Documented Impact

During recent events starting in December 2025, residents of Lagun repeatedly reported smoke and gas emissions originating from Selibon, an uncovered landfill operating without proper permits. Underground fires have been reported at the site for several years. Despite repeated complaints, government authorities—both local and Dutch—have not fully enforced compliance. Several weeks after the December complaints, a major fire occurred, leading to the evacuation of nearby residents. The incident received extensive media coverage, both locally and in the Netherlands.

One affected resident is Dexter, who has lived on Bonaire for 18 years. For the past two years, he has resided in Lagun, near the landfill. During this period, he experienced personal health issues and underwent a medical procedure.

During Dexter’s post-operative recovery, a fire occurred in the area. He was not reached by the evacuation team and therefore did not participate in the organized evacuation. Had he been contacted directly at his home, he would have followed the procedures and moved to shelter. This highlights the importance of direct outreach to residents in the vicinity of emergency incidents.

This case illustrates ongoing challenges in waste management, permit enforcement, and emergency preparedness on Bonaire. While minimal progress has been made, current measures may not fully address the needs of residents in areas affected by landfill-related incidents. The situation underscores the importance of coordinated action by both Dutch and local authorities to improve oversight and emergency response protocols—not only on Bonaire but across Dutch Caribbean islands.

In the accompanying video, Dexter shares his experience in his own words, describing his situation, the challenges he faced during recovery, and his expectations regarding community safety and government action.

[The background music in this video is an instrumental of San’e Isla. Read our previous blog to find out more on that subject.]

Stichting Pro Lagun is committed to improving community safety, emergency preparedness, and environmental oversight in Lagun and across Bonaire. Your support helps us respond quickly to incidents, raise awareness, and advocate for better protection of residents.

If you would like to contribute, please visit our Donations Page. Every donation helps us take action faster and make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.

Thank you for supporting our work and helping us keep our communities safe.