In this week's Bonaire Reporter, and with their indulgence I will quote, I read a front page list of major news stories. One was the environmental milestones of the year. "The government rejected a proposal to develop virgin land in Karpata, withdrew the permit of a company that was offering off-the-road vehicles that were implicated in environmental-damaging acts and took other actions to preserve Bonaire's natural environment and culture."

But then on another page was this story, revealing that the development proposal is still on the table:

"Karpata Project Aired in Rincon"

"The Karpata development will bring many opportunities to Bonaire and to Rincon in particular. So said the promoters of a foreign-financed mega-project proposed for the Karpata plantation area. They described a long-term land development project that would include luxury housing, a golf course, hotels, and time-sharing condominiums. Without presenting details, the developers promised their project would be sensitive to the natural environment. The session, moderated by radio personality Mamita Fox, was totally verbal. No maps, drawings or figures were presented. Following the speeches by several of the promoters, the audience was invited to comment and ask questions. There was broad support from the group. It was clear that the people of Rincon are interested in a economic boost for their community. Senator Edith Strauss-Marsera, a Rinconera herself, questioned the impact of the development on the environment and asked what kind of jobs would be available. The promoters did not respond to her question. The Department of Public Works, DROB, has advised against the project citing that it violates land use guidelines and would have negative environmental effects. Environmentalists have argued that it would spoil one of the most beautiful natural areas on the island unnecessarily. A woman from Rincon, prominent in the community, said after the meeting, "I do think that we need a good living, but money is not everything in life. If we can live peacefully and preserve what God gave us we will be happier people on this earth." --G.D."

Hmmm.

Niki...I noticed the same inconsistency. I wonder which is the more accurate story.

Taking a positive (for 'our' side) tack: the two
articles are not mutually exclusive since we
don't know the timing of the meeting relative to
the government announcement. I just looked
again at both entries and neither mentions
when either thing happened.
The report on the meeting was illuminating: a
completely verbal presentation, essentially
'trust us' to be good for the island. The report
sounded as those there is significant local
objection. It would not be like long-lining which
happens off shore and was a central
government decision.
Perhaps a local can check can check and
report on which came first, or more important
here, last, the reported meeting or the refusal.

The development proposal is still on the table.

But, what is it on the table? They didn't offer anything but an oral presentation. That doesn't sound like this is even beyond the idea stage, at this point. Is this the way it is or are there "backdoor" dealings going on that we should worry about?...Well, let me backtrack & rephrase, I AM worried even about talk of this nature, for this is the type of additional development that could change Bonaire quickly & definitively & possibly drive me elsewhere (where, I don't know)...

The proposal is a high-end residential development to be marketed to the wealthy European. My understanding is that the people pushing the idea don't own the land. The land is owned by the island government and they are seeking leases on the land. The land falls under a restrictive eco-land management plan currently which prohibits its development.

The proponents of the idea claim the economic benefits of the construction phase and the wealthy new residents outweigh the destruction of the natural environment. Other than the obvious land changes, there is no infrastructure in the proposed location - no electricity, phone, cable, sewer, water, etc.

Bonaire Reporter printed an editorial about the idea and said they thought it would be negative for the island. The proponents of the plan never responded to the issues but instead have ranted and raved about being slandered.

There are some more articles in the last day or two in the Papiamentu paper that I've asked someone to translate for me. If there is anything more, I'll update you.

TKS, Ellen and Linda.

Can you expand on what the Reporter meant
by a 'government refusal'?

This weeks Bonaire Reporter has an article
updating the status of the proposed Karpata
development (no hard news in any direction!)
on page 11.

This week's issue is 'free--rates are going up
next week'.

Also check out "This weeks dive' on page 13.
This is why we dive on Bonaire.

The page 13 dive log from Renate and Roland Kraft is just wonderful. I am going to do more loitering on my next dives. Bob got video of dancing eels by sitting still hovering at the bottom.

I saw something about "ALM's latest antics". What was that about? We are flying ALM in February and we are curious about that article.

Thanks

Bonaire's Department of Public Works and the Environment (DROB) advised AGAINST the Karpata project last year.
The promoters however, have not given up and are appealing directly to the people.
Bonaire's Nature Alliance, the association of all of Bonaire's "nature" NGOs is actively opposing the promoters. The topic was the subject of a couple of radio call-in programs this week. The discussion got pretty ugly.
The latest news is in this week's issue of the Bonaire Reporter, bonairereporter.com. The full issue is free this week.
If you have an opinion about the project please comment.
GD

George,

TKS for the update. Please keep us advised
here on BonaireTalk.

Has anyone addressed environmental concerns in a place we might have access to? I'm particularly concerned about all of the phosphate run-off from fertilizer application, which is so typical of golf courses, not to mention water usage. Are there any other such developments on similar sized islands with the same ecosystem/geophysical composition that can be/have been looked at for environmental impact?