I just got this in from the Tourism Corporation Bonaire and was asked to post it on BonaireTalk:

Statement About Crime Issue in Bonaire

The government of Bonaire is aware of the current situation regarding crime on Island and is working towards implementing a plan to address this issue. While Bonaire is a safe island overall, we do understand that over the past four months there has been an increase in the number of incidents. There is a group of unemployed youths on Island that we believe are responsible for much of the recent crime.

We understand the magnitude of this problem, as it is one that is affecting both tourists and locals alike, and we are dedicated to finding a solution. At present the government is working closely with the police force on Island and the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Netherlands Antilles to come up with a plan of action. A number of proactive measures are currently being undertaken. They include:

- In depth investigations are being conducted. They have yielded information identifying who the youths are that are responsible for the recent “crime wave.”

- Expanding the police force. Within the next month or two more police will be visible on the streets. Currently the additional police are being hired and trained.

- The government of Bonaire is nearing the completion of negotiations with the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Netherlands Antilles to allow the hiring of an outside security company to assist and work with the current police force.

Signed by:

Governor Herbert Domacasse
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles

Signed by:

Burney el Hage
Commissioner of Economics, Finance and Tourism

Thank you, Jake, for posting that information. I hope they are sincere in their efforts. I'm sure we all appreciate any follow-up information you may receive.

On a personal note, I truly love Roosje from Bonaire Exel. She has been so very patient with me! lol

See you soon, but not soon enough !

I find the hiring of an outside security company to be particularly encouraging.

TKS, Jake. Knowing some of the people in the Bonaire government, I am sure they are sincere and more concerned than we are. It is just hard working with 1 1/2 hands tied behind their backs, as Brigette explained above.

we welcome any and all efforts to solve the problem of crime on Bonaire...will await more reports before we make our travel plans for 2005.

Thanks for the post Jake.

I am glad to see that more police are being trained.

Nice also to see you and your wife posting again.

Jake -

Thank you for the posting.

I think it is quite significant that the Tourism Corporation recognizes what a powerful communication channel is Bonaire Talk. A fact for which you, among others, can be properly proud.

We add our encouragement to the effort to maintain a safe Bonaire for locals and tourists, alike. And that encouragement could come in a very tangible form.

Speaking just for ourselves, we would not object to nominal fees for snorkeling (our sport)and other tourist activities if we were assured they would go to crime prevention and prosecution. To us the minor additional cost to the total cost of a Bonaire holiday would be acceptable if it resulted in a safer environment for all.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

Thanks for posting Jake! It is nice to know of the concern the government has. Also, I would like to echo Charles' point about how important this web site is! Thanks

Thanks for the post Jake! I was getting a little nervous about our upcoming trip after having read some of the reports recently! I agree with Charles re: fees for beach use if that becomes necessary but I think the overall protection of the residents as well as tourists is important and that funding for those on an ongoing basis is necessary.

Thank you for the post Jake!.
Its a small step for you but hopefully a great step in crimefighting on Bonaire :-) (who said something like that before? )
Does anyone know of other websites where crime on Bonaire was a issue?
Maybe it's a good idea to publish the governments reaction there also.

Jake, you might send a copy of your post to Ben Davison at undercurrent. Email is editor@undercurrent.org-

Definitely a step in the right direction, it will be good to hear reports from you folks on the island when you see it being put into action.

Thanks

Carl

This is very good news to hear!!!

Given our experiences -- covered in the following thread: http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/168826.html?1088570441 -- my wife and I applaud the Government for taking this issue seriously. I only hope that the owners/managers of rental property on the island do the same. While crime is, clearly, a public policy problem, it's also an issue that property owners/managers have a duty to take seriously.

Christopher Bender
Oregon, USA

Hi Jake, Linda and all

I must say that we are encouraged by the June 29th post. I'm intrigued however but the phrase "over the past four months". I've not purused the boards yet to see what has been happening of late to result in this step since, as many of us know, the problem has been escalating for quite some time. You may recall the letter I submitted to the government, tourist board and others after our Spring 2003 visit. We passed on a Bonaire trip this year, in great part due to our bad experiences that year. See http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/80396.html?1049946542
I hope to be back again soon however. After visiting and diving on Bonaire several time over the last ten years, I'm missing it.

Good luck Bonaire. Can hardly wait to hear more good news!

Cindy

Great to read your post, Jake. Thanks, more police is a good thing. Hope they keep it up. An outside security agency is a great aid as well. There is hope! Debbie