to keep our industry employed
WILLEMSTAD - It has been a rough and turbulent past few weeks due to COVID-19 which translated into a lot of uncertainty within the tourism sector and community. CHATA recognizes that the hospitality and tourism industry is one of the sectors that have been impacted the most and will continue to be volatile for the next quarter to come. CHATA also applauds and recognizes the courageous efforts and measures taken by the Government of Curaçao to ensure safety, public health and well-being of all of us.
CHATA’s main focus since the beginning of the crisis was to support its membership in various ways with a focus on liquidity (cash flow) and to secure employment of 16.000 industry professionals. CHATA, as partner of the government for all tourism related affairs, has been in constant dialogue with the Ministry of Economic Development to provide input on the support plan and sharing of data on the impact of the industry.
CHATA’s major concern of employment and labor support has been addressed by the Government of Curaçao. The tourism industry, similar to the other affected industries in Curaçao, will be receiving labor support in the form of a subsidy to be able to comply with its employment obligations. This support will directly impact the employees in the industry by allowing them to keep their job/employment and continue to receive their income. The labor support plan presented will be the driving force behind the survival of our industry. It will also help, in some way, guarantee business continuity by keeping the economic infrastructure of the business in place and to guarantee a quicker comeback once the COVID-19 crisis has passed. This, in combination with the previously announced plans, are all important ingredients to be able to overcome the COVID-19 crisis.
CHATA applauds the government for the steps taken and hopes that the Government of the Netherlands will quickly approve this plan for execution including the arrangement of the necessary funding. Time is of the essence in regard to this labor support proposal.
CHATA invites all other economic sectors to support this initiative and proposal by the Government of Curaçao and let us execute this plan to the best of our ability.
In the spirit of collaboration, CHATA, along with Member Aqualectra, have also reached an agreement that is beneficial for the association and its members. The agreement focuses on the much-needed support to lower the monthly financial obligations during the crisis. Therefore, CHATA also wants to extend gratitude to Aqualectra for recognizing the urgency of the situation and willingness to aid during such a difficult time.
CHATA wants to encourage everyone to stay safe, be kind and be considerate during these troubled times; we are all in this together. This crisis will be the building ground to re-position Curaçao for a brighter future ahead.
