KRALENDIJK - Interest in the new subsidy scheme for historic homes on Bonaire is high. More than fifty homeowners and other interested parties attended an information meeting on Wednesday evening at Sentro Cocari in Rincon. According to organiser Stichting Cocari II, the hall was completely full.
The meeting was organised by Stichting Cocari II and FuHiKuBo. The focus was on a new subsidy scheme through which private homeowners can apply for funding between 1 and 30 September 2026 for the maintenance and restoration of historic homes.
This is a pilot project by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The national government can reimburse approved costs of a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $100,000 per property. A total of $550,000 is available for Bonaire. The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands will assess the applications and is expected to reach a decision in early 2027.
Many questions from homeowners
According to Stichting Cocari II, many questions were raised by the audience during the meeting. These concerned, among other things, which homes are eligible, the costs involved, the condition of the properties, the application procedure and the languages in which information is available.
That interest shows how much Rincon cares about its old homes. It is wonderful that this scheme makes a small contribution to preserving our heritage, says Isabella van den Bussche of Stichting Cocari II.
Listed status not required
Notably, a property does not need to be officially designated as a listed monument to qualify for the subsidy. Other historic homes can also fall within the scheme, as long as the property serves a residential function. The Executive Council of Bonaire must record this in a declaration.
If the total amount of subsidy applications exceeds the available budget, properties in the historic centres of Rincon and Kralendijk will be given priority.
Homeowners must start now
Stichting Cocari II is urging homeowners who wish to submit an application in September not to wait until the last moment. The application requires, among other things, a structural inspection report, a description of works, a budget and a declaration from the Executive Council.
A reimbursement of up to $5,000 per property is available through the National Restoration Fund to cover part of these preparation costs. That amount is paid directly to the structural adviser.
Homeowners who have already started work cannot receive a subsidy for those works. The actual restoration may only begin after the Cultural Heritage Agency has reached a decision.
Homeowners who were unable to attend the meeting can find the information and a short self-check on the website of Stichting Cocari II. With five questions, they can get an initial impression of whether their home may qualify for the scheme.
