Be careful in Bonaire (Burglaries)

[Waterskier1]

@Waterskier1: I'm just curious. Earlier in this thread, you stated that you did 4 trips to Bonaire in 2009. That's a higher number of trips than most would make on their own for vacation purposes...especially given challenging economic conditions in the US and worldwide. Were you leading groups there? Do you own property on the island? The reason I ask is that you refer to "nay sayers" (sic) who "have some agenda to inflate the whole experience." I'm trying to assess whether you have some financial agenda in support of Bonaire travel.

Nope, I don't have any financial agenda, own property, or conduct business there. I went with a buddy once, I went with a group twice, since they get good rates, and will assist in finding me a roommate (I'm single, retired, and don't have a regular dive buddy that can travel as much as I want). The last trip was alone. I completed my Divemaster training that time.

I'm going with the same group next month, but not working, just as a full paying diver.

In addition to those trips, last year I dove (dived) Roatan, Grand Cayman, Belize, and Cozumel in addition to local lakes here in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. I'm a diveaholic!

 

[ncchuck]

I love it. One side of this issue seems to deal in facts as much as they possibly can given the limited statistics provided by the Bonaire government. The other side deals in sarcasm, blames tourists for not taking enough precautions, but thankfully they are offering an ever growing list of things we can do to prevent the problem. The problem seems to be however that this list has gotten so long it's getting hard to follow.

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

clafrieda, since you are the original poster and you have added some suggestions about how vacationers would be safer on Bonaire...

this is for you since you are a new member...

The original poster has the right to ask a moderator to close a thread at any time he/she feels the thread no longer serves its purpose

 

[Bubbletrubble]

In addition to those trips, last year I dove (dived) Roatan, Grand Cayman, Belize, and Cozumel in addition to local lakes here in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. I'm a diveaholic!

LOL. That's an impressive list of dive vacations. You're clearly addicted...in a good way. Now I'm envious! Enjoy.

 

[Mossman]

The Bay Islands are just as good if not better, cost about the same and may even be easier to get too at a decent hour. YES, we all know it doesn't have world class shore diving but it has some and it has very inexpensive resorts and boat diving. Yes, I've been there many more times than Bonaire. No I don't have anything against Bonaire except the obvious problems in the forum. No I don't have any financial interest in the Bay Islands.

Yeah, Roatan sounds really safe, as long as you don't mind violent crime, theft, highway robberies/killings, and police beatings -

From Travel Guide to Roatan, Honduras -


"Coxen Hole is not safe for foot traffic after dark. In spite of stepped up police presence, most of the police force is on foot. Violent crime and robberies have been increasing.

• Theft is common on the island, especially with the drug problems that persist.
• Remote homes have been the sites of home invasions, with armed intruders tying victims and robbing the homes.
• Vehicles have been stopped at night occasionally in remote areas with road blocks for robberies.
• Taxi drivers have been killed occasionally.

"Many tourists encounter beggars. Some are truly needy; others simply are looking for a handout. This is a poor country. Like any other country, there are people here with drug and alcohol addictions.

"Steps are being taken to address crime on Roatan. Proposals include raising a private police force. The yacht now has a metal detector for passengers leaving Roatan, which should reduce the number of criminals leaving and taking their weapons with them via the yacht, but Roatan is within fairly easy reach of the mainland by small water craft.

"Most owners of expensive homes that are isolated from other homes hire guards to watch the property at night while they are out of the country or have other people stay in their homes. Guards are hired for about $10 per night.

"Certain sections of highway on the Honduran mainland are dangerous because of highway robbers. On Roatan, some highway robberies have taken place. They are usually in the more isolated, eastern end of the island and take place at night.

"Some Honduran police have beaten people. These incidents usually involve natives that argue with the police. Do not ever offer a police officer a bribe.
Highway robbers may obstruct the roadway with a vehicle or a log. If they stop you, give them your money without hesitation. They may kill you if you resist a robbery. With the large increase of traffic on Roatan, road blocks are not as common as they were when the roads were more isolated."

But at least you can leave your valuables in your rental vehicle in remote place and not worry about them getting stolen, right? I mean it's not a dangerous place like Bonaire.

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Steve Jazz, 63, an American retiree living in Corazal, Roatan, was found shot dead in his home on the morning of June 2nd. Around 8am a property worker found the victim's naked body lying in the living room of the house. Jazz had been shot two times, in the thigh and in the head. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]No security system was installed at the house and Jazz's two German Shepherds, were found loose outside of the property. No clear evidence of robbery was found and no motive for the murder is evident. Friends of Jazz have put up a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the murderer.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Four weeks after the murder, no arrests have been made. "We feel frustrated by the lack of help from the US embassy, even though we asked them repeatedly," said Russ Summerell, Jazz's friend who helped with setting up the reward.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Steve Jazz and his wife Mary came to Roatan in 1998. They purchased Rick's American Café in Sandy Bay and developed it into a thriving business. They sold the business in 2005 and moved to a five acre secluded property in Corazal area.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jazz's body was transported to San Pedro Sula for autopsy.[/FONT]

When in December 2005 Gary Smith, a little-known-in-the-community retired American was shot and killed at his Brick Bay home, an emergency meeting was called of authorities and foreigners. The then mayor Jerry Hynds put up a reward for information leading to the arrest of the assailants.
Three years later, murders of foreigners have spiked, and both local authorities and even foreign residents have become increasingly matter-of-fact about this violence. Four foreigners were murdered here since October and no emergency meetings were called. The only people who seemed concerned enough to put up rewards to assure justice are the victims' families and friends. The homicide rate in Honduras in general has doubled in the last four years, and Bay Islands cannot escape that overall trend.

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Foreigners murdered in the Bay Islands (2009-2004)[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Date[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Name [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Age [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Nationality[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Context[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Motive[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Case Status[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2009, June 2[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Steve Jazz [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]63[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]USA[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shot at his Corozal home[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unknown [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]No arrests[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2009, February 27[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Roger Walls[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]71[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Canada[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shot at his Corozal property[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Money/property[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Island woman arrested[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2008, November 13[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Don Tollefson[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]58[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]USA[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Kidnapped, shot, stabbed[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Personal conflic[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Arrests of two islanders[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2008, October 25[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Lynn Elkin Woods[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]36[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]US/Hond.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shot on street in Coxen Hole[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unknