By jan van der List (BonaireTalker - Post #20) on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 4:10 pm: |
I just had a call from the prosecutor Mr. Ernst Wesselius. He wanted to put a message in Bonaire talk and found out that he needs a username etc.
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By Kay Powers (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #878) on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 4:13 pm: |
Thanks for taking the time to post this.....It's a good feeling to know that suspects have been arrested and hopefully brought to justice.
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By Jake Richter (Moderator - Post #5238) on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 5:09 pm: |
Jan,
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By Jack burns (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 5:27 pm: |
jan: you are the bearer of wonderful news. Thank you for taking time to give us the real story.
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By C Poteet (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #237) on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 5:37 pm: |
Jan -
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By Randy P (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #239) on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 5:38 pm: |
I went and posted a link to this information on the Rodale's website in a posting that earlier mentioned the arrest.
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By Carl Pflanzer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #129) on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 5:53 pm: |
Randy,
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By Phil Denton (BonaireTalker - Post #74) on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 6:51 pm: |
Wish we had the same degree of urgency and responsiveness here in Gainesville. Fla.pd
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By jan van der List (BonaireTalker - Post #21) on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 7:14 pm: |
Hi Charles
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By Josie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #969) on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 7:37 pm: |
I'm VERY glad to get this information --- NOW, I'm hoping that punishment will be both swift and appropriate, not a slap on the wrist. I trust we'll be kept informed.
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By C Poteet (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #238) on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 8:14 pm: |
Jan -
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By Ron Myers (BonaireTalker - Post #49) on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 8:27 pm: |
Extra $ were contributed to the reward fund. Were these $ of any help in turning in those responsible for the crime? Did the reward of $5000 help in the apprehension of the thugs? If so, a funded reward may be one answer.
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By Fiona Rattray (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #278) on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 9:43 pm: |
C Poteet: already done!
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By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4258) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 12:23 am: |
I just sent off an email, as well. Thanks to all who worked hard to arrest these people. We hope there is a swift conviction and a long detainment, as well.
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By michael gaynor (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1821) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 8:37 am: |
Just sent off a note to the prosecutor. Seems like a good idea also to let the Lt. Gov. know how relieved the international community is.
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By C Poteet (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #239) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 8:44 am: |
Michael -
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By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #205) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 9:09 am: |
The e-mails from the lt. Governor as well as from the tourism deputy and R.Booi, who is member of the central parlament and the political leader of Bonaire you can find at
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By C Poteet (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #240) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 12:30 pm: |
Brigitte -
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By Marlene Robinson (BonaireTalker - Post #14) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 9:01 pm: |
I also have sent a letter to the prosecutor, and I want to thank Jake once again for founding this forum.
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By Israel A. Sanchez (BonaireTalker - Post #84) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 9:39 pm: |
Just sent my letter! I'm sure all the positive words and the praise are bringing a smile to his face and giving him courage to see justice done. Thank you all. Coach Izzy
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By George Blanchard (BonaireTalker - Post #20) on Sunday, October 31, 2004 - 6:14 pm: |
I too just sent a message. I hope his office is overwhelmed with responses thanking him for his open communication.
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By Josie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #970) on Sunday, October 31, 2004 - 11:07 pm: |
Mine went yesterday. I really hope these messages show them the level of interest we have in their doing an effective policing job!
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By The Ginocchio's @ Golden Reef Inn (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #388) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 9:21 am: |
So did mine Josie, et al. I just hope many voices do matter.
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By Debbie Babcock (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #249) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 10:35 am: |
I sent mine as well. Thanks for the information on email addresses. Let's hope this makes a difference in the future. Debbie
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By Dennis Wightman (BonaireTalker - Post #43) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 3:25 pm: |
Just sent a note of gratitude to the prosecutor. I really believe that without this group we would not have such positive results-thanks Jake and Linda!!-again, where would we be without you??
