WILLEMSTAD - The situation at Playa Piskadó threatens to get out of hand if action is not taken quickly, residents of Westpunt say. It is especially the landlord of the loungers that would cause problems, especially for the fishermen.
Two residents have expressed their concerns. According to them, things went wrong from the moment a permit was issued for the rental of sun loungers on the beach.
Playa Piskadó has traditionally been a fishing port where the fishermen on the beach clean and sell their fish. Because many turtles can also be admired close to the jetty, it has become a popular beach with both local snorkelers and the many tourists.
And now the ‘sun loungers are next to the boats, so to speak’, according to one of the residents. According to them, it is mainly the behavior of the lessor of the loungers that causes problems.
“He threatens others on the beach and there is talk of illegal drug sales.” The police are aware of this but are not taking any action, he says. The lounger rental company would also interfere in the fishermen's business operations. "It seems that no one can tell him anything and he does what he whatever he wants.”
The situation is alarming and has been going on for some time, residents said, but nobody is doing anything about it. “Local residents are angry and want a quick solution to the problem before it gets out of hand.” Recently, some sun loungers were set on fire. “The problem is escalating,” the resident said.
An employee of the Ministry of Public Health admits that the issuing of the permit has led to problems and that the situation on the beach has now become chaotic. But he says that the police are responsible. According to him, it is the police who have not yet acted against the lessor of the sun loungers.