KRALENDIJK – Bonaire is taking a significant step in elderly care with the arrival of a new residential care center, ‘Nos Bario.’ Stichting Zorg & Welzijn Groep (ZWG), the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), and Stichting Cocari II (Cocari) have signed a cooperation agreement for this initiative. The center, which will accommodate 108 elderly residents, aims to provide a sustainable solution to the growing shortage of nursing beds on the island.

Urgent Need for Elderly Care

Bonaire is experiencing rapid aging, while the existing healthcare capacity falls short. “This residential care center is urgently needed and an important first step in strengthening elderly care on Bonaire,” says Genara Timp Silberi, director of ZWG. She highlights the challenges of recruiting and training sufficient qualified personnel, an issue that the involved parties will jointly address.

Herbert Barnard, Program Director for Healthcare and Youth in the Caribbean Netherlands at VWS, also emphasizes the importance of this development. “It is good that through this partnership, we are realizing a necessary facility for the elderly on Bonaire.”

Sustainable and Inclusive Concept

Nos Bario will be more than just a care institution. The center is designed as a living environment where elderly residents can actively age, with a focus on social cohesion, privacy, and the integration of nature and culture. Bonairian architect Carlo Abdul is responsible for the design, ensuring it aligns closely with the island’s lifestyle and traditions.

To translate the wishes of residents and their families into practice, seminars and workshops have been organized. The insights gained from these sessions are being incorporated into the further design process.

Central Location and Sustainable Construction

The Public Entity of Bonaire (OLB) has made a plot of land available for construction between Kaya Mendelssohn and Kaya Calixo. Deputy of Space & Development, Anjelica Cicilia, calls the project an example of how nature and culture can go hand in hand with modern healthcare facilities. “The location provides a peaceful and pleasant living environment and fits within Bonaire’s long-term vision.”

Deputy of Society & Care, Nina den Heyer, underscores the urgency: “The demand for suitable residential and care facilities is growing rapidly, while the current capacity is already insufficient. This project offers the elderly a dignified and suitable living environment.”

Collaboration for Better Care

The Ministry of VWS is funding and supporting the project as part of a broader policy to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in the Caribbean Netherlands. Stichting Cocari II, with experience in elderly housing on Bonaire, is acting as the developer. ZWG will be responsible for the operation of the residential care center and will continue to work towards accessible and high-quality elderly care on the island.

With Nos Bario, Bonaire will not only gain additional care capacity but also an innovative housing concept where elderly residents can grow old in a familiar environment. The first steps toward realization have been taken, with further development of the plans now underway.