WILLEMSTAD – Minister of Social Development, Labour and Welfare Charetti America on Tuesday marked the reopening of the Kas di Bario (neighborhood center) in Dokterstuin, describing the moment as a historic step in bringing government services closer to residents of Bándabou.
The reopening ceremony, held on May 5, 2026, was attended by fellow ministers, government officials, members of the press, and residents of the western region of Curaçao. According to Minister America, the facility restores access to essential services from the Ministry of Social Development, Labour and Welfare (SOAW) after more than a decade.
The neighborhood center in Dokterstuin
In her address, the minister emphasized that government service should go beyond centralized offices in Willemstad and instead reach communities directly. For 11 years, residents of Bándabou faced long travel distances to access basic assistance, creating barriers for families, job seekers, and elderly citizens in need of support.
“With this reopening, that distance disappears,” America said, highlighting that the facility is intended to function not just as an office, but as a community hub.
The Kas di Bario Dokterstuin will offer opportunities for training, awareness, and social development. Residents will be able to access programs aimed at building new skills, strengthening community engagement, and addressing social challenges at a local level. The minister stressed that the goal is to create a welcoming environment where services are delivered efficiently and with dignity.
The event also underscored inter-ministerial cooperation, with the presence of Minister Charles Cooper and representatives from the Ministry of Traffic, Transport and Spatial Planning (VVRP) and Domain Management. Authorities indicated that, in the near future, residents will also be able to handle matters related to land and infrastructure directly within the region.
Minister America called on community organizations, foundations, and volunteers in Bándabou to make active use of the facility. The center’s doors are open for social, cultural, and educational initiatives, with the government encouraging residents to bring forward ideas and projects.
The reopening of the Kas di Bario marks what officials describe as a renewed commitment to decentralizing public services and strengthening community support systems. Authorities say the move places Bándabou more centrally in government attention, ending years of limited access to essential services.
Officials expressed gratitude to the SOAW team for their efforts in making the reopening possible and to residents for their patience and trust during the years the facility remained closed.