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By Jake Richter (Moderator - Post #5245) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 4:22 pm: |
Not sure where you'd be, Dennis :-)
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By Kelly (Lott) Baum (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1956) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 4:45 pm: |
Some people are idiots. You and Linda have done such a great thing for the island. If those people are reading this, we will NOT be dissuaded. We will keep doing what we are doing, and try to make (keep) Bonaire a safe place for visitors as well as the residents.
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By The Ginocchio's @ Golden Reef Inn (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #389) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 5:00 pm: |
Jake,
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By Gary Long (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #103) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 5:40 pm: |
Jake, if I remember right a few had full-time jobs, maybe they worked for those local business people. See you later this month.
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By Ann Phelan (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1570) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 5:46 pm: |
Is the preference to keep the problem "quiet" so it goes away? I think positive energy and a team approach / working together works better. And look at all who are now writing POSITIVES to thank the officials..there is a nice balance here..I also appreciate Brigitte keeping us posted on the other side of the news front in SXM and other publications.
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By Denise Kacavas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #868) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 5:50 pm: |
Ha, true example of shoot the messenger :-)
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By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #207) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 7:04 pm: |
Jake, I don't think there are that many people on Bonaire anymore who want to keep the head in the sand and have comments like "don't wash dirty laundry in public" --- I remember the time 6 to 4 years ago very well , and there were a lot of comments (some rather rude) 4 years ago when Marion and I organized the signature collection (more than 2000 in 1 week) ... and than only 4 months later there was the protest march organized by the buisiness association (more than 5000 people) ... I really think by now most people understood, and let's forget about the others, some people will never learn.
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By Dennis Wightman (BonaireTalker - Post #44) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 8:58 pm: |
Jake-you know the old saying "no good deed goes unpunished" so anytime you do wonderful things in any society there will be the irrational backlash of those who want total control-I believe they call that fascism-thank goodness Bonaire is an open society-you just don't realize how much "power of the press" you now wield-of course that is a threat-unfortunatley lots of folks like to operate in darkness and because you shed such a bright light the little rodents are exposed-keep up the wonderful, important work you do for all of us please!-if not for you we would have learned as much as we did about Bonaire,would not have visited the island, bought a home there, spread the word about our favorite place or spent lots of U.S dollars there-and I'm sure we are just a sample of the longe range positive effect of this group on Bonaire and all of us who love it.
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By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #584) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 9:09 pm: |
Perhaps the nay-sayers should realize that many people including Eva and I came to Bonaire the first time because of BT. After Eva got certified we began looking for a place to vacation and I had basically settled on St. Kitts and Nevis but was having difficulty finding information. I lurked and read on BT for a half a year. The site for St. Kitts was just a little e-bulletin board.
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #12558) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 9:29 pm: |
Wally, ditto for us...found out about Bonaire from BT. Of course, some people are generally going to blame and point fingers first (and in this case, totally incorrect), before they sing praises and thanks. I wonder if "they" ever think about all of the good things that Jake and Linda have done for Bonaire (and have thanked them for them), for example, not only bringing tourists to the island through BT and the cams (thanks Dan and Faith too)...and for SupportBonaire.org, and all of the money and time BT'ers have donated to organizations on Bonaire...for instance:
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By Debbie Babcock (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #254) on Tuesday, November 2, 2004 - 8:43 am: |
Jake and Linda,
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By Louise Rozario (BonaireTalker - Post #13) on Tuesday, November 2, 2004 - 11:02 pm: |
I've added my e-note to the prosecutor. I'm very glad to hear about this step in the right direction. Thanks to all of you who help!
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By Tom Cousino (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1175) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 11:43 am: |
I e-mailed the prosecutor as well.
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By Israel A. Sanchez (BonaireTalker - Post #88) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 4:50 pm: |
Tom, nothing beats getting informed before visiting new areas. As lamentable as this situation is, I hope the victims admit that they were at fault as much as the crooks and don't come crying "someone should've informed us!" Thanks for keeping it objective. Coach Izzy
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By Susanf (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1018) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 4:51 pm: |
Another indication that there's more that needs to be done: according to today's Bonaire Reporter (the news reached them as they went to press), Raja Daou and his wife (owner of Garden Cafe) were attacked and robbed by three men on Tuesday evening, November 2nd, after closing time.
