WILLEMSTAD – The MAN-PIN parliamentary faction has raised concerns that Curaçao's proposed Aviation Ordinance would give the government extensive authority to establish important aviation regulations without sufficient involvement from Parliament.
In its written observations on the draft legislation, MAN-PIN questions whether the proposed framework provides adequate democratic oversight of decisions involving aviation safety, operational requirements, fees, and enforcement.
The faction points out that the legislation contains more than 239 articles and approximately 36 references to national decrees containing general measures.
Although these references do not necessarily require 36 separate decrees, MAN-PIN argues that substantial parts of the regulatory framework would be developed through secondary legislation rather than through laws directly approved by Parliament.
These regulations could cover the Curaçao Civil Aviation Regulations, drone operations, technical safety standards, and aviation fee structures.
MAN-PIN wants the government to identify which important policy decisions would be made through secondary regulations and explain how Parliament would remain involved.
The faction has requested a comprehensive overview of the implementing regulations that must still be developed, including their subjects and anticipated introduction dates.
It has also questioned provisions allowing the responsible minister to issue binding instructions and emergency measures.
According to MAN-PIN, such powers require clear legal restrictions, publication requirements, time limits, and safeguards against arbitrary decisions.
PAR has expressed similar concerns about the authority granted to the government.
The party specifically questioned Articles 1.6, 1.14, and 1.15, which concern temporary departures from the ordinance, urgent binding measures, and exceptions in particular circumstances.
PAR proposed that a temporary measure under Article 1.6 should lapse if the government fails to submit the necessary legislative amendment within one year.
The faction also wants clarity about what happens if Parliament has not completed its consideration of the amendment within that period.
Both opposition factions recognize the need to modernize Curaçao's aviation laws, but they insist that international compliance should not come at the expense of parliamentary accountability.
MAN-PIN has called for annual reporting to Parliament on aviation safety, inspections, certification, enforcement, fees, noise pollution, and emissions.
The faction argues that effective parliamentary oversight is essential to ensuring that the new legislation produces measurable improvements rather than simply transferring regulatory authority to the executive branch.