On Monday, April 14th, Prime Minister Mike Eman and the Minister of Tourism, Transport, and Labor, Wendrick Cicilia met with various government entities and stakeholders, including the Aruba Police Force, AHATA (Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association), and A.T.A. (Aruba Tourism Authority), to address growing concerns about safety in Aruba’s tourism sector, particularly on the island’s beaches.
This meeting came in response to several recent incidents that raised alarms within the community and the tourism sector. The primary goal was to develop a strategic action plan, combining both short- and long-term solutions, to tackle these issues.
The current government is fully focused on addressing safety concerns, emphasizing that it is a national priority. During the meeting, participants reviewed the preparation and actions already taken to strengthen safety infrastructure, particularly during high-activity periods like Holy Week.
The Aruba Police Force and Beach Police outlined their strategies, while the Tourism Security Patrol Aruba (TSPA) has taken on a more prominent role in maintaining order and safety at the island’s beaches.
The Red Cross continues to play a critical role in ensuring a trained volunteer presence during weekends, offering first aid and life-saving assistance, such as CPR. AHATA has committed to providing logistical support to the Red Cross to help sustain their efforts on the beaches.
Minister Cicilia emphasized that safety must be continually guaranteed, especially during the busiest times. This meeting reflects a collaborative effort to establish a coordinated approach that prioritizes the well-being of both residents and visitors.
Following a busy Easter weekend, with high beach occupancy and numerous activities, Prime Minister Eman underscored the need to strengthen security, not only on the beaches but also in residential neighborhoods. He stressed the importance of ensuring public safety during these high-traffic periods.
Collaboration with Stakeholders
The government brought together a range of stakeholders, including the police commissioner, the Beach Police, Maritime Police, A.T.A., and AHATA, to discuss enhanced security measures. Ideas were shared on how to increase safety, with a particular focus on expanding the Red Cross’s role in providing a permanent presence on the beaches. The Red Cross will continue to play a vital role this week in reinforcing control, especially on the shore and land.
The government has also requested the Red Cross to evaluate the feasibility of providing a permanent presence on the beaches. With support from A.T.A., AHATA, and the government, this initiative is under consideration. According to Prime Minister Eman, “We are pleased that all stakeholders have shown willingness. However, we must ensure that actions are not just words but are executed effectively.”
The Government’s Responsibility
Prime Minister Eman expressed deep concern over the loss of any life, whether a tourist or a local, stating that every life lost is painful. “We want to be more alert,” he added. The government has taken the initiative to bring everyone to the table to discuss different ideas and solutions for improving safety.
The meeting focused on creating a more structural approach to vigilance, not only for the Easter weekend but for the ongoing safety of both tourists and residents. A 25-point report, drafted in the past, has seen only two of its points implemented. The government is currently reviewing this report to ensure that past agreements are followed through and to address any gaps in safety measures.
With a continued focus on protecting Aruba’s tourism sector and its residents, the government is committed to improving safety on both the beaches and on land. The goal is to implement lasting security measures that benefit everyone.
