Legislators recently expressed strong criticism over the fact that the air traffic control tower was once again unmanned and demanded structural solutions. “I have to say that it is a huge embarrassment,” said MP Ivanildo Plein. (NPS). Legislators pointed out that the problems that have existed for a while now have repeatedly been brought to the attention of the authorities. They pointed out that very little to no attention was given to the calls to secure the operations of the air traffic control tower. The fact that planes had to change course and fly to other countries is seen as a serious blow to the security as well as the international reputation of Suriname. MP Ronnie Asabina (BEP) claimed that without intervention this structural problems could remain in place for many years to follow. He therefore called for full transparency regarding the causes of the problem and the measures aimed at solving it. Meanwhile President Jennifer Simons has met with the Suriname Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (Satca) to discuss the problems. The air tower has been understaffed for a while now which is why the air traffic controllers have to work overtime. New air traffic controllers and assistants are currently being trained but it will take a while before they can actually be deployed.