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local Thursday 13 OcTOber 2022

By the commission evaluating the reopening of the border with Venezuela

Government of Aruba advised not to reopen the border while still

at the negotiating table

ORANJESTAD – During a
public meeting in Parlia-
ment yesterday morning
to discuss the reopening
of the border with Venezu-
ela, Prime Minister Evelyn
Wever-Croes gave an ex-
planation of the policy of
the commission in charge
of this. Seeing as the crisis
in Venezuela has esca-
lated, the commission was
installed and tasked to also
provide advice to the gov-
ernment on this matter.

The Prime Minister indicat-
ed that the commission
advised the government
to keep the border closed,
mainly because they are
still at the deliberation ta-
ble and also because of
the risks associated with
reopening. The govern-
ment does this through at included is the Department this, the next step would be and before entering Aru- “overstayers”. People re-
Landsbesluit (national de- of Economic Affairs and a to open for private yachts, ba. “This is already some- main in Aruba and enter
cree) which is issued every representative of the min- something that is currently thing that works well, and the illegal circuit, which
three months or less. The istry of Economic Affairs to not allowed. is what we want this time represents a problem for
last advice was to extend deal with the economic as- as well”, the Prime Minister Aruba.
the closure for three more pects of this issue. For the air traffic part, it is said. Various stakeholders,
months until the end of the thought to open the main among others the Police “I have every confidence
year, but if agreements are On the government’s re- airport, Queen Beatrix with Department and Immigra- that if both parties show
reached before then, the quest, the commission has flights from Aruba to Ven- tion, have identified the the willingness to reach
change can be made to been working for a while ezuela and from Venezu- risks presented by reopen- agreements we will come
reopen the border. on this topic, which is dis- ela to Aruba. The next part ing the border. Dimas also out. We live together with
tinguished in four different would be to also open for indicated that their main the situation in Venezuela
The commission consists of types of reopening. The first private jets. cause for concern when which pains us, because
different stakeholders and two are regarding maritime reopening the border is for many of us have family
consults with other stake- traffic and the other two Currently, they are working asylum. This is a very deli- members who come from
holders. It is directed by are regarding air traffic. on the maritime part. The cate subject because it is Venezuela. We have cul-
Bureau Rampenbestrijd- government was written about people and the suf- tural and economic ties.
ing Aruba (BRA – Disaster Regarding marine traffic, down a list of conditions fering of people. Venezuela is a lot closer
Management Office) and the first that is being thought with concrete agreements. They are also worried about than other countries. But
is carrying out conversa- about is to open the route Among other conditions family visits that will begin, we cannot solve the prob-
tions with Directie Buiten- of the quay from Venezu- are the documents that and many of these visitors lem of Venezuela. We are
landse Betrekkingen (DBB ela to Aruba in order to a ship’s captain needs to do not leave. This is the fighting to solve our own
– Department of Foreign transport fruit, vegetables have in their hands before trend that was observed problems, but the problem
Relations), Veiligheidsdi- and certain materials. After leaving the port in Falcon in the past, the so-called of Venezuela and in Vene-
enst Aruba (VDA – Security zuela, they need to solve it
Service), the Police, Dimas themselves. Meanwhile we
(Department of Immigra- must ensure that Aruba re-
tion), DVG (Department of covers and is strong, so that
Public Health), Directie So- we can stand on our own
ciale Zaken (Department and help all those who live
of Social Affairs), DOW (De- here. Whether you were
partment of Public Works), born here or not, it is our re-
Directie Luchtvaart (De- sponsibility to help all those
partment of Aviation), ATA who are here. Improve
(Aruba Tourism Authority), the quality of life for our
Immigration of Aruba, Ports people, create more jobs
Master of Aruba, Coast for them also, and ensure
Guard and representatives that there is high level edu-
from the ministry of Justice cation for all our children.
in charge of border en- And when we are standing
forcement in regards to the strong, we can better help
country package agreed other countries”, the Prime
with the Netherlands; also Minister said. q