Who are we?
The Caribbean Investment Facility (CARIF) is an independent foundation committed to fostering sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative economic development in the Dutch Caribbean.
The Dutch Caribbean consists of six islands: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten located in the Caribbean Sea. These islands are known for their rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and world-class tourism industry, attracting over 1.3 million visitors annually.
Despite their status as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, these islands face structural economic challenges similar to those of developing countries, including:
✅ Disproportionate Climate Risks – The islands are unevenly impacted by climate change, with rising sea levels and extreme weather events threatening ecosystems and infrastructure.
✅ Limited Capital for Entrepreneurs – Young entrepreneurs and innovative businesses struggle to access financing, limiting economic diversification beyond tourism.
✅ Financial Exclusion – Less than 1 in 3 individuals in Curaçao have sufficient financial literacy to access banking services
✅ High Poverty Rates – A significant number of Curaçao’s residents live in poverty, affecting over 46,000 people.
CARIF was established to bridge this gap, act as a pioneer and trailblazer to leveraging proven and innovative development finance structures to mobilize capital, expertise, and networks for long-term sustainable growth.
📌 Our Vision: A thriving, self-sufficient, and climate-resilient Caribbean economy.
📌 Our Mission: To mobilize capital and expertise for regenerative ventures that generate both financial returns, social impact and sustainable growth.