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By Kelly (Lott) Baum (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1972) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 5:00 pm: |
Izzy, I hope you mean the theft from the vehicle and not the subject of this thread. I'm sure we agree that those victims were in no way at fault. Certainly, we can all take precautions to safeguard ourselves, families and valuables; however, when criminals do strike, it is in no way the fault of the victim. While I certainly agree that at times people sure do make it easier for the criminals, no fault should be placed on the crime victims.
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By Belinda Z (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #207) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 5:04 pm: |
Ahem
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By Belinda Z (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #208) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 5:07 pm: |
Kelly,
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By Kelly (Lott) Baum (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1973) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 5:12 pm: |
Belinda, I work with domestic violence victims, (and used to be a rape crisis intervention specialist), and if I hear one more time today "it was my fault and I want to drop charges" I'm going to SCREAM! Good Grief people !
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By Belinda Z (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #209) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 5:22 pm: |
WOW Kelly,
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By Kelly (Lott) Baum (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1974) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 5:24 pm: |
Belinda... please, I'm blushing. lol
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By Denise Kacavas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #880) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 5:36 pm: |
Susan ... thanks for the update Denise
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By Kay Powers (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #880) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 5:50 pm: |
Susan,
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By Kelly (Lott) Baum (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1975) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 5:54 pm: |
I can't believe another attack. If/when anyone gets details, if you could post them, I know we would all appreciate it.
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #12565) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 6:28 pm: |
I am really really really sorry to hear about this. I'm glad I have until January to pull the plug on our March trip. If we weren't taking the kids, it would be a no brainer...but I can't take any chances with them...very sad indeed.
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By Israel A. Sanchez (BonaireTalker - Post #89) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 6:38 pm: |
Kelly & Belinda, (Belinda more than Kelly) Please do read what is posted there. I'm emphasizing here "GETTING INFORMED". Belinda, your example is completely irrelevant to the situation. Please READ (not just glance) before jumping the gun! A better analogy would be "Diving into the pool without finding out how deep it is". Leaving your purse in your car makes you responsible? Let's see... If you were to park in the projects in Paterson, well, then what do you think? If you park in your neighborhood... then you assume that you are safe! Same with the impertinent sexy clothes analogy... where did that come from anyway??? And how does that excuse criminals? How did I justify such behavior? Were you even thinking before posting that sour, emotional reply? If you want to debate, that's fine. I do enjoy a good debate in which both parties present appurtenant arguments, however, I saw none of that in your reply. Kelly, in this case, I believe that Tom & Smack are victims. Even with the precautions they took, mundane objects were taken. Now as far as the other victims, the ones who left valuables in a locked vehicle, when ALL of us know what will happen, with warning stickers in rentals.. Well, isn't there a lot of info available? Would you say that they did a thorough research and really took all the necessary precautions? My referring to the "Not my fault, nobody informed us" was more for an older posting in which the poster did something similar, and posted in all caps, blaming everyone else, and failing to take responsibility for their lack of info. THAT IS MY POINT! If you do not agree, that is fine, I welcome your opinions as long you argue with good analysis rather than emotions. Thanks and good health. Coach Izzy
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By Israel A. Sanchez (BonaireTalker - Post #90) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 6:48 pm: |
Cynde, I know exactly how you feel. My wife and I had decided to skip the island for a while, but after much discussion we decided to return. We still don't quite know yet when. It was hard, but then again, it is only the two of us. With kids, that's a whole different sport. Like I said previously, we will take the same precautions that saw us safe in January, perhaps even more this time. Hopefully things will be improved. I like to be optimistic, but I'm more on the realistic side, so we won't let our guards down. There are quite a few people to whom we are grateful and we'd love to see again, not to mention how we love the unique atmosphere of Bonaire. Good luck! Coach Izzy
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By Susanf (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1019) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 6:50 pm: |
Coach Izzy,
