Belnem
{{Short description|Private community in Bonaire, Netherlands}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Belnem
| other_name =
| image_skyline = Bellafonte in Bonaire (1834766314).jpg
| caption =
| settlement_type =
| pushpin_map = Bonaire
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Bonaire
| pushpin_label_position = left
| coordinates = {{Coord|12.1247|-68.2882|type:city|format=dms|display=inline, title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = Netherlands
| subdivision_type1 = Public body
| subdivision_name1 = Bonaire
| subdivision_type2 =
| subdivision_name2 =
| population_as_of = 2020
| population_total = 881
| population_density_km2 = auto
| established_title = Established
| established_date = 1966
| area_total_km2 =
| area_footnotes =
}}
Belnem is a private community on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire. It is was named after American singer Harry Belafonte and Aruban businessman Maurice Neme. The area was developed as a luxurious private community starting in 1966, with Belafonte and Neme serving as the first directors of the Bel-Nem Caribbean Development Corporation. The community initially consisted of at least 30 houses and a connecting road, and it has since expanded with more residential neighbourhoods being added.
Belnem drew criticism from Bonaire's island council in 1981 due to the resales of land at high prices despite its original discounted sale. Belnem is also known for its proximity to Bachelor's Beach, a popular seaside spot near Flamingo International Airport.
{{As of|2020}}, the population of Belnem was 881.
History
American singer Harry Belafonte often visited Bonaire and expressed his fondness of the Caribbean island.{{cite news|url=https://knipselkrant-curacao.com/tpo-ode-aan-bonaire-een-ongrijpbare-liefde-in-de-caraibische-branding/ |title=Ode aan Bonaire, een ongrijpbare liefde in de Caraïbische branding |website=ThePostOnline via Knipselkrant Curacao|access-date=3 May 2021|language=nl}} Belafonte therefore decided to embark on a joint venture with businessman Maurice Neme of Oranjestad, Aruba, to create a luxurious private community on Bonaire.
The construction of the neighbourhood began on 3 June 1966, and it was named Belnem, a portmanteau of Belafonte and Neme.{{cite news |date=21 April 1981 |title=Belnemproject |url=https://www.delpher.nl/nl/kranten/view?query=belnem&coll=ddd&identifier=ddd:010640638:mpeg21:a0057&resultsidentifier=ddd:010640638:mpeg21:a0057&rowid=3 |access-date=3 May 2021 |website=Amigoe via Delpher.nl |language=nl}} At least 30 houses with a minimum size of 100 square metres and a road connecting the neighbourhood to the road network of Bonaire had to be constructed within a two-year time period.{{cite news|url=https://www.delpher.nl/nl/kranten/view?query=belnem&coll=ddd&identifier=ddd:010640638:mpeg21:a0057&resultsidentifier=ddd:010640638:mpeg21:a0057&rowid=3 |title=Belnemproject|website=Amigoe via Delpher.nl|date=21 April 1981|access-date=3 May 2021|language=nl}}
The neighbourhood is managed by the Bel-Nem Caribbean Development Corporation. Belafonte and Neme served as its first directors.{{cite news|url=https://www.delpher.nl/nl/kranten/view?query=belnem&coll=ddd&page=1&facets%5Bperiode%5D%5B%5D=2%7C20e_eeuw%7C1960-1969%7C1966%7C&identifier=ddd:010462950:mpeg21:a0092&resultsidentifier=ddd:010462950:mpeg21:a0092&rowid=2 |title=Statuten Bel-Nem goedgekeurd|website=Amigoe di Curacao via Delpher.nl|date=29 June 1966|access-date=3 May 2021|language=nl}} Later, other residential neighbourhoods were built in Belnem.{{cite web|url=https://sunwisebonaire.com/nl/blog/de-wijken-en-buurten-van-bonaire/ |title=De wijken en buurten van Bonaire|website=Sunwise Bonaire|date=4 July 2020|access-date=3 May 2021|language=nl}} In 1981, Belnem came under the scrutiny of Bonaire's island council because the land that had been sold to Belnem at a reduced price was being resold at high prices.{{cite news|url=https://www.delpher.nl/nl/kranten/view?query=belnem&coll=ddd&identifier=ddd:010640629:mpeg21:a0026&resultsidentifier=ddd:010640629:mpeg21:a0026&rowid=4 |title=Belnem is doorn in het oog|website=Amigoe via Delpher.nl|date=7 April 1981|language=nl|access-date=3 May 2021}}
Bachelor's Beach
Bachelor's Beach is a small beach near Belnem. It can be accessed via stairs down the {{convert|10|ft}} cliff.{{cite web|url=https://www.tourismbonaire.com/bonaire-beach/bachelors-beach |title=Bachelor's Beach|website=Tourism Bonaire|access-date=3 May 2021}} It is one of the most popular beaches in Bonaire and is located near Flamingo International Airport, with planes passing over the beach.{{cite web|url=https://www.bonairevakantieland.nl/plaats-informatie/bachelors-beach/ |title=Bachelor's Beach|website=Bonaire Vakantieland|access-date=3 May 2021|language=nl}}
Demographics
References
{{Reflist}}
{{commons category|position=left}}
Category:Beaches of the Dutch Caribbean