WILLEMSTAD – Outgoing Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Javier Silvania (MFK) has issued a response to an article published in a local Dutch newspaper that questioned the timing and accuracy of his announcement regarding a senior housing project at the Birgen di Rosario care facility. The minister maintains that his public support for the project is based on a concrete presentation he received and that claims suggesting he spoke too soon are unfounded.
The newspaper article suggested that Silvania may have "jumped the gun" when he posted on his personal Facebook page about a plan to build seventy housing units at the Huize Welgelegen site in Habaai, noting that the initiative was still in its early planning stages.
Silvania, however, refuted that characterization. He stated that during his recent visit to Birgen di Rosario, he was given a detailed presentation outlining the project’s scope, which includes both independent and assisted living units for elderly residents. These homes would be connected to essential services such as medical care, meal provision, and support services offered by the care institution.
Pension Fund Involved in Talks
Also present during the presentation was APC, the civil servants’ pension fund, which, according to Silvania, could play a role in financing the project. “As Minister of Health, I fully support this initiative,” Silvania said in a written statement. “Curaçao is aging rapidly, and for some time now I have been taking concrete steps to improve the well-being of our elderly population.”
He added that the project aligns with national policy to help senior citizens live independently for as long as possible, with appropriate care nearby. He described the meeting with Birgen di Rosario and APC as constructive, expressing hope that the collaboration would result in actual implementation of the housing complex.
“Facebook Is a Tool for Transparency”
Silvania also defended his use of social media, particularly his Facebook page, as a platform to communicate transparently about initiatives that impact the community. “The insinuation that I spoke out of turn is misplaced. I bring together stakeholders every week to improve our society. That is what happened here as well,” he said.
The minister reiterated his commitment to the project and stressed the importance of forward-thinking solutions to address the island’s aging demographic. Whether the plan will advance to the next stage remains to be seen, but Silvania’s public endorsement marks a significant step toward prioritizing elder care infrastructure in Curaçao.
