With the current global health, financial and business crisis, we know that many of you are
experiencing a significant loss of bookings, business returns, and a large number of questions and concerns for the future. The last few days have been incredibly challenging and confusing for everyone. As CHATA, it is our goal to be as transparent and proactive as possible. It is during these times that we have to work even harder to be able to overcome this.
In the last few days CHATA has actively been working on several actions in support of our sector. One of the most important actions is our request to the government for support.
Support at this time is not an option. It is a must and it is urgent. Our vision for support includes but is not limited to the following measures: A temporary stop on repayment of loan and/or
interest from financial institutions, a temporary stop on collection procedures from the
utility companies, in order to avoid interruption of basic needs (water, electricity) during these
trying times, a postponement of OB contribution and/or other taxes. In fact, CHATA also
suggests the use of the SVB fund, known as the legal “Wettelijke” reserves which could be used for financing the short fall of payments and obligations. We also suggested to look into our employment measures that can be taken and support to be able to guarantee future jobs. Fact is that we cannot do it alone, neither us as the business community, nor the government. Our vision focuses on alleviating the immediate liquidity challenge that all of us are experiencing.
We need to focus on overcoming this together, hence our approach these last couple of days with webinars being offered by CHATA in partnership with our member experts on
areas such as Tax & employment measures, Insurance coverages, marketing and more. For more
information on these webinars please reach out to our team. As CHATA, we are already engaging in task forces to prepare for the much-needed recovery plan for our island. Recovery will come but investment, focus and out of the box thinking are key ingredients moving forward.
In the coming few days, CHATA will be part of the conversation with the government to share our vision on the much-needed support. The government informed today that the full support
program will be shared with the business community on Monday, March 23, 2020. We want you to know that we are working on more ways to support you, and we are committed to helping your business recover as quickly as possible. Please be informed that you can check your inbox or CHATA Alerts App for regular updates.
Much appreciation goes out to our membership on the initiatives they are taking and their
creative ways of dealing with this situation. I salute each and everyone one of you.
We also want to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the first loss of an island visitor and community member as a result of COVID-19. At this time, our condolences to the family and friends.
Lastly, lean on this community. We have seen the way you have supported one another in the last few weeks, and in isolating moments like these, we need those connections even more.
With gratitude,
Miles Mercera
CHATA President & CEO