PARAMARIBO – The tensions between the Suriname Air Traffic Controllers Association (Satca) and Transportation, Communications...

and Tourism minister Raymond Landveld are running high. Satca recently slammed the statements of the TCT minister and claimed that “the minister is presenting a pretty picture of the situation within the air traffic control although essential problems keep popping up.” It also claimed that there is a structural gap between management and practibility. “There is a lot of talk but very little action”, said Satca before adding that multiple promises still have not been kept by the ministry and the president. As a result of these empty promises, the air traffic controllers are under increasing pressure at work. A huge setback is the fact that the consultations have been frozen. On February 26th the TCT Ministry failed to present the information that had been requested at a meeting with Satca and the Mediation Council. Satca explained that everything went silent after that day. There have been no updates and no responses to proposals that were presented. Satca made it clear that this is a clear sign that some people do not practice what they preach. It pointed out that the minister has repeatedly presented incomplete and inaccurate information. “Accurate communication is essential”, said Satca before adding that it is still willing to negotiate. Satca made it clear that the willingness of union members to cooperate is gradually dwindling. It therefore urged the ministry to keep its promises and to release information that is in accordance with the facts.