The conference organized by the Netherlands Antilles Minister of Traffic & Communications Maurice Adriaens in conjunction with the Minister of Traffic & Communications of the Netherlands Camiel Eurlings, and held under the theme, "The Consequences of Political Changes for Air Traffic Relations," was informative and it clearly demonstrated the complexities that Curacao and St. Maarten will be confronted with as countries.
A deadline of July 1, 2009 has been set for all parties in attendance to have developed a draft aviation policy. A special forum in the form of a Task Force was suggested to deal with Winair, as Holland becomes responsible for air-connections to and from the BES islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.
"The conference was very much focused on the position and role of aviation in view of the pending constitutional changes. Presentations on the issue of aviation treaties with and within the Kingdom were enlightening and clearly demonstrated the complexities that the new countries in the making will be confronted with.
"Another matter on which there are clearly differing views is the one of liberalization vis-à-vis support for "local" carriers.
"It was good to hear from a representative of the US Department of Transportation regarding the US' view and policies on aviation. Clearly, in this respect, attention is being paid to air transportation between the USA and the Caribbean.
"Representatives of the French Ministry of Foreign & European Affairs, and of the European Union (EU) highlighted the approach and aviation laws of the Republic of France and the EU respectively. The relationships - UPT or OCTs - with the EU make quite a difference in this respect. Naturally, the position of especially Saba, St. Eustatius and Bonaire came to the forefront," Commissioner of Aviation Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Wednesday.
Former Minister of the Netherlands Antilles Captain Leo Chance was the final speaker on Tuesday and he impressed the audience with a historic overview of advances in civil aviation, but not without struggles. His keen sense of delivery according to Wescot was well received by those in attendance.
The two-day conference was held at the Marriott Hotel.