Christmas Speech by Island governor Soliano: Bonaire Must Strengthen Resilience
KRALENDIJK - Lieutenant Governor John Soliano reflected on a year full of challenges but also significant achievements in his Christmas speech. He cited the closure of the Lagoon landfill by the end of 2028 as a major success. He also emphasized the need to strengthen the island’s resilience against the backdrop of rapid global changes.
Soliano called the situation surrounding waste management on the island, particularly the fires and the growing landfill, "complex, urgent and concerning."
"Step by step, we must build a Bonaire that is well-prepared, that is resilient in difficult times, and where cooperation is a core value in addressing challenges."
Focus on Youth and Safety
Another important theme in the address was youth. Soliano praised young people’s achievements in cultural and sporting areas, including the film Padia di Rincón and successes in the Baseball League and local beauty pageants.
At the same time, he reflected on a tragic shooting incident that claimed a young person’s life. This incident deeply affected the community. The lieutenant governor expressed his satisfaction with the swift and strong cooperation between youth partners and neighborhood platforms to provide young people with the necessary support.
Economic and Administrative Steps
On the economic front, Soliano called the transfer of the former Bopec facility to Curoil Bonaire Terminals NV on October 30th a "significant achievement." This transfer, which will include site remediation, provides new momentum and guarantees the island’s energy and fuel security.
Progress has also been made in good governance. Work has been done on revising codes of conduct for governing bodies and the Island Council’s rules of procedure. This should strengthen integrity, transparency, and administrative accountability. In the coming year, a good governance program will lay the foundation for a strong administrative culture and infrastructure.
Call for Solidarity
Finally, Soliano expressed his gratitude to the critical and engaged residents and Selibon employees. He emphasized the vitality of Bonaire’s culture of mutual aid and solidarity, visible in countless fundraising campaigns, donations, and volunteer work.
The lieutenant governor concluded with a call to the population to remain actively engaged and take responsibility for the coming year. "We all have influence on what the coming year will look like. If we use that influence in a positive way and bring it together, we can make 2026 a better year for ourselves, for others, and for Bonaire."
