WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Apartment Small Hotel Association (Casha), the Foundation for Tax Accountants Bureau (SBAB), the Curaçao tax authorities, and Minister Javier Silvania of Finance are working together to address black market workers within the tourism sector. Casha reported this development. 

The involved parties have been meeting for several weeks, and Silvania is expected to announce the initial results on the matter in a few weeks. Initially, the focus was on tackling black market accommodation rentals, but now the parties have expanded their efforts to other sectors where black market activities occur, such as car rentals, diving schools, boat charters, and tour operators. 

Casha stated that ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) and the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) regarding permits and minimum requirements for operating in the tourism sector are in progress. Additionally, besides black market workers, there is reportedly a group of non-insured or improperly insured individuals. Several tourists, according to Casha, have experienced issues with car rentals where the insurance coverage is insufficient or nonexistent, leaving them liable for all costs if an accident occurs during the rental period. 

Casha did not disclose a specific date for Silvania's announcement of concrete results.