congressional delegation and be made available to members of the Capitol Press Corps.