WILLEMSTAD – Shipping company Don Andres NV has strongly criticized Curaçao Port Services (CPS) for long delays in unloading its ships. The company, which operates three vessels between Curaçao, Bonaire, Aruba, Santo Domingo, and Trinidad, alleges that CPS is intentionally delaying its ships.
Persistent Delays Impacting Local Markets
According to Don Andres representative De Jongh, one of the company’s ships arrives in Curaçao every Monday from Santo Domingo, but is not allowed to unload until Thursday at 4:00 PM. The company has repeatedly tried to secure an earlier unloading slot, but without success.
The ongoing delays, which have reportedly persisted for five years, negatively impact local vendors and markets, particularly those reliant on fresh fruits and vegetables. The shipping route to Santo Domingo was originally established at the request of the government to address food shortages and provide Curaçao with more affordable produce from the Dominican Republic.
No Resolution Despite Multiple Meetings
De Jongh stated that several meetings have been held with CPS, CPA, VBC, and various government ministers, but a solution has yet to be found. “This is the last straw. It is unacceptable that an organization has failed to provide adequate service for five years,” the spokesperson emphasized.
According to De Jongh, the root of the problem lies in staff shortages at CPS. She pointed out that the same crew members who start work at 7:00 AM are still on duty until 11:00 PM, raising concerns about efficiency and working conditions.