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By Kelly (Lott) Baum (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1976) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 6:57 pm: |
I don't think that anyone is less of a victim than someone else, merely because they failed to take the precautions of a reasonable person. I agree, I wouldn't leave my purse in the car at a dive site in Bonaire. I just don't believe that someone would be less of a victim because they DID leave their purse in their car. I don't think, personally, that one person is less of a victim than another because of failed (or lack of) precautionary measures. A victim is a victim. Can we make it more difficult for the criminal to steal from us? Certainly! But (IMHO) it isn't the responsibility of the general public to keep crimes from happening. I'm afraid I'm not being very articulate here... I hope somewhere in that jumble of words, you can understand my point. I understand yours, I just don't agree with it. ;)
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By Belinda Z (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #210) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 7:01 pm: |
Hey Izzy,
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By Kelly (Lott) Baum (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1977) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 7:07 pm: |
I guess what I'm trying to say is that at least from a legal standpoint, there are rarely, if ever, mitigating factors when it comes to sentencing a defendant. If you did it, and you are found guilty, it will not come into play that the person left their purse in a locked (or unlocked for that matter) vehicle. There is never a point when the defendant can say, "but Judge, she left the purse RIGHT THERE for me to steal it". You steal it, you are the defendant. If you own the purse, you are the victim. Yes, it is an extreme analogy, but if you rape, you are the rapist. You do not have the right to say "but your Honor, she was wearing a short skirt, you should have seen it!".
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By Israel A. Sanchez (BonaireTalker - Post #91) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 7:10 pm: |
Kelly! BRAVO!! I love your reply and I DO respect your opinion. I believe our approaches differ based on our life experiences. Incidentally, I forgot to commend you for the labor that you do. In those cases against human dignity, I support you 100% that ALL are victims. You deal with that sort of thing everyday and that makes you more sensible. In my field, I deal daily with people who want to blame everyone else for their sorry state of health and physical being, yet do very little about it. I have learned to be VERY direct, but respectful, and as much as it shocks people the first time, they know I don't lie to them. Thanks again for your intelligent reply, best of luck, and may your higher power grant you the mental endurance that you need to provide the victims with the compassion and support they need. Respectfully, Coach Izzy
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #12566) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 7:21 pm: |
Kelly, thanks for the granola
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By Israel A. Sanchez (BonaireTalker - Post #92) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 7:50 pm: |
Hey Belinda! I agree with you 100%. NOBODY has the right to touch your stuff... EVER... NOBODY has the right to lay a finger on you... EVER, and yes, punishing the criminals properly would deter crime. Unfortunately, in the real world, ALL legal systems are tangled-up in bureaucracy, and trying to bring justice to victims usually brings more grief to them than any sense of justice. I also agree that it is sad the houses bear the bars that should be in front of the criminal's faces. However, and this is were we disagree, facilitating a crime due to unawareness, which could've been prevented... two wrongs don't make a right. In this world where we live, we unfortunately are better-off being on the cautious side as opossed to just letting go. Belinda, I will conclude this by saying that we have different points of view, but I respect your convictions. You have every right to voice your opinion (as you just eloquently did) and so I. The catastrophic failure that the Bonaire PD has been until recently, it's just one more reason to take even more precautions than before. Thank you and good health. Coach Izzy
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By seb schulherr (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1741) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 8:19 pm: |
I think punishing criminals is a really dumb idea. I think having criminals make restitution to people for their transgressions makes much more sense.
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By Israel A. Sanchez (BonaireTalker - Post #93) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 8:36 pm: |
EASY Seb! I don't think there's a need to address opinions with the derogatory "dumb" moniker. You don't agree that's fine. There are many approaches. I for one favor punishment, preferably delivered by yours truly. However that's unrealistic and will get me in as much trouble as the perpetrator (the self-defense argument does not hold much anymore unfortunately) So I will let the Justice (snicker) system do its thing. Since you brought it up, how would you make criminals provide with restitutions? Fines? Community Service? Most criminals (the ones implied here anyway) wouldn't be able to give back anything.. No disrespect, just curious. Good luck! Coach Izzy
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By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4275) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 8:54 pm: |
Susan, thanks for the info on Raja and his wife. My head is shaking back and forth....hopefully we will have more information on this attack. This is horrible.
