WILLEMSTAD - During the central committee meeting of Parliament on March 14th, Minister of Economic Development Mr. Ruisandro Cijntje received numerous questions regarding the situation at Damen Shiprepair Curaçao (DSCu). Most of these questions should be addressed by Damen, while some fall under the responsibility of CDM Holding N.V. (CDMH). These inquiries were forwarded to the relevant organizations at the end of April. Given the complexity of the matter, the translation process from Dutch to Papiamentu took longer than usual due to the extensive time required and their limited experience in responding to parliamentary inquiries. However, Minister Cijntje will soon be available to provide the answers.
Minister Cijntje hereby informs that he will return to Parliament on July 6th or, if desired by Parliament, starting from the following week, to provide the responses in the first round.
It is important to note that many questions pertain to the contract (concession) between Damen, a private company, and CDM Holding, a semi-governmental company. The Government of Curaçao is not directly involved as a party.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that following Minister Cijntje's strong stance against Damen for their non-compliance with the concession agreement, Damen revisited the negotiation table with CDM Holding. They fulfilled their obligations and paid the outstanding amounts owed. Under the pressure exerted by Minister Cijntje, the lease fee was paid to Holding, and the concession fee for 2023 was settled within the initial months. Negotiations are ongoing between Damen and CDM Holding to address the remaining concession fee owed by Damen to CDM Holding.
Additionally, Damen has commenced infrastructure investments in the shipyard as promised, under the supervision of CDM Holding. In 2023 and 2024, Damen intends to invest $12.5 million in the shipyard's infrastructure. This year, $1.5 million will be allocated to the completed electricity installation. The engineering phase for the acquisition of new pumps for the shipyard will also be finalized this year.
The investment in the two cranes is scheduled for 2024, which is currently in the engineering phase. Several infrastructure projects are planned for investment in 2024. To ensure proper utilization of funds in 2023 and 2024, an audit of the investment will be conducted at the conclusion of the process.
On a positive note, Damen has active repair contracts with various companies until the end of October 2023, indicating positive progress in their operations.
It should be emphasized that labor and workplace inspection matters fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Development, Labor, and Welfare (SOAW). Many parliamentary questions relate to the labor situation. The Ministry of SOAW emphasizes the importance of Damen seeking local workers and ensures compliance through vacancies advertised in the local market to prioritize local employment.
Minister Cijntje and his ministry continue to work diligently for the shipyard's development and closely monitor all matters falling within their responsibilities. Based on current information, Damen is fulfilling its obligations as stipulated in the concession agreement.