In the Netherlands, the profession of "neighborhood manager" is a well-known role, commonly found in apartment complexes, where each complex has its own person responsible for maintaining a harmonious environment.
In Aruba, FCCA has also implemented this role, although the responsibilities are slightly more limited. However, one person who has dedicated his life to this work is Francisco Rosario “Roo” Maduro, a gentleman who has fulfilled this role for over 20 years, beginning at a time when many would consider it the age for retirement.
Francisco Maduro, now 80 years old, started his journey as a "neighborhood manager" when he got the opportunity at the age of 60. Despite initially being told that due to his age, he couldn’t be hired, a well-known friend advocated for him. This was certainly a good decision, because his first day as a neighborhood manager was the start of an important job for the community of Cura Cabay Zuid."
In his role, Maduro oversees 11 apartment buildings it consists of 121 houses, which include a 'neighborhood office' and a 'police post.'. His main job is to act as a bridge between the residents and FCCA, taking complaints and forwarding them for resolution. But Maduro’s greatest achievement isn’t just the physical part of his job. "We didn’t have police," Maduro commented on moments of conflict among residents. "I would step out of my office and show them that we are adults, we don’t need to fight, but to lend a hand to find peace."
Maduro not only gained the respect of his neighborhood, but also brought peace to situations that could have ended badly. He is a well-known figure, with a big heart and the ability to maintain harmony in the community.
Among the many memories, Maduro shares stories of people from different countries who seek his help, where he has become a trusted person.
For Maduro, his job as a neighborhood manager is a labor that brings him great personal satisfaction. He enjoys it when FCCA workers show him respect and appreciation for what he does. Cura Cabay Zuid, the community Maduro took charge of, is in his heart. According to Maduro, Cura Cabay Zuid is a big part of his life, and he treats the place with the same care as he does his own home.
With 20 years dedicated to FCCA, he has become the eyes and ears of the organization. He takes every detail and information about any issue meticulously and ensures they reach where they need to be. Every morning, he starts his day in the office, checking what needs to be done and attending to the community he has guided with all his love and dedication. “Before, I used to climb all the stairs of all the apartments to check if everything was okay, but now with this age and after having had a stroke, I can’t do that anymore.” However, this doesn’t mean he pays less attention to his work. His dedication is just as strong as it was 20 years ago.
At 80 years old, Francisco Maduro feels that his work is an honor. “You feel special,” he says. For the FCCA community, Maduro is more than a neighborhood manager; he is a mentor, a friend, and a leader in his own way. The people of FCCA and the community always keep him in mind. His presence is undoubtedly a blessing to all who have known him.
Built with Shorthand