WILLEMSTAD - Minister Charles Cooper of Traffic and Transport has clashed with fellow minister Ruisandro Cijntje of Economic Development. Cooper declared via Facebook that the water taxi in the Curaçao harbor is operating illegally.
According to Cooper, no permit has been granted for activities in the St. Anna Bay, posing a danger to maritime traffic. The harbor master has confirmed this.
Minister Ruisandro Cijntje of Economic Development joined this debate. He defends the position of the young entrepreneur and assures that the permit will not be revoked.
The situation escalated when Water Taxi Curaçao, a young business, came into conflict with Cooper over the location of their ticket sales kiosk. This kiosk, located in Punda, had to temporarily move for Christmas decorations, leading to complaints from other kiosk owners.
Cooper visited the location and emphasized that the kiosk must be two meters from the street, in accordance with permit requirements. A discussion ensued with the owner of Water Taxi Curaçao, who insisted on direct communication with the minister.
Cijntje proposes that the Ministry of VVRP, together with DMO, will investigate the best location for the kiosk.
Cooper, on the other hand, stands by his position that the kiosk must meet the specified requirements and warns that violation could lead to the revocation of Water Taxi Curaçao's permit. He also criticizes colleague Cijntje for defending what he sees as illegal practices.