WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government has officially launched the renovation and expansion of the Barber Fire and Ambulance Station, marking what Justice Minister Shalten Hato described as a major investment in emergency services for the western part of the island.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Hato said the project reflects the government's commitment to providing firefighters and ambulance personnel with modern facilities while improving emergency response for residents of Banda Abou.
The Barber station first opened in 2006 after a former social housing building was converted into a fire station and later expanded to accommodate ambulance services. Initially staffed by volunteer firefighters, the station became a fully staffed 24-hour emergency post in February 2016, serving communities from Malpais to Westpunt.
According to Hato, the existing facility no longer meets the operational requirements of a modern emergency service.
"Times have changed," the minister said. "The way we work has changed, the equipment has changed, and the needs of our personnel have changed. If we want to continue providing the best possible service, we have an obligation to provide the best possible working conditions."
The renovated station will include upgraded workspaces for firefighters and ambulance personnel, improved storage for emergency vehicles and equipment, and facilities designed to increase operational efficiency.
The government expects the project to benefit communities including Barber, Soto, Westpunt, Lagun, Fontein, Grote Berg, and surrounding areas by enabling faster emergency response times and maintaining a strong emergency presence across western Curaçao.
Hato said he expects to return within ten months—or sooner—for the official opening of the renovated station.