Better late than never, some road users may think when reading elsewhere in today’s newspaper that the Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA), Section Transport reported a marked increase in enforcement across the passenger transport industry (see related story), with fines already surpassing last year’s total. After all, widespread violations in this sector seem obvious enough.
Last year related fines amounted to 12,250.00 Caribbean guilders. By September 2025, the figure had risen to Cg. 13,975.00.
Department Head Lucien Wilson said these results demonstrate the impact of stronger oversight. He is correct in stating it’s not just about penalties, but concerns ensuring operators meet their obligations and that the public including visitors who drive the local tourism economy can rely on safe, orderly and transparent services.
Section Head of Transport Brittany van Heyningen also hit the nail on the head by saying available extraordinary police officers, more of which have now been employed, must actively enforce the law as part of their responsibility. She confirmed that these efforts will intensify during the upcoming high season.
This can be seen as good news, except for one thing. In practice, many fines also for other offences are often not paid and remain uncollected by the Prosecutor’s Office due to workloads at the Court of Justice too.
There has been talk of authorising government officials to not only issue but actively collect such. That makes sense, although one always has to be careful about assigning these kinds of powers to be used with discretion.
Regardless, people need to start getting the message that non-compliance has consequences. Upholding the law is essential in civilised society.
