Just got back on Wed. the 10th had a wonderful time.The water was more than delicious; the weather was hot but early and late in the day are always great.
Am writing an article -"Bonaire Spells Relief" for for a local paper. I want to help introduce Bonaire to a wider group of prospective visitors.If you would like to see it maybe add your comments and pictures and submit it to your local paper let me know and i'll send it to you.
George is going to use part of it in the Bonaire Reporter. Phil

Phil, I am glad to hear that you had a great time. I was there in September two years ago and I remember how hot the days were and how delightful the evening air would feel. I always live in the water during the day anyway, so the heat never bothered me! I think that is great that you are writing that article! I would love to read a copy of it. Thanks

I would rather not see more divers or visitors in Bonaire. If you invite them, they will come. That includes all of the cattle boat divers and reef crashers. Bonaire is growing as a divers paradise, but what kind of divers do we want there? It may help the economy but at what price? I would hate to see Bonaire become the next Cozumel!

Yeah, I tell everybody it's a desert island with no people and nothing to recommend it. I suggest they all go to Florida.

They tell me Sept. is when the winds die down, I didn't notice when we were there two years ago. Of course, we were slightly stressed at that time.

Seb, I've been there in September...it was still hot!

I think we all feel a little bit "protective" of Bonaire and share the same feelings of not wanting anyone else to discover it, but it's hard for folks not to hear about her eventually.

Most folks don't want to go through too many plane changes and hassles when they travel today and they want more than water activities, so I don't think we have to worry too much about being invaded on Bonaire.

I'm looking forward to reading your article in the Bonaire Reporter, Phil. Glad to hear you had a great time. Which publication is it going to be in in the US?

Hang in there, guys...we won't let Bonaire be destroyed like Cozumel or Aruba.


What's the latest on the Americans who are thinking of building a five star resort on the windward side of the island with a golf course....THIS worries me! It this is permitted (solely for financial gain, most likely) we should be very concerned. The golf course is the key word here....don't need it and don't want it. Go to Aruba if you want a desert isle to play golf on...hit the balls with the goats over there.

Really...what's the latest on this venture? Read in in the Bonaire Reporter recently.

Carole

Thanks for the input--I am sure we all want Bonaire to prosper and not be abused.
It took 12 hours to get home for me--that in it self will deter many--pdil or should I say Phil

I agree they don't need a golf course on bonaire I am a golfer but go to bonaire to enjoy the quite and the water I only snorkel but me and my wife jean enjoy our 2 weeks there every year if we want to golf we do that at home in the poconos

I agree they don't need a golf course on bonaire I am a golfer but go to bonaire to enjoy the quiet and the water. I only snorkel but me and my wife jean enjoy our 2 weeks there every year.If we want to golf we do that at home in the poconos.

Forgot to mention I went to Aruba on Bonaire Exel airline--it was very nice--over and back in one day.
I was born on Aruba lived there until I was 15. Aruba was the end of the line then and Bonaire was considered to be near the edge.--of the world.
What made the big change on Aruba was when Cuba closed 40 years ago and tourist looked elsewhere. Phil

Does anyone know if there is a governmental (or otherwise) agency on Bonaire or NA which oversees and maybe regulates projects, such as a golf course, that could have drastic impacts to the environment--especially the reefs!!??

I think DROB is the agency you are looking for. They are involved with building and permits. I know they write up opinions for the government about building proposals and environmental impact. They are involved with the current sewage treatment project as well. How much power or influence they have over the final issue, I don't know.

Another group that might be involved is the Marine park. There are laws that created and govern the marine park which are suppose to restrict certain kinds of development in coastal zones.

Linda,
Thanks! You don't by chance have any contact info for the DROB do you?

Do people out there in BonaireTalkLand (especially Bonairians) think it would be OK to send a "non-pushy" letter of concern to the agencies regarding such issues as golf courses? I know it's not my island (maybe some day.... ahhh....) but I do like to spend money there. I'd spend it all there in fact if only given the chance. But I digress... None of my business or would it be ok? Anyone care to join me?

BTW I have nothing against golf, golfers, or even developers! These golf courses are just often the culprits of massive water pollution.

One further note-- they can be designed to have minimal environmental impact, though. But that takes planning...

They "can be" is the key phrase here.....this is a very sensitive reef area. Why "test" the waters, no pun intended. Carole

Phil you are welcome to use any of my pictures for your article. They are in my trip report back a little ways.

As far as more development in Bonaire, I leave that to the Bonarians. It is their island. If they overdevelop they will not be getting my dollars and it would be a crying shame.

Same for the golf course, it probably could be done with little ecological harm, but I personally would never golf on it. I can't see going to a tropical island and doing something I can do here, cheaper and probably better.

saw this quote about bonaire today...

"more environmentalists per capita than the pacific northwest"...

the article (encouraging scuba diving instruction in the caribbean) also mentions capt don's place...you could tell the author of the article has never been to bonaire;)

whatever,