NEWSDESK — CARIBBEAN NETHERLANDS
A new subsidy programme is being introduced across the Caribbean Netherlands to support the preservation of historic homes on Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.
The Dutch government has announced a one-time fund of 1.1 million US dollars, aimed at helping property owners restore and maintain monumental residences. Applications for the subsidy will open in September 2026.
Officials say the initiative addresses long-standing challenges faced by homeowners, including high maintenance costs, limited access to materials, and expensive transportation linked to island living.
The programme will be managed by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands and will focus on homes requiring major restoration. Property owners can receive funding of up to 100,000 US dollars, provided restoration costs exceed 25,000.
Importantly, the scheme also includes buildings that may not yet have official monument status but still hold cultural or historical value.
Authorities say the goal is not only to protect physical structures, but to preserve the identity and heritage of the islands—ensuring that these historic homes continue to reflect the region’s cultural story for future generations.
That’s the latest from across the Caribbean Netherlands. Shout-out to our viewers in Statia, Saba, and Bonaire watching NEWSDESK.
Island fact: Traditional Caribbean homes—especially in Saba and Statia—were often built with elevated foundations and steep roofs, designed to stay cool and withstand strong winds long before modern construction methods.