WILLEMSTAD – Care institution Bethesda has launched a fundraising campaign this month to finance the construction of a staff canteen, highlighting the lack of basic facilities for healthcare workers on Curaçao.
According to board chair Coryse Barendregt, the initiative is necessary because there is no available budget for essential staff amenities, despite the physically demanding nature of the work carried out daily at the facility.
During a press presentation, Barendregt explained that employees—who are responsible for tasks such as washing, feeding and assisting elderly residents—currently have no dedicated space to rest or take breaks.
The planned project involves renovating an existing space on the Bethesda premises into a fully equipped canteen. The work includes replacing flooring, installing a kitchen, adding sanitary facilities and furnishing the space. The total cost is estimated at approximately 150,000 guilders.
So far, around 30,000 guilders have been raised, leaving a shortfall of about 120,000 guilders.
The organization is calling on the community and private sector for support, with donations accepted both in cash and in kind. Companies are being encouraged to contribute materials or services, while efforts are also underway to raise funds through digital payments and the Curaçaoan diaspora in the Netherlands.
Barendregt emphasized that the project goes beyond infrastructure. “It is a gesture of appreciation for the people who do this demanding work every day,” she said. “They deserve a place where they can sit, eat and catch their breath before continuing their duties.”
The campaign reflects broader concerns about working conditions in the healthcare sector, where staff shortages and increasing workloads continue to put pressure on caregivers.