Belnem | |
|---|---|
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  Belnem Location in Bonaire | |
| Coordinates: 12°07′29″N 68°17′18″W / 12.1247°N 68.2882°W | |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Public body | Bonaire |
| Established | 1966 |
| Population (2020)[1] | |
| • Total | 881 |
Belnem is a private community on the island of Bonaire. It is luxurious neighbourhood named after Harry Belafonte and Maurice Neme. Construction of Belnem started on 3 June 1966.[2]
Harry Belafonte often visited and liked the Caribbean island of Bonaire.[3] Belafonte together with Maurice Neme of Oranjestad, Aruba embarked on a joint venture to create a luxurious private community on Bonaire.[4]
On 3 June 1966, the construction of the neighbourhood started which was named Belnem after Belafonte and Neme. At least 30 houses with a minimum size of 100 m2 and a road connecting the neighbourhood to the road network of Bonaire had to be constructed within a two-year time period.[4] The neighbourhood is managed by the Bel-Nem Caribbean Development Corporation. Belafonte and Neme served as its first directors.[5] Later, other residential neighbourhoods were built in Belnem.[6] In 1981, Belnem came under scrutiny by the Island Council, because the land which had been sold to Belnem at a reduced price was being sold on at high prices.[7]
Bachelor's Beach is a small beach near Belnem. It can be accessed via stairs down the 10 feet (3.0 m) cliff.[8] It is one of the most popular beaches and is located near Flamingo International Airport with planes passing over the beach.[9]
