WILLEMSTAD – More than 100 Dutch military engineers have arrived in Curaçao and Aruba for the annual Caribbean Engineer exercise, a three-week training program that combines construction work under tropical conditions with community support projects.

The soldiers, part of the Dutch Army’s construction engineering corps, will put their technical skills to the test by working on both defense facilities and community projects. This year, a key focus is supporting Fundashon Futuro Brillante on Curaçao, where they will help build additional classrooms.

In addition to community projects, the engineers are upgrading several military sites. Their tasks include extending a boat ramp at Parera Naval Base, renewing guard posts at Wacao, and installing a roof at the Daou shooting range to allow year-round training in all weather conditions.

Strengthening Skills and Communities

The Caribbean Engineer exercise is designed not only to train soldiers in construction work under challenging climates but also to make a lasting contribution to local communities. In previous years, Dutch engineers built a watchtower for Carmabi at Shete Boka National Park, a flamingo observation platform in Hermanus nature reserve, and carried out upgrades at Kolegio Chaya Willems school.

By combining professional training with social projects, the program strengthens ties between the Dutch military and the communities of Curaçao and Aruba. The projects aim to leave a positive legacy for residents while ensuring soldiers gain practical experience in demanding environments.