I heard from a friend on the island that there is some plan to build in the mangroves. I am hoping that this is rumor, since as we all know, the mangroves are a sort of nursery for young sea creatures and lots of other animals. Anyone have any knowledge of this?

It was reported yesterday that building on the mangroves has been stopped

Unfortunately, it hasn't been "stopped" permanently...the permit to build has been "suspended" until a proper ecological assessment study of the impact of the construction has been done. The whole project, however, definitely needs to be stopped. You are absolutely correct, Margarite, that this is our nursery not only for the sea creatures but for birds and animals as well. Anybody have any ideas how we can permanently stop this development?

Margarite, when I received the news

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quote:

Subject: Governor General stops development project at Ramsar area
Lac, Bonaire


The Governor General of the Netherlands Antilles yesterday suspended a decision of the Bonaire Executive Committee to allow a development
project immediately bordering the Lac in Bonaire, without an adequate Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) according to the regulations of the Ramsar Convention. The Governor's suspension of Bonaire's permit for the project is based on Art. 98 and 102 of the Island Regulation of the Netherlands Antilles (ERNA) which allows the Governor General to step in when an island decision or ordinance is in conflict with international agreements or conventions, or the public interests of the Kingdom. In this case Bonaire's Executive Committee decision was in conflict with the requirements of the Ramsar Convention on wetlands. Bonaire itself nominated the Lac as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1980. Attached is the decree of the Governor General.

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In the Extra 2 or 3 days ago was also an article about corruption and wrong, illegal permits given by DEZA (business permits) and DROP (construction permits). The lt.governor , Mr. Domacassee, is very concerned and will an investigation and better control of these services.

Please listen to Sean Paton's show today on Mega FM to learn more..I think Sean is covering this VITAL news story today:

Sean's controversial show is aired every Sunday from 1200hrs www.megafm.com just hit the real player. It's another perspective.

I hope and pray the building ceases for good. Allowing the Ramsar protected area to be developed sets a precidence that could be damaging to our entire island.

IMHO

Ann

I would just like to clear up a few misconceptions about the Mangrove Village project and our involvement in it.

First of all, it when we began our involvement in this project the Mangrove Village development had received all of the necessary approvals to build from all of the required government departments and agencies, including DEZA and DROB. Since this project was approved, RE/MAX Paradise Homes decided to work with the builder to sell the homes they were building.

When we decided to sell these properties in Mangrove Village RE/MAX Paradise Homes had been assured that all of the government requirements to build had been addressed, including any environmental safeguards which were required.

In fact, these homes are not being built IN the mangroves, but they are being built inside the 1500 meters setback agreed to by the RAMSAR treaty. However, all of these homes are no closer to the mangrove areas than are a number of existing properties including, Kon Tiki Resort, Jibe City, and The Windsurf Place.

As a foreign born resident, I love living on Bonaire, but don’t feel qualified to pass judgment on any individual development plan since that is not my area of expertise. As a result, I don't feel it is my job to pass judgement on the places/locations that the government of Bonaire decides to develop.

From RE/MAX Paradise Homes perspective, there was a government approved development plan in place, so the developer has every right to sell his properties. We agreed to work with the developers of Mangrove Village in order to help them sell their properties. It is not the responsibility of RE/MAX Paradise Homes to pass judgment on the correctness of any development on Bonaire; we believe that is the job of the Bonaire government and when appropriate, the central government.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Bob@bonairehomes.com

In light of the recent controversy surrounding the halt in construction of the Mangrove Village project I wrote and submitted this letter to both the EXTRA newspaper and the Bonaire Reporter.

Controversial projects such as Mangrove Village are becoming ever more common on Bonaire and I would like to offer a positive solution to prevent this from happening in the future.

I believe that Bonaire’s needs to immediately create a comprehensive and enforceable land use plan for the whole island. This type of plan sets aside areas that will never be developed, as well as designating specific areas of the island for environmental protection i.e no development, resorts, residences, businesses and other purposes. Within the last six months a number of controversial construction projects have been started. Most of these controversies are the result of either not having, or not enforcing a comprehensive development and land use plan for the island.

As you might expect, I am not someone who is against new development. While my company does not do development, it is an every day part of my business. I think further development on Bonaire is inevitable. The only question is, how can we make that development positive, and how can we minimize the negative effects that new construction projects have on the island and on the environment in which we live? I support having any additional developments take place within the context of a larger master-plan covering the future development of all of Bonaire.

Both government officials and island residents should get together now to create a plan for all of Bonaire which provides for both the construction of new homes, apartments and resorts while also protecting the special parts of Bonaire. This development plan needs to be long-term in nature, and not subject to exceptions or being changed by the politicians who are currently in power. By following a plan, new development can take place in a controlled and orderly fashion. Ideally you get the economic development that the island needs, while still maintaining the beautiful environment which we all love. Once such a plan is in place, it must be enforced. Exceptions should be rare and made only after extensive review in public meetings involving the government, DROB, residents and any other concerned parties.

Instead of organizing protests or boycotts against any specific project, I recommend that you encourage the Bonaire government to use their existing development plan (if they have one) or else create a comprehensive long term plan for Bonaire that they will enforce. This will enable Bonaire to grow and move forward in a positive and sustainable way.

Bob Bartikoski
Broker/Owner
RE/MAX Paradise Homes

GREAT message Bob. I whole heartedly agree with you. Planning is the key to any rational development and to ensure that ALL areas have the infrastructure to support the development and growth. In the town where I used to live in Georgia there was no such master plan and as such HUGE housing developments were springing up without the utilities (sewer, roadways, etc) to handle it and without the adequate amount of schools needed to support.

This also should ensure that the environment is protected and surveyed properly to help alleviate the "human" impact that haphazard building creates.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my concern,,,,,,,,,
Margarite