WILLEMSTAD – Neighborhood centers have always played a key role in our communities. Sports activities, art and culture classes, recreational programs for youth, and social gatherings for the elderly all took place within these centers. They served as anchors for the neighborhood, providing valuable information and even social support.
Unfortunately, many neighborhood centers are now in a deplorable state or no longer functioning. The De Savaan Neighborhood Center has deteriorated so badly that it has become a junkyard.
"Is this due to neglect or misplaced priorities?" asks Omar Gill.
He finds it inconceivable that a socially oriented government would ignore the needs of people who depend on neighborhood center activities. "Right now, they’re handing out bonuses and prizes while our communities are left with nothing. If there was money taken from all ministries to fund so many other things, why wasn’t some of it allocated to fixing De Savaan? That would have been a real priority.”
Neighborhood centers play a crucial role in shaping and educating young people, especially in struggling families. For many, an operational center is essential in these challenging times.
As President of the Mahuma Neighborhood Center, Omar Gill understands firsthand what is happening in local communities and knows their needs. "I don’t want a fight between the government, the centers, and the supervisors. I just want this issue to be taken seriously, because in the end, the people should be the ones who benefit.”
"It seems like people don’t recognize that neighborhood centers are vital to the development of our community," says Omar Gill. Curaçao deserves better, and giving these centers the priority they need should be a real commitment.