The cover of the book "Steve Takes a Stand".
PHILIPSBURG--Twelve literary projects across St. Maarten Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao will receive a total of 347,063 euros in funding through the Caribe Literature Scheme of the Dutch Foundation for Literature.
The grants are part of the first funding round of 2026 under a scheme through which literary creators and cultural organisations in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom have been able to apply for funding since 2024.
Among the recipients are writer Olga Buckley and the organisations De Cultuur Kameleon Foundation, Biblioteka Públiko Boneiru and Epic Center Foundation.
On St. Maarten, Epic Center Foundation received funding for the translation and publication of the children's novel Steve Takes a Stand by author Ralph Cantave in Papiamentu and Dutch, including a book tour. Set in the 1960s, the historical children's novel explores bullying, self-confidence and intergenerational dialogue. The book will be followed by a tour across Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Epic Center Foundation also received funding for reading and writing workshops, including certification, for primary school pupils on St. Maarten.
Cantave said the support would help bring St. Maarten’s story to children through literature.
“St. Maarten has a story worth telling, and every child in the Dutch Kingdom deserves to see themselves and learn about how we relate though different in the books they read,” Cantave said.
“With the support of the Dutch Foundation for Literature, we can bring that story to life in Papiamentu and Dutch. The support also contributes to a safe and engaging learning space by giving the children who need it most an opportunity to find their voice through reading and writing.”
In Aruba, author and translator Olga Buckley received funding for an anthology of her poems and a three-part book series for young readers. The series focusses on divorce from the perspectives of three different age groups.
Buckley said the books could give children a place to recognise and validate their experiences.
“I believe it is incredibly important that children, who are often part of such a turbulent and emotional event as a divorce but usually have little say in it, have a place where they can find recognition and validation for the emotions, questions and experiences they may have. If, under certain circumstances, they cannot always find that support from an adult, hopefully a novel can help guide them through the process.”
In Bonaire, Biblioteka Públiko Boneiru will use its funding for a reading promotion project centred on Zachter dan zout by author Nancy Bosmans.
The picture book will be translated into Papiamentu and distributed among primary school pupils. The project also includes a book launch, exhibition, excursion to the salt flats and accompanying performance.
Jakeema Hernandez, Youth & Education Project Coordinator, said the project would bring together literature, language, heritage and art.
“With ‘Zachter dan Zout’, we bring together literature, language, heritage and art for young children on Bonaire. By translating Nancy Bosmans’ picture book into Papiamentu and distributing copies among primary school pupils, children gain access to a story that reflects their own language, environment and history.”
In Curaçao, De Cultuur Kameleon Foundation received support for The Journey of the Troupial, a multilingual picture book by author and illustrator Kati Qui for children aged four to six.
The story follows a curious troupial bird travelling from the centuries-old synagogue in Willemstad and collecting stories, objects and experiences along the way.
The book will be published in Papiamentu, Dutch and English and accompanied by a puppet theatre performance and educational activities for young children. The project is linked to the Curaçao Jewish Museum.
Yvonne Willemsen, educational specialist and curriculum developer, said, “It’s wonderful to introduce even young children to heritage sites such as the centuries-old synagogue in Willemstad. By turning it into an imaginative story, that history comes to life for them.”
The Caribe Literature Scheme aims to ensure that original stories, poems and literary performances from and about the islands are widely read and heard, with particular attention to expanding the availability of literature in Papiamentu and Papiamento.
The scheme will reopen on September 7, at 9:00 a.m. Caribbean time and remain open until the available budget has been reached.
