ORANJESTAD - The Aruban authorities will discuss technical points at the end of this month in connection with a possible reopening of the border with Venezuela. That is the outcome of a meeting at Bureau Disaster Relief Aruba (BRA), where Justice Minister Rocco Tjon was also present.
All judicial services that have an important task in border control took part in the meeting. The border between Aruba, Curaçao and Venezuela has been closed for quite some time, both the sea border and the air border. The position of the Aruban government is that - if the border with Venezuela is reopened - this must take place in a responsible manner and step by step. That's why the services came together. Each service that falls under the Ministry of Justice provided an update during the meeting on the work they have to do before the border can open as far as they are concerned.
The government currently has 10 million florins available through the Country Package to open the borders. This budget is intended to structure the work processes and to buy equipment. There is also financial room to invest in infrastructure projects. The Coast Guard is expanding with more personnel. As a result, maritime controls can be tightened. The problem of so-called 'overstayers' (tourists who stay longer than allowed) will be tackled more efficiently.
The services will meet monthly at Bureau Disaster Relief Aruba (BRA), to monitor all developments in this area. Ultimately, the decision must be made to reopen the border with Venezuela.