MP Otami Thomasia has called for a permanent Aruba sargassum plan that shifts the island from emergency cleanup to year-round preparation, according to 24ora.
Monitoring and clear responsibilities proposed
Thomasia, an AVP parliamentarian who chairs the Caribbean Commission of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament, said recurring sargassum affects tourism, fishing, public health, biodiversity and government budgets. He called for continuous monitoring, early-warning systems, safe collection and handling protocols, research, technology and clear responsibility for each part of the response.
He also sent parliamentary questions to Nature Minister Mike Eman and Tourism Minister Wendrick Cicilia seeking details about Aruba’s current actions, departmental responsibilities, financing, regional cooperation and whether a national plan exists.
Regional commitments need national action
Thomasia cited regional discussions indicating that 2026 has brought unusually large sargassum volumes across the Caribbean. He said regional agreements should translate into practical national capacity before seaweed reaches the coast.
The report also referenced United Nations Environment Assembly Resolution 7/4 and work under the Cartagena Convention supporting stronger international cooperation, research, operations, communication and financing. Thomasia said any effort to create economic value from sargassum should be grounded in scientific evidence and environmental and health safeguards.
Source: 24ora.
