Stranded Insel-Air passengers still stuck in Suriname

A group of InselAir passengers is reportedly still in Suriname. The passengers were scheduled to leave for Cuba via Curaçao last weekend. The owner of an apartment complex on Wednesday told Times of Suriname that the people still had no idea when they would be brought back to the place from where they came. Although the passengers have been brought to a local hotel by InselAir, they are not completely satisfied with the accommodations and the food. The passengers are very worried because they have been stuck in Suriname for nearly a week. The Government of Curaçao, together with the shareholders and management of local aviation company InselAir joined forces to safeguard the vital air links for the island by ensuring that InselAir is financially and operationally healthy and strong. Last weekend, the airline has signed an agreement, whereby the government, under certain guarantees and conditions, provides a loan to InselAir. Both parties are confident that the agreement, which follows very intensive discussions, provides a good basis for the intended purpose. For the public, it is paramount that the access to other destinations is guaranteed where security is of primary importance. The Curaçao economy and employment, in particular, are heavily dependent on reliable air links, including with neighboring countries. Under this agreement, the government provides a loan of 33 million guilders (18.6 million dollars), payable in installments depending on the implementation of a stabilization plan. As security for this loan, the government obtains more pledge and usufruct on 51% of the shares in the operating companies of InselAir. The government acquires all normal shareholder rights, without becoming the owner.