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By Israel A. Sanchez (BonaireTalker - Post #96) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 9:16 pm: |
Carol, I just read Al's posting and I could not believe it either. I will not elaborate more until more facts are available. Once again, my sentiments to the poor victims who were only earning their honest daily bread. Coach Izzy
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By Susanf (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1020) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 10:36 pm: |
Al? Who's Al? I posted about Raja about 22 posts up. It happened last night (Tuesday) and had a small insert in the Bonaire Reporter, due to it's being late-breaking news.
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By seb schulherr (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1743) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 10:38 pm: |
Izzy, punishment would be great if it had any beneficial effect. In the US, many violent criminals are released so non violent drug offenders can be kept in jail for their federally required mandatory sentences. I wasn't calling anyones opinion dumb, I was calling the whole idea of criminal punishment is a failed solution.
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By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #208) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 11:36 pm: |
I don't know how to copy a pdf file, so just a link
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By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #206) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 7:55 am: |
We just returned from Bonaire on Sunday. We are currently scheduled to return in April. Prior to my departure I came down on the side of going to Bonaire regardless of the criminal activity I was reading about on Bonaire Talk - I refused to yield to thugs and still do. This trip was no different than any other. We did not feel anymore threatened now than we did 4 years ago when we started our yearly trips to Bonaire. I spent some time in the Lost Penguin last Saturday discussing this situation with a couple of locals. They were taken aback that there were people who were willing to either cancel their trips or not schedule a trip at all to Bonaire because of the crime situation. They couldn't understand why people would do this to Bonaire when this sort of crime happens just about everywhere; they argued that, yeah, it happened but it was rare on Bonaire compared to many other places. I agreed with them. We followed the well known security procedures on our vehicles and equipment and noone bothered us. I may have my head in the sand but I can tell you that that sand is gonna be in Bonaire!! The countdown to April has begun!!
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By J.J zambrano mazzei (BonaireTalker - Post #71) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 9:38 am: |
marcus....I`m agree with you, yesterday I went to curacao and at the bonairexel airlines offices two italian travellers canceled a trip to Bonaire because the crime situation, the crime is everywhere in the world but as you said "it happened but it was rare on Bonaire compared to many other places".
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By Daniel Senie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #350) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 10:30 am: |
Marcus, my response to you and to the locals is the same as a comment I made about the difficulty travelling to Bonaire:
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By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #209) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 10:36 am: |
You mean they stayed on Curacao because it is saver there??? What a joke !!!! Last week end on Curacao 3 murders, 3 armed robberies, 7 atrakos, 1 rape and nobody has any idea how many break ins .... and these figures are more or less the same every week end ....
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By Mary Mueller (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3345) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 10:37 am: |
Susan - Thanks for posting the info on the attack of Raja and his wife. I will look at the reporter to get more information.
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By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #207) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 10:49 am: |
Daniel: That's my point. I didn't expirience any of the stress you are refering to while I was on Bonaire last week; therefore, I encourage others not to cancel or avoid Bonaire based on what they are reading on Bonaire Talk - Find out for yourself.
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By Harrie Cox (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #141) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 12:54 pm: |
Some news about the attack on Raja and Esperanza.
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By Kelly (Lott) Baum (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1982) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 12:59 pm: |
Harrie, thank you so much for that information. Good for her for not letting her purse go! I know we are taught to let them take whatever they want, since resisting can get you hurt worse, but you just don't know what you will do until you are faced with that situation. One thing I have read though and want to pass along is that when someone tries to grab your purse, you are supposed to throw it away from you, and then when they go for the purse, run like heck in the opposite direction. Like I said, it's hard to know what you'll do in any given situation, but I thought I'd just throw that out there. Sometimes our survival is dependent on a split-second decision.
