Eman: Government asked for pause in UTV/ATV case so dialogue can continue

ORANJESTAD — Prime Minister Mike Eman and Minister Rene Herdé told a group of UTV and ATV tour operators outside the Government Office on Tuesday afternoon that the Government has asked the Court to allow the case involving UTVs and ATVs to be postponed or paused, so dialogue with all parties can continue and a balanced solution can be sought for both the sector and nature.

The group had gathered in front of the building with protest signs, seeking clarity from the Government on whether the case between the Government and Aruba Birdlife Conservation would proceed or not.

According to Herdé, during Saturday’s meeting with representatives of the UTV/ATV sector, the Government received a broad explanation of their concerns and position. The Minister said the Government listened carefully and considers continued dialogue important in order to reach an arrangement that takes all interests into account.

SEEKING TO CREATE SPACE

According to the Minister, the intention is to create room for talks to continue while the Government, the sector and other parties work toward a solution that allows businesses to keep operating and jobs to be preserved, without setting aside the protection of nature.

Herdé emphasized that the solution must be balanced. “We must protect nature, but we must also safeguard the tour sector and other forms of recreation,” was the essence of the Minister’s position.

GOVERNMENT REQUESTED A POSTPONEMENT

The case was scheduled for September 10, but the Government requested an adjournment. At the time of the statement, there was still no final clarity on whether the Court would grant the request or whether the case would proceed as planned.

Eman assured those present that they would be informed as soon as the Court’s final decision was received. The protesters said they wanted an answer no later than Wednesday, September 9, one day before the case is scheduled for September 10 at 10:00 a.m.

TENSION

The Government’s move follows several days of tension over the future of UTV and ATV activities in Aruba, while the sector is seeking certainty over routes, continuity of operations and employment, and environmental organizations continue to insist on protection of natural areas.

For Eman and Herdé, the objective is to prevent the conflict from being settled only in court and instead use the available space to reach an agreement that can provide both economic continuity and environmental protection.