The Aruba Police Force (KPA) provided an overview of the developments during the final weekend of camping, highlighting a sharp contrast between the public’s good behavior in recreation areas and a lack of responsibility in traffic.
Police spokesperson Liliana Rasmijn informed that, in general, the atmosphere at the campsites was very positive and peaceful. From San Nicolas to the Noord area, the crowds moved in good order, especially in areas such as Linear Park and Bushiri.
“We can say that the public knew how to behave,” the spokesperson declared.
Campers were reminded that Sunday, April 12, is the last day for camping, and everyone is asked to collect their belongings and leave the site as clean as they found it upon departure.
Challenges in Traffic: Alcohol and Speed Despite the pleasant atmosphere at the campsites, the situation on the roads was “alarming.” KPA reported a high number of incidents due to:
- High Speed: Many drivers did not respect speed limits.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol use was identified as a serious problem during this weekend.
The police emphasized that they exerted maximum effort, alongside various departments, to raise community awareness via social media and news outlets. However, the message is not being properly heard by a portion of the population.
Authorities are making a strong appeal to the responsibility of every citizen who holds a driver’s license. Driving under the influence not only causes material damage but also physical harm to innocent people and can result in the loss of one’s license or prison time.
“The world doesn’t end for everyone in one weekend,” the spokesperson commented, referring to the desperation to party without limits. KPA confirmed that strict traffic controls will continue, especially near the beaches, to check documentation, speed, and alcohol levels, as unfortunately, many infractions are still found during every check—but enforcement will persist.