Evidence-Based Research for the BES Islands

Our Research

Welcome to the research page of Comunidad Cu Vitalidad Bonaire. Here, we share key research findings that support our mission to advance health, economic dignity, and intergenerational resilience across Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.

In line with the constitutional responsibilities of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the global commitments of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), our research contributes to the development of sustainable, evidence-based solutions for healthier island communities—today and for future generations.

Accessible Research Findings

On this page, you will find our research outputs available in PDF format, designed to be easily downloaded, shared, and applied in practice.

We are committed to making our research as accessible as possible for:

  • Government institutions
  • PACO
  • The World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Non-governmental organizations and development partners

Our Target Audience

Our research is relevant for policymakers, public health institutions, and organizations working to improve health and wellbeing across the BES Islands. We aim for our findings to support evidence-based policymaking, strategic planning, and practical interventions that address the unique social, economic, and health challenges faced by island communities.

 

Please use the links below to access our published studies and reports

The report “Chains of the Past” urges the Dutch State to recognize slavery and the slave trade as crimes against humanity and calls for official acknowledgement, apologies, and systemic measures to address their lasting impact on society. It also offers recommendations on research, education, and commemoration. 

This WHO-backed report examines health care in the Caribbean Netherlands, detailing its universal coverage, financing, delivery challenges, and reforms. It highlights unique island contexts, reliance on off-island care, workforce issues, and ongoing efforts to strengthen services and align them with standards in the European Netherlands.

Establishing a realistic social minimum in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba is essential to ensuring dignified living conditions. The report defines the income required for full participation in society and proposes structural reforms to reduce poverty and strengthen long-term economic security.

Demographic change in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba is reshaping society through ageing and migration. The report presents scenarios toward 2050 and advocates “directed growth” to protect broad prosperity, ensure sustainable public services, and strengthen economic and social resilience within small island communities.

Demographic change will significantly shape the Netherlands in the coming decades. The State Commission outlines population scenarios to 2050 and examines the social consequences of ageing and migration, advocating moderate growth to safeguard broad prosperity, social cohesion, and sustainable public services.

Study findings show high rates of overweight and obesity among schoolchildren in Bonaire, linked to unhealthy diets and low physical activity. Results underline the urgent need for prevention strategies focused on promoting healthier eating habits and increased daily activity to curb childhood obesity in Caribbean communities.

Study of schoolchildren on Bonaire found significantly elevated blood pressure in overweight and obese participants compared with normal-weight peers, with obesity strongly linked to hypertension. Findings highlight the urgent need for early detection, regular screening, and interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk in Caribbean youth.