WILLEMSTAD - In the framework of the developments surrounding Plasa di Arte and the restructuring of Awasá, Minister Ruisandro Cijntje of Economic Development has announced the initiation of the relocation process from Awasá, in accordance with the “Standplaatsbeleid Binnenstad” (Stand Place Policy for the City Center, August 2022). This relocation concerns the move to “Plasa di Arte,” located at Renaissance Park. According to this policy, Awasá will remain an area exclusively designated for artists. After the relocation, the area of Awasá will continue to be developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Traffic, Transport, and Urban Planning (VVRP).
The Ministry of Economic Development emphasizes the importance of order in all matters in order to begin issuing the ‘standplaats’ permits. The distribution of the ‘standplaats’ permits will take place during an event at the location in Renaissance Park. All entrepreneurs currently operating in Awasá (with the exception of four entrepreneurs who have an artist’s quota) must relocate to Plasa di Arte by August 1, 2024, at the latest. Additionally, each entrepreneur will receive a cover for their stand and must make arrangements for its use with the Fundashon Marshe, which is the entity managing this area for the government.
Every entrepreneur must comply with the following essential conditions to ensure everything is in order at both Plasa di Arte and Awasá:
All stands at Plasa di Arte must be clean and free of additional materials that could cover them. This means that it is unacceptable to place items like wooden planks or coverings that obstruct the view of the stands. If any extra items need to be added, they must be uniform and arranged in consultation with Fundashon Marshe, as entrepreneurs cannot use their own materials.
All entrepreneurs stationed at Plasa di Arte must submit a request for authorization to occupy the location through Fundashon Marshe by August 1, 2024.
Each entrepreneur must remain at their stand in Plasa di Arte by August 1, 2024, according to the stand number they have received, which will also be indicated on their permit.
All stands currently at Awasá (except for the four artist quotas) must be removed by July 31, 2024.
Entrepreneurs who do not relocate to Plasa di Arte do NOT have the option to remain at Awasá and will lose their stand at Plasa di Arte.
Considering that Awasá is an area exclusively designated for artists, the four artists remaining at Awasá must comply with the conditions set out in the “Standplaatsenbeleid Binnenstad” (Stand Place Policy for the City Center) and are not authorized to be larger than that. By September 1, 2024, necessary adjustments must be made to the stands that are not in compliance with the regulations.
Minister Cijntje expresses great satisfaction in seeing the plans for Plasa di Arte and Awasá materializing, especially after the inauguration of Plasa di Arte that took place last October. One of the main objectives of this plaza is to continue facilitating entrepreneurs in their development and growth. This aligns with Minister Cijntje’s focus on encouraging developments that will benefit and stimulate our country’s economic growth.