SXMElections.com

PHILIPSBURG--Issues related to aviation and maritime affairs were discussed when St. Maarten’s Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Claret Connor met with his counterparts from Curaçao Minister Suzy Romer and Aruba Minister Otmar Oduber in Oranjestad, Aruba recently.

The meeting was part of a high-level political discussion as a result of the first protocol signed several years ago to further cooperation between the three countries in aviation and maritime affairs.

Based on the talks, workgroups will be established by the three countries that will then work on the points of discussion and formulate them into working documents for further decision making, a press release issued on Sunday stated.  

A follow-up meeting will be held before the end of the year, where each country will present an agenda with concrete recommendations on moving forward.

During the talks, Aruban maritime authorities gave a presentation to the ministers about Aruba’s maritime future and what steps will be taken to stimulate the development of this sector. One of the areas already established is an “anchorage zone.” A levy can be charged for vessels anchored in the designated anchorage zone. While the vessel is at anchor, ship to ship loading of cargo can take place as well as bunkering. The charges would be administered via the agent of the vessel.

An important agenda point was the establishment of a “Maritime Investigation Committee” based on the Shipping Laws. The three ministers all agreed to have this committee established jointly and supported by all three Kingdom countries in the interest of efficiency and cooperation. The tri-partite approach will save each country money, while the expertise will be shared.

The development of a “Shipping Registry” was discussed at length and it is the intention of the three countries to have discussions with the Netherlands, the release said. The three countries are considering pooling their resources which would facilitate the development of a registry for Aruba and St. Maarten.

The airspace between Aruba and Curacao was also discussed as well as the Dutch Caribbean Air Navigation Service Provider.

Oduber highlighted how well the country’s “aircraft registry” has been doing and has offered St. Maarten and Curaçao assistance with establishing their own registries and the International Air Safety Office, which has been managing Aruba’s registry for the past 20 years, could assist in this process.

Connor proposed to Oduber that there should be direct airlift between the two countries instead of an airline having to fly via another island. Oduber said he would discuss this further with the current airlines that service Aruba.

“The meeting with my counterparts from their respective countries was very productive as it concerned areas of mutual interests. We all expressed continuing to work together. Some discussions have to take place at the Kingdom level where it concerns certain laws in the maritime area,” Connor was quoted as saying in the release.

“The possibilities are limitless. Some of the countries are advanced in some areas, and this is where we can learn from each other about the challenges and come to intelligent solutions, rather than re-inventing the wheel. This will save time, resources and energy.”

Connor said Government is looking at ways and means of generating additional revenue from other economic areas, rather than burdening the current tax base. “This can only take place by pursuing other areas of economic opportunity for the country. My ministry will be working diligently to put the necessary processes in place that would facilitate the development of economic sectors of opportunity.”