The decision has not been made yet, but they are seriously evaluating. A school of medicine whose principal office is in Canada is interested in renting both Beatrix School and Juliana School in Oranjestad. The Government hopes to finalize its decision in a few weeks. The Canadian school is working on its business plan to prove that it could cover the rent of both buildings. Must also take into consideration that both schools need to be remodeled and face challenges like asbestos.
It’s been a decade since both buildings were last in use. Reina Beatrixschool had many problems with asbestos, and the Government does not have enough funds available to fix the school. One of the challenges is the roof, which would need to be replaced entirely. At Julianaschool, the problems are the columns of the walls that have started to break and cause it to fall. The school was relocated to avoid any severe accidents from happening with students and teachers present.
While the Government is looking for alternatives for the buildings, both schools are still in temporary buildings waiting on either the renovation of their schools or building a new school. The neighborhood fears that these two schools could turn into a living place for homeless people.
People were seen inspecting the schools. Probably to analyze what the reconstruction of the buildings would cost. Also, to analyze the seriousness of the asbestos at the school and the infrastructure of the walls at the other school. This company would have to send the calculations and price estimates so the medical school could consider these in the business plan.
How far these plans are, is still unknown. The fact is that Aruba has become very popular for students who want to start studying medicine in another country. Part of the study is done here in Aruba and the other half at the country of origin. There are different examples of medical schools that have been established on the island, but also in Bonaire and even Saba. These medical universities have brought economic opportunities for our island because students must rent apartments, rent cars during their stay, eat, drink, and contribute to our economy. It has such a significant impact on our economy that it seems as if the government is exploring these options now during the pandemic.
