Bad Ending to Otherwise Good Bonaire Trip

[stortecky]

I am not calling you a liar, but I find that one a bit hard to believe. Sadly, you always get petty crime in the Caribbean and it tends to centre around tourists. I suspect it is just a bit worse than normal at present because of difficult economic times. But (this sad incident notwithstanding), I had always heard that Bonaire was much less affected than some other places.

I remember in the Dominican Republic our hotel had guards with shotguns posted at every entrance. And don't get me started on Jamaica or Trinidad...

I guess you can call me a liar if you want, if that would make you feel your point is more valid. But I do see many reports on this board about theft. Are those people lying too?? Grant it these were people at Cozumel over Christmas break and they come to Cozumel many times a year. They do have slanted views that Coz is better. But Each of the 3 groups that are not coming back had stuff stolen. One had their room broke into at night and stole their Camera. The other two just had odds and end stolen out of their truck. One was scuba gear they forgot to take out, yeah it was sort of their fault. But If you feel like a taken advantage of you have a bad attitude about it.
I still booked a trip there, even though the wife is nervous because she did hear the same stories. But everyone did say they loved the diving, so we are going to give it a go this summer.

 

[DandyDon]

I guess you can call me a liar if you want, if that would make you feel your point is more valid. But I do see many reports on this board about theft. Are those people lying too?? Grant it these were people at Cozumel over Christmas break and they come to Cozumel many times a year. They do have slanted views that Coz is better. But Each of the 3 groups that are not coming back had stuff stolen. One had their room broke into at night and stole their Camera. The other two just had odds and end stolen out of their truck. One was scuba gear they forgot to take out, yeah it was sort of their fault. But If you feel like a taken advantage of you have a bad attitude about it.
I still booked a trip there, even though the wife is nervous because she did hear the same stories. But everyone did say they loved the diving, so we are going to give it a go this summer.

Tips: Hotel Safety Tips For Travelers - Detective Kevin Coffey

 

[Rhone Man]

I guess you can call me a liar if you want, if that would make you feel your point is more valid.

Just to be clear, I am definitely not calling you a liar - that is just a figure of speech.

What I was saying in a very roundabout way is that I hear what you are saying, and what you report that those around you say, but I still find it a little difficult to believe that Bonaire has a real crime problem in absolute terms. But I guess ultimately it all comes back to opinion and perception.

 

[Karelmakov]

We actually just bought one of those doorjam alarm thingys. Hope to never need it in our future travels.

 

[stortecky]

Just to be clear, I am definitely not calling you a liar - that is just a figure of speech.

What I was saying in a very roundabout way is that I hear what you are saying, and what you report that those around you say, but I still find it a little difficult to believe that Bonaire has a real crime problem in absolute terms. But I guess ultimately it all comes back to opinion and perception.

I guess my whole point is that if we would have just gone by word of mouth we would have never booked a trip, but we both have read up on it at scuba Boards and Bonaire Talk and decided that it was that bad. Bonaire does have the bad reputation (even if it isn't deserved) and it does need to be addressed. People tend to hear the one bad story over the 50 good ones.

 

[Mahidoodi]

Karelmakov;

Sorry for the bad ending to your otherwise a good trip. I must have been on the island probably the same week you were there, the first week of May. This was my 7th trip to Bonaire and I have stayed at Buddy Dive on every occasion. Frankly I had not heard or experienced anything as sever as your experience. Although I lock up all my valuables as soon as I check in but at Buddy I, along with many other people that I observed, leave our diving equipment out over night to get dry. I have been fortunate not to have anything missing or stolen so far. Your 6 point ÁÕo do list is very valuable and should be followed. With some minimal precautions to be taken I would say Bonaire is on top of my list for diving.

 

[DiverVince]

I'm sorry to hear that you have experienced this unfortunate incident. Bonaire is one of the safest islands I've ever been on. From what I understand, both Liz & Ed do run an efficient safe resort at Golden Reef.
Unfortunately, incidences like this are becoming more & more pervasive throughout the continental U.S. The enclosed article provides some generally accepted practices to keep you safe & provides some insight into the problems that exist throughout the U.S. Interesting reading..

Hotel crime rises in recession, but hotels say they're still safe - USATODAY.com

 

[naga]

You don't mention if there was a guard posted at the complex?

Was/ wasn't there?

if yes; then what was he doing?

Usually guards are the most effective general deterrent, assuming they aren't related to the offender, of course.

 

[dvrliz1]

To all:

Thanks so much for all you comments.

A couple of comments from me.

I think one of the reasons that Bonaire is "posted" so much is because it is different from a lot of resorts in the Caribbean. A majority of resorts in the Caribbean are all inclusive, or at least you don't have to or want to leave the facility itself. Bonaire is set up for "Dive Freedom", therefore it is better to leave the resort or facility. Yes, it does pose "options" for (as they put it here on Bonaire...lol) "opportunists", and that is something I will be working to address. I am not saying all islands have these types of resorts, but many do. Don, love ya, but for me, I don't consider a hotel with guards and guns a place I would want to vacation.....just my 2 cents...

I am still waiting for emails from you all to present to the police chief. I see some of you posting that the perception of Bonaire has to change, but no one wants to write to the government, or police chief?

Mahi, Buddy has been victim in the past, but fortunately has not made it to the board here. In fact ALL of the resorts have been victim at one time or another in the past.

Naga, We have had guards in the past, but, many times robberies have been committed even when there has been a guard on duty. Bonaire is a VERY small island and there are a lot of relations or friends of friends who know the family of the person(s) committing the crime. That is one thing they are trying to get over hear, and it is difficult as it is a "cultural" custom here.

The cameras and video tape will work well. The people who commit these crimes KNOW that if they are on tape, they are caught with sufficient evidence. The phones in the room will not only be a safety benefit, but a great benefit for guests as well.

Again thanks to all! I AM REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO RECIEVING EMAILS FROM YOU ALL TO PRESENT TO THE POLICE CHIEF. OUR MEETING IS THE 19TH, SO PLEASE TRY AND GET THEM TO ME BEFORE.

Liz

 

[Karelmakov]

Liz,

I sent you my letter. I encourage others to do the same.