WILLEMSTAD - The historic Rif Fort in Otrobanda, nearly 200 years old and originally built to defend the island, is today one of Curaçao’s most popular spots for shopping and dining. In tribute to Alfredo Enrique “Freddy” Berends — hailed by his family as the visionary and pioneer behind the fort’s transformation — a commemorative plaque has been unveiled at the entrance.

In 1978, Berends opened the restaurant Bistro Le Clochard in what was then a dilapidated fort. “His culinary vision attracted visitors, but his greater dream was to turn the fort into a vibrant hub of culture and economic activity. That dream became reality,” the Berends family said during the ceremony.

Today, the Rif Fort is part of Curaçao’s UNESCO World Heritage site and stands as a key historical and tourist landmark. Freddy Berends passed away in 2012, but his legacy endures. The Monument Conservation Foundation (Stichting Monumentenzorg) described him as a true pioneer, while his family expressed hope that future generations will continue to cherish and build upon his vision.