How is our Honorary Consul in Siem Reap
Siem Reap in Cambodia
This time we speak with Godie van de Paal, Honorary Consul in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
What challenges have you faced in recent months due to the coronavirus?
As we heard from the HCs before, processing information is one of the biggest challenges in their work. This challenge arises from the wide spread of information sources and the many parties involved that need to be kept informed. “Most of the time was spent on continuously processing new information, double-checking rumors and keeping the Dutch and colleagues informed. At the time of the Westerdam, it was sometimes difficult to find 5 minutes to take a shower because so many parties shared and asked information through so many channels!”
One of the special situations Godie was involved in in recent months was the Westerdam (you can read more about this in Billy's blog). “The proliferation of chat groups kept us busy during that week: the Dutch people on the boat become restless because they do not know what is about to happen, so you start calling the local authorities and the Holland America Line. In addition, also check your app groups: the EU colleagues, the Benelux colleagues, the Australians and the Americans. Then a wafer-thin piece of information comes out: “there may be testing tomorrow.” You then report this to all those groups plus the Dutch people on the boat, the colleagues at the embassy and of course also the group with colleagues in The Hague. To - once that has happened - receive another message that the time of testing is known. Read and repeat!”
What is the most unusual thing that has happened to you at work lately?
"It's nice to see how a crisis in most cases brings out the best in people.” Many semi-permanent expats live in Siem Reap, the vast majority of whom have their own business related to tourism, which is currently completely at a standstill. “Yet people continue to support each other, for example by ordering food to help favorite restaurants. Others purchase products that they do not need immediately and would not normally buy in times of economic scarcity, but now do so to help certain companies. That is beautiful to see and gives a lot of courage for the future, which will be very challenging here in Cambodia in terms of economic and development.” Slowly but surely business is starting again in Cambodia, but when the tourists will return in the known numbers is still unknown.
What message would you like to give to the Dutch community in Cambodia?
“The situation is actually very relaxed in Cambodia. For reasons that are still unclear, the virus seems to be gaining a foothold in this country. There are therefore few restrictions that disrupt daily life, as is the case in the Netherlands, for example. The atmosphere here is actually quite good. In the unlikely event that you have to stay in Cambodia longer than planned, I would say: enjoy it! With due observance of hygiene and safety rules, of course.”