Aruba has expanded its consultations over UTV and ATV operations, with the government now meeting affected groups separately as it works toward an agreement before an October court deadline.
Infrastructure and Telecommunications Minister Rene Herdé said the talks involve multiple parties connected to the dispute over off-road vehicle operations. He explained that the separate meetings are intended to help officials understand each group’s concerns, interests and proposals in greater detail.
Aruba UTV-ATV talks include multiple groups
According to Herdé, the government is not negotiating with only one organization. Alongside established operator representatives, officials have identified other groups that want to take part in the process. The minister said those groups are not being excluded and that the government is prepared to hear from all parties seeking involvement.
The consultations address competing concerns around environmental protection, public safety, tourism, economic activity and the position of operators that have worked in the sector for years. The government is trying to bring those interests together in a protocol that can provide clearer rules and prevent the dispute from continuing indefinitely.
October 5 deadline shapes the process
The government must report to the judge by October 5 on the progress of the negotiations and the status of the process. Herdé said he hopes the parties can reach a final agreement before then. If they cannot, the court will need an accurate account of what the consultations produced.
The minister described the negotiations as moving in a positive direction. He said the aim extends beyond reaching a legal settlement and includes building a basis for cooperation among the government, operators and other groups that depend on the affected land and routes.
Source: 24ora
