Ok, so I have been trying NOT to post, as I'm not always fond of the "backlash". Also, another reason why you all have not seen me posting as much as I used to. But here goes.
First, Bart, thanks, I don't think I could have said it any better. I have, as you have, agree that there is crime on the island, and it has increased. I have also stated as you have that "things are in the works to try and make it better", but due to unforseen circumstances such as the government situation, funds that are slated for improved situations has slowed thing down even more.
Improvements slated are an increase in the police force manpower, better training and forensic techniques, just to name a few. We will never irradicate crime on Bonaire, that is just not reality.
We are an island in transition right now, growing very fast, faster than the government thought, I suspect and just wasn't ready for all that is happening.
The government, however, IS aware of this, and though they may not be so vocal, they are putting plans in place to address MANY situations on the island. It may not be as fast as we would like, but it is happening.
Mike, regarding your statement, "So apparently two people can say the exact same thing, but if you don't live on the island what you are saying is false" I personally think this is unfair as well as untrue. It is just that those of us that live, work and/or own businesses here are more intune on a daily basis as to what is going on "on island". As a resident, I just have a hard time with people who come here once or twice (or not even at all), make assumptions about the level of crime on the island. Like I said, I'm not saying that there isn't any, that would be unrealistic and untrue. That is why I have made the open offer for those who haven't been here, to come, stay with us at a ridiculous price and experience what Bonaire is all about. Bonaire to me is almost like a child, of which I am protective of. I know it can "screw up" like teenagers can, but I still love it, and would defend it, honestly. I don't have blinders on and will admit when there is a problem, and push to get the problem fixed (as you all know I have been trying to do).
To read some of these threads, a lot of comments made by some who have only been here a few times (if at all) make Bonaire sound worse then the "wild, wild west" and this is so untrue.
As Bart and I have said in the past, crime does exist on the island, but it is not worse than other islands.
I will continue to live on my island paradise, forever. We love the people, we love the culture, we love our friends. There are somethings we are not so happy about, such as how our island has "changed" over the past 5 years so dramatically, but all that we love about it outweighs the bad.
No matter what is said on these threads, you will never be able to "change" peoples minds. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. The thing that gets me is that these threads can sway someone NOT to come to Bonaire and they will lose out on an amazing experience.
That is a shame. I would love to share my island paradise with others (even with the negatives), no matter where they stay.
As always this is just IMHO, and I'm entitled to it.
