Jake, or anyone on Bonaire, I was just wondering if the problems in Venezuela are having any adverse effects on Bonaire. I heard things got pretty ugly at one of the demonstrations yesterday.

None that I'm aware of (other than being happy that 50 miles of water and the soverignity of a major country like Holland separate us from Caracas and Venezuela :-) ).

Jake

I thought that maybe food being shipped via Venezuela might have been a problem due to the strikes going on there. I'm glad to hear it's not.

A major concern is oil. The refinery in Curacao depends on being supplied from Veneaula. Curoil produces finshed products which are sent here..I forsee a rise in prices again. I also am pretty sure Aruba gets oil for its refinerey for Ven. as well which can impact the US. On a personal note, some friends who were visiting fameily are trapped in the country since travel is next to impossible.

The last time there was a crisis in Venezuela, the Central Government indicated that they had at least a one month surplus of fuel, and I'm sure in that time frame they could arrange additional supplies, albeit at higher prices.

In terms of produce from Venezuela, that seems to be continuing unhindered. Losing that supply would be annoying but not irreplacable, especially with daily flights from Lima and Quito to Bonaire now.

Jake

Higher oil prices in Bonaire, ouch! They are already pretty high. Any one who thinks gas & oil cost a lot in the US, just needs to visit a few Caribbean Islands (including the US Virgin Islands) and you’ll realize just how lucky we are. Let alone Hawaii, all of Europe, etc.

Now I *know* I'm going to bring a mountainbike with me to BON...

Marc, Why, the prices are still lower than here...

Are they? Really? Even compared to stores like Rijwielpaleis and MegaBike?

OK, OK, I was talking fuel prices. My brain got frozen up...

Did you think I wanted to buy a Spartamette mountain bike? [grin]

Just got this note from a Canadian friend who is teaching in Caracus.

Bill


Well, the situation in Venezuela remains very tense; to shamelessly rip-off Woody Allen, we stand at a cross roads. Down one path leads to complete and utter destruction. Down the other continuing despair and chaotic turmoil. Let us hope we choose carefully. They even quoted a nun saying it would take a miracle to resolve the present political crises in Venezuela. We are now in day seven of the fourth National General strike in the past year. Last Friday night, at least one gunman walked into a crowded plaza where a peaceful demonstration has been happening for about a month. He fired indiscriminately into the crowd, killing 3, injuring 28, before he was wrestled to the ground.



The school has been closed since last Wednesday, deciding each day whether to open or not the next day. Today the board decided to close school early for the Christmas holidays. I know what you are thinking…Lucky you. Extra Christmas holidays. Only thing is: I have letters to recommendations to write. Actually I am in pretty good stead. I still have more to do, but I feel pretty good.



I am still planning on flying to Chile, but flights are only Monday and Friday. I am scheduled to leave next Monday, but I do not actually have my ticket. I am not sure what I will do, but I may try and get out Friday. If not, I may switch my destinations. Be ready for wandering sponge. I could end up on your doorstep. Everyone is safe at the school.



Love Shaunigan

Marc, yes. I can’t imagine you on a bike without an engine... Like Kitty said, we are so much a like... *very evil grin*

Thanks everyone. I hate to see so much turmoil.

Whats the latest on the Venezuela situation with reguards to Bonaire? I understand the Brits and Americans have been warned about travel there.

You're right that Brits & Americans have been warned about travel to Caracas. So, as far as getting to Bonaire is concerned, avoid flying via Venezuela to get here (which would require flying through neighboring Curacao as well, which, although no governmental warnings exist, I would suggest avoiding because I really don't like Curacao ;-) )

Jake