The residents are opposing the plans for this location and 600 signatures prove that. The most important argument in favor of the location at Alto Vista is the wind fluctuation. This means that when the wind would die down at Vader Piet,there would still be wind enough at Alto Vista. ``Utter nonsense'', says one of the local residents. ``Report from the University of Leuven, Belgium, state that this has been examined and measured and that if the wind turbines in, for instance Oostende come to a standstill, the ones in Egmond, 200 kilometers awat, will also come to a standstill. Aruba is so small; if the wind dies down in one place,it also dies down in another one.''

Residents living in the Tierra del Sol area and Alto Vista say that it is a proven fact that the wind turbines will have not a single positive effect on their energy bills. It won't be lower; probably it will even be higher, as getting power from the turbines requires a very expensive investment. ``And what if a cheaper form of energy, for instance solar energy, becomes available; then we do not need the turbines anymore. Then we are stuck with the turbines and the most beautiful part of Aruba's nature has been destroyed in vain.'' The placement of a wind turbine is disastrous for an area: a decrease of 30 to 40 percent of property value can be expected, such as has been the case in the rest of the world. This because of visual amenity, noise interference, nightly illumination with flashing lights, a change in the fauna and flora and an increased risk of health problems.

Meanwhile the residents in question have contacted a lawyer; he will hold those responsible liable for all damages should the wind turbines be placed at Alto Vista. Alto Vista is one of the most visited and most photographed landmarks on Aruba. All the tours visit this unique spot. Tourists find it `shocking' when they hear that there is a chance that wind turbines could be placed there. They believe that wind energy is fine, but they do not wish to see the turbines. They come to see the authentic Aruban landscape, not wind turbines. ``These turbines are ugly and huge. In other countries they are hidden far away in the desert or in the ocean, but here they wish to build them on prime property,’’ explains a visitor and he adds: ``Do not forget that these turbines are small power stations. The entire area willbecome an industrial zone with infrastructure, cables and masts. The

turbines should be built elsewhere, where there are already other turbines. Rule one of environmental law is Disturb it where it is already disturbed.’’ At Vader Piet the closest home is at 3 kilometers' distance. Nature protection foundation Stima Aruba agrees with this and would like to see the new turbines at Vader Piet. Please leave Alto Vista and its surroundings as they are. It is a wonderful and holy spot. One would not wish to hear a swishing sound the entire day and see ugly poles there. There are also reports that prove that the wind behind the turbines is diminished and disturbed for at least 2 kilometers. This would be a disaster for the windsurfing  sport, already hit hard by the construction of the Ritz Carlton hotel. This Tuesday there will be a hearing in Parliament about the above and Aruba now needs to make known that the 2^nd wind turbine park is not welcome at wonderful Alto Vista. Everyone is invited for support.