Aruba Reinforces Its Y2K Readiness for the New Millennium!; Caribbean Island Successfully Completes 2nd Y2K Compliance Exercise.

ORANJESTAD, Aruba--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 17, 1999--

Aruba, located in the heart of the Caribbean, announced it has successfully completed its latest workshop and exercise to alleviate any last minute Y2K concerns regarding the island's new airport, and ensure a smooth transition for tourists who plan to greet the new year on the island.

Representatives from Aruba's Y2K preparedness team participated in the recent exercise, including officials from the water and energy plant (WEB), refinery (Coastal), telecommunications company (SETAR) and the following airlines; KLM, Air ALM, Air Aruba and American Airlines. There are 15 scheduled airlines that service Aruba including the addition this year of Delta Air Lines and Trans World Airlines.

"Aruba is definitely ready for the new millennium. Our Y2K preparedness team has taken the necessary precautions to ensure there are no disruptions at the airport or anywhere on the island," said Henny Eman, Prime Minister of Aruba. " This final test confirmed once again that every sector of the island is prepared to confront any issues that may surface as a direct result of the Y2K problem."

Aruba's airport, which is Y2K compliant, has taken action in establishing a contingency plan that will include a crisis team, as well as a Y2K Help Desk to answer questions and distribute information. The airport has been working in conjunction with its service suppliers to prepare for the new millennium. The Coastal operation, which is the only fueling company that services aircraft at the airport, announced it is Y2K compliant and has back-up generators in place as a contingency plan.

As for immigration at Aruba's airport, they are now operating on a new software system which has been deemed Y2K compliant. Since U.S. pre-clearance is now being offered at the new airport, Aruba customs officials and U.S. immigration officials have successfully completed the testing of their systems. There is also a contingency plan in place to implement manual operations if necessary.

Aside from the airport, the water and energy plant (WEB) has passed two audits from an international Y2K auditor. During this recent workshop, WEB also reported on its contingency plan, which includes a Y2K crisis team and a back-up team to secure uninterrupted production and distribution of water and electricity.

Aruba's telephone company, SETAR, has received a certificate of Y2K compliancy as it has upgraded, replaced and tested its equipment to guarantee tourists and residents alike receive telephone service. SETAR also has three back-up systems in place.

"We always knew it was crucial to make extensive preparations for the millennium bug and now we are seeing those plans come together to offer our visitors even greater peace of mind knowing Aruba is ready," said Dr. Lili Beke-Martinez, Minister for Economic Affairs, Tourism, Social Affairs and Culture. "At the dawn of the new millennium, Aruba will continue running smoothly so tourists can sit back and relax and enjoy their visit to our unique island," added Beke-Martinez.

Aruba is a vacationer's paradise, located in the heart of the Caribbean, only two and a half hours from Miami by air and 15 miles north of Venezuela. Aruba is outside the hurricane belt and the island boasts great weather year-round, cooling trade winds and friendly people. For more information on planning a trip to Aruba, visit the web sites at www.aruba.com.

This material is distributed by Everett Clay Associates and Shandwick International on behalf of Aruba Ministry of Economic Affairs, Tourism, Social Affairs and Culture. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.