The first newspaper bringing results of the referendum is the Antilliaans Dagblad (in Dutch)
A 15.9 %
B 59.0 %
C 24.1 %
D 0.5 %

http://www.adcaribbean.com/PDF/P01.pdf
http://www.adcaribbean.com/PDF/P10.pdf

Thank you Brigitte! Although I have read quite a bit about it in B-Reporter, I'm not sure - this is definitely binding? And as of when?

-Carl

The referendum is non-binding. It is meant to show the will of the people to the government of Bonaire, the government of the Netherlands Antilles, and the Dutch Government.

The hope now is that it results in discussions with Holland which allows Bonaire to move out of the current oppressive relationship with Curacao, and into something better.

Sint Maarten (a sister island in the Antilles) had its referendum a year or so ago choosing Status Aparte (like Aruba has), I believe. At this point nothing has come of that referendum.

Jake

There are ongoing discussions (in a statut commission) and report is due in beginning October about possible changes in the current relations between the Netherlands and the ABC and SSS islands.

Thanks to all for keeping us current on the referendum.

I was rather surprised to see the topic receive practically no attention on the newsgroup.

Even though non-binding, the referendum might just serve as a catalyst for government action to improve Bonaire's lot.

Just one question: what are each of the choices, A - D?

Charles Poteet
Dallas

Charles,

The lack of response was probably because few folks living on Bonaire actively post on BT.

Here's what the options were (and I will freely admit this is from memory):

A - Stay in the Neth. Antilles as things currently are.

B - Seek a much closer, direct relationship with Holland.

C - Seek Status Aparte akin to what Aruba has.

D - Seek complete independence

Jake

In very short terms:
A - stay the same
B - closer direct ties to Holland
C - Status Apartied like Aruba has
D - independent country

The main reason probably nothing was discussed on-line is that it involved some pretty indepth information especially for those of us that could vote but are not Antillean. Bonaire Reporter has been doing articles for at least the last 2 months on various postions. The local English radio program has been doing interviews and opinion/discussion programs during the lunch hour for those of us less fluent in Dutch and Papiamentu.

I think a lot of conversation was also over a beer, or chance meeting. See how your friends are thinking and why - your neighbors, the businesses you frequent, what are the kids hearing in school, what are the politicians saying, etc. It was a very hands-on, emotional decision for a lot of people.

Jake y Linda -

Thanks so much for the clarification and update.

Jake's explanation for the lack of discussion on BT makes sense and answers some of my puzzlement over the lack of posts.

I was particularly interested to hear about the level of local debate described by Linda and to hear, by the fact nothing of the sort was mentioned, that it was a civilized debate without destructive public demonstrations.

We'll be most interested in hearing how things progress on this issue.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

brigitte, thanks for the information,I was looking for the referendum results everywhere outside bonaire (now I`m in a business trip in miami Fla) and is hard to find any information , thanks again...bluefish

There is an interesting and informativ article today in St. Maartens Daily Herald - in English http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/h136/edit136.html

Brigitte -

Thank you for the link to the Daily Herald article.

Most interesting and a good illustration of how much I have to learn about the politics and administration of the N.A. and Aruba.

Any links you have in the future to articles concerning the evolving status of the islands, especially Bonaire, will be appreciated.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

I think quite an interesting editorial in the Daily Herald http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/h142/edit142.html

Yesterday Saba had its referendum ... very small population and nearly everybody went voting .. 645 people gave valid vote.
555 (86.0%) voted for the direct link with Holland
85 (13.2%) voted to keep everything as it is - means to stay in the Netherlands Antilles
5 (0.78%) voted for independance

There was no possibility to vote for status aparte ... I guess they know very well that with a population under 1000 that is out of reality.
The referendum is now missing on St.Eustatius (beginning next year) and Curacao (I think they plan March)

For the moment it means that Bonaire and Saba want to become a Kingdom Island. Next week there will be a meeting of all the islands to discuss the different possibilities.

Friday Curacao voted (59% for a Status aparte within the Kingdom ) and St. Eustatius voted (78% for keeping the Netherlands Antilles)

http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/h273/edit273.html

Talks about dimanteling the Central government

http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/h276/antil276.html