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By Mary Mueller (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3347) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 1:17 pm: |
Harrie - thanks for updating us.
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By seb schulherr (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1752) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 1:45 pm: |
Anybody know if pepper spray or mace is legal on Bonaire?
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By Israel A. Sanchez (BonaireTalker - Post #97) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 3:42 pm: |
What a brave, brave person. Refusing to yield to thugs means that the people are already getting fed-up with the situation, and Esperanza showed a lot of courage. Like Kelly says, None of us knows how we will react when faced with similar circumstances, but I will take my hat off to Esperanza and wish her a prompt recovery. The police also seems to be taking the right steps. Thank you Harry for the report. Coach Izzy
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By Israel A. Sanchez (BonaireTalker - Post #98) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 3:44 pm: |
Harrie, I just misspelled your name in my previous post. D'oh! My apologies. Coach Izzy
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By Carl Pflanzer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #130) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 4:00 pm: |
Please give the best from Carl and Patty to Esperanza. She and Raja and the crew at Garden are some of our favorite people on Bonaire, very genuine and sincere. We eat there at least twice per trip and usually spend hours talking with them after the place closes. Very sad to hear about this story. Crime hits even harder when you know the people involved.
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #12569) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 4:18 pm: |
Harrie, thank you for the update. Please tell Esperanza that we wish her a speedy recovery, and that the police catch these guys/gals.
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By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #210) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 7:10 pm: |
There is in the Amigoe from today the information that Bonaire is going to have a coordinator for security working directly under the lt.Governor. Prevention of crime and drugs is his first duty. His name is Sharlon Willems and he as the professional education and experience from living and working in Holland. Part of the job will be the implementation of police presence in the different barios of Bonaire, as was said in the raport de Windt ( my comment: I think this was 4 years ago). With this action Bonaire wants to take the prevention in its own hands but will still depend for crime repression on police and justice
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By Marabeth Owens (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #338) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 7:23 pm: |
I just love www.freetranslation.com. I can take your article, paste it, translate from Dutch to English and then make the best out of it. My Dutch leaves much to be desired.
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By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #211) on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 7:46 pm: |
Marabeth please do so, I have no idea how that works - my translation is just the most important points in short version
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By Marabeth Owens (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #341) on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 11:23 am: |
Actually Brigitte your translation is much better than what happens with freetranslation.com. That just puts more details but reads the way the words are written. Since you are multi-lingual you know that how sentences are put together in languages differ - red sweater in English is sweater of red in Spanish, etc. but alas freetranslation would put sweater of red. But at least you can get the gist of what is being said.
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By Harrie Cox (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #143) on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 2:17 pm: |
We had dinner at Garden Cafe, yesterday. Food was good as usual, as was the service. Esperanza was back in the kitchen with one hand in bandages. She is doing OK, and has lots to tell about the attack. I gave her the best wishes of all the BT'ers and Carl, Patty & Cynde in special. Not more details available, life is going on again.
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #12573) on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 2:39 pm: |
Harrie, thank you for the update, and for relaying a speedy recovery to Esperanza. To have this happen, and then to have the phone calls to her, I can only imagine how she is coping and dealing...VERY disturbing indeed. I wish I could give her a big hug, and kick those bass tards right where it counts!
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By monique van berge henegouwen (BonaireTalker - Post #27) on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 5:28 pm: |
Here is the English version from Amigoe:
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By Harrie Cox (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #144) on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 5:46 pm: |
Thanks for the translation, Monique, I was just about to post a translation, but yours was earlier.
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By Harrie Cox (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #145) on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 6:07 pm: |
For people living on Bonaire:
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By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #213) on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 6:27 pm: |
I have not seen the Bonaire Reporter, so I don't know where this info about 10 Marechaussees coming to Bonaire is coming from. The last news about it was in the Extra last week Friday I think. Big articel from the head of the customs and a big one from the DA ... they want also 10 Marechaussees, but only Hato, the airport in Curacao, will get 10. And they find that not right, as there are also 2 flights daily to from South America to Amsterdam via Bonaire. And nothing sice in any of the local news papers.
