WILLEMSTAD – Stichting Monumentenzorg Curaçao organized the third neighborhood gathering, known as the “buurtborrel,” for stakeholders of the Scharloo district on January 29, 2026. The event was held at the organization’s office and brought together representatives of local businesses and other stakeholders from the area.
The neighborhood gathering, which was previously hosted by Corendon and by Securitas/Impacto, aims to strengthen cohesion within the district and encourage the exchange of information among those active in Scharloo. During the event, Monumentenzorg director Maghalie van der Bunt-George announced that the first steps have been taken toward establishing a district organization for Scharloo. The initiative is modeled after similar district organizations in Punda, Otrobanda, and Pietermaai.
According to Van der Bunt-George, the future Scharloo district organization will serve as a point of contact between the neighborhood and the government, while also initiating projects aimed at further developing the area. She highlighted both challenges and opportunities facing Scharloo and called on stakeholders to continue working together to create a livable and safe neighborhood where residents and entrepreneurs can thrive.
She emphasized Scharloo’s cultural and historical significance, noting that the district forms part of Willemstad’s designation as a **UNESCO World Heritage site. This status, she said, requires ongoing protection and a shared commitment to preserving the area’s heritage. Special attention was drawn to the neighborhoods of Fleur de Marie, Swaen, and St. Jago, which fall within Scharloo and, according to the 2023 census, have the highest percentage of households living below the poverty line.
The gathering provided ample opportunity for networking and informal exchanges among participants, strengthening connections within the community. The occasion was also used by chairman Herbert van der Woude to express words of appreciation to former Monumentenzorg director Marcel Dennert for his contributions.
Stichting Monumentenzorg Curaçao described the evening as highly successful and views it as an important next step toward closer cooperation and the shared, sustainable development of the Scharloo district.