WILLEMSTAD - The Red Cross Curaçao has taken an important step with the aim of providing assistance to the community in moments of calamity or other (disaster) scenarios. A sizable group of volunteers along with Red Cross board members, managers and staff have gathered at Suffisant, the site that previously housed the organization's major operations center. Everyone can remember how the entire Red Cross was in tears on May 28, 2020 when a severe fire destroyed the entire building. It was at a time when volunteers were in the building making food packages. Food packages that were necessary during the Covid pandemic.
On Sunday, June 12, 2022, the Red Cross Curaçao welcomed Her Excellency the Governor Mrs. Lucille George-Wout and her husband, where they symbolically laid the foundation stone for the construction of the new building to be constructed at the same site.
President of the Red Cross Mr. Alfred Palm in his speech reflected on the fact that it is an organization of volunteers aged 91 (May 18, 1931), with the aim of providing assistance to the community of Curaçao and other surrounding islands in case of emergencies and disasters, such as hurricanes. In addition, the Red Cross provides first aid training for many citizens. At public events, the authorities also stipulate that the Red Cross must be present in case something goes wrong.
An operational center for the Red Cross is of great importance. Taking into account the aspect of modernization, it is important to build a multifunctional building that meets not only the current but also the requirements of the future. Hurricane season has also started and the Red Cross is ready should an emergency arise. Construction will take place in phases and it is planned to start this year, in the third quarter, with a construction period of approximately 18 months. “We are aware that in these times of scarcity and delay of required building materials, the construction period of the building may take a little longer than predicted and expected,” said Palm.
“In our fundraising month last May, the Red Cross asked the community for help through donations. Donations are needed to build a new building here in Suffisant. That is why we now express our thanks to all those who have made a donation to the Red Cross for the construction of our new building. Thank you for your support, although we need much more. Every little bit helps; give from your heart to the Red Cross so that we can continue to offer help. The Red Cross has bank accounts at all local banks, so you can easily make a donation,” said Palm in his speech.
The need for an empty school building
There are many empty school buildings on the island. The Red Cross can refurbish an empty school building itself and can make very good use of it. The Red Cross has made inquiries with people/agencies, but without success. Help the Red Cross in the quest to get hold of an empty school building; it is desperately needed.