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By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #214) on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 9:27 pm: |
Big article in Prensa and Extra about the crime meeting from Wednesday. The headline in both :The work of the police lets much to desire!
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By Harrie Cox (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #146) on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 10:19 pm: |
Hi Cynde,
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By Carl Pflanzer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #131) on Saturday, November 6, 2004 - 10:37 am: |
I'll bring my steel tipped boots. :-) I still like the idea of towing them out to sea in a
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By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4285) on Saturday, November 6, 2004 - 12:46 pm: |
I'm with you, Carl! Carole
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #12576) on Saturday, November 6, 2004 - 3:04 pm: |
Harrie, you got it...Carl, can I borrow your boots? I think it would make much more of an "impact."
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By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #216) on Saturday, November 6, 2004 - 3:55 pm: |
I think the idea of the meeting was to get info out what has happend in the passed months even years ... and healing through talking .... the meeting Monday is supposed to be more orientated on the practical side ... what can you do to protect yourself, who can be held responsible, what can we do in the future
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #12578) on Saturday, November 6, 2004 - 4:08 pm: |
Brigitte, thank you for the clarification of the purpose of the meeting. My sincere thoughts go out to everyone, and as I stated before, that things will start moving in a positive direction.
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By Harrie Cox (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #149) on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 3:10 pm: |
An update upon (the attack on) Esperanza from Garden Cafe.
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By Kelly (Lott) Baum (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2009) on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 3:45 pm: |
Maybe we all need to email the prosecutor again? Just a thought. This is such an outrage.
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By Debbie Babcock (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #336) on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 3:58 pm: |
I'm with Kelly, here. If Esperanza knows the identity of one of those boys, what on earth is the problem since she was the one attacked and she can i.d. the boy? Sounds like a no brainer for the police, yet, they still sit on their hands? There has been a crime, money stolen, and she knows the i.d. of one of them. So, now what, if you have a child who steals and parents work for the government, it is o.k. to look the other way? What if that boy decides he can use a gun next time, nothing will happen because of who his parents are? Real bad message being sent out there, that's what I see. His parents should make him return the money as well. Shame on Bonaire Police, again. This is truly a shame.
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #12600) on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 6:29 pm: |
Harrie, thanks for the update...I say an email campaign is in order again...I don't have a lot of time to search now, but does anyone remember the thread that Brigitte posted all of the addresses?
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By kari siami (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 6:45 pm: |
Cindy:
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By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #217) on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 6:52 pm: |
please add one more papiamento news paper to that
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By Israel A. Sanchez (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #101) on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 8:25 pm: |
What a disgraceful, corrupt, and doubtlessly nepotistic government that must be! What a shame! My thoughts go to Esperanza! Carl's idea of a leaky boat is starting to sound better by the minute! Coach Izzy
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By Silvia Taurer (BonaireTalker - Post #12) on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 8:39 pm: |
I think it is an excellent idea, to put more media pressure onto it. But on the other side, I dont want to see Esperanza in any danger.
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By Harrie Cox (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #150) on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 3:13 pm: |
About the meeting monday-evening with disturbed Bonairians led by Michael Bijkerk.
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By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4307) on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 4:40 pm: |
Thank you for your input and updates, Harrie. It sounds like a very frustrating evening and very frustrated residents, as well. I hope someone can come up with a "solution" to the issues at hand. Thank you again, Harrie...Ayo. Carole
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By Brigitte Kley - Coco Palm Garden (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #218) on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 7:11 pm: |
It sure was a frustrating evening ... and honestly seen the past of Michael Bijkerk, I am not sure that it was the right person to invite to anwser questions. I have no idea who organized the evening and why MB was invited. His ideas always have been rather outside reality - about 15 years ago he was for weeks on a hunger strike, because police alledgely acted with to much brutality - I know nothing about that subject, I was too short on the island than, than he worked a short while as a lawer on Bonaire and than he went for quite a number of years to Holland. He is back on Bonaire for not that long a time.
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