The Aruba Customs Union (SADA) has expressed strong disappointment over recent comments made by Finance Minister Geoffrey Wever, stating that the union was not consulted prior to his public remarks regarding surveillance cameras at the airport.
The dispute stems from a walkout last Friday by customs officers at Reina Beatrix International Airport. Contrary to online speculation, the union clarified that the protest was not about the installation of cameras themselves, but rather about uncertainty over who has access to the footage being recorded in the passenger inspection room.
“We’ve always supported having cameras for safety—both for our officers and passengers,” said Edward Maduro, president of SADA. “Our concern is transparency: who is monitoring these videos? Customs must know if the footage is controlled internally or externally by the airport authority.”
Maduro criticized Minister Wever for echoing official Customs Department statements on social media without engaging with the union. “We’re disappointed. The Minister has our contact information. Even if he’s abroad, it’s unacceptable to issue statements without consulting the union first,” Maduro said.
The union emphasized that passengers who feel mistreated by customs officials have the right to file formal complaints, and that cameras could play a helpful role in verifying such claims—whether legitimate or not.
SADA reiterated its full support for surveillance as a protective tool but demanded clear internal oversight over its access and usage.
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