The situation facing the local tour operator sector has reached a critical point. Recently, the MEP Faction met with representatives of this sector. Following this important meeting, the government’s lack of dialogue and the impact of its unilateral decision were clearly demonstrated. This situation is causing around 1,000 Arubian fathers and mothers to face the real risk of losing their jobs and daily livelihood. Additionally, the MEP Faction was informed that this unilaterally adopted decision seriously threatens local companies that have invested and operated legally for years with having to close their doors.
Pro-regulation, but through dialogue Legal tour operators clearly stated they are not against regulation. On the contrary, they are fully in favor of creating a fair balance between protecting our environment and ensuring the continuity of the tourism sector. They are willing to follow fixed rules, use GPS-structured routes, and make necessary adjustments to protect our nature. However, achieving this requires genuine dialogue rather than overnight decisions that paralyze the sector.
Unfortunately, Prime Minister Mike Eman is ignoring their request for a meeting, even though, according to sector information, this decision was made by him. Furthermore, tour operators are still waiting for the meeting that Minister Cicilia promised to call with all relevant ministers to open dialogue and reach a better solution, an encounter that has yet to take place. Finally, the meeting with Minister Dowers also led to nothing concrete, as he was unaware of the decision made and now prefers to await the outcome of the court case filed by Aruba BirdLife Conservation against the Arikok National Park Foundation and the Country of Aruba.
Prime Minister Eman is the first called upon to sit at the table Given that this decision was made unilaterally under the management of Prime Minister Mike Eman—thereby creating this impasse—he must take responsibility and sit down immediately with the tour operators. The sector cannot continue to be left in complete uncertainty or sent from pillar to post while the financial security of so many families is in jeopardy and companies risk closing their doors. Both risks will undoubtedly have direct consequences for our country’s economy.
Request for a public parliamentary meeting Considering the seriousness and urgency of this matter, we have submitted an official request for a Public meeting in the Parliament of Aruba to properly address this delicate situation and pursue concrete solutions.
I make a direct appeal to the President of Parliament to convene this public meeting with a sense of urgency as soon as possible. Parliament, as the body representing the people, must take the lead in demanding attention for this situation and urging the government to give this crisis its due focus. Open dialogue, show up, and work toward a better solution! Dialogue, balance, and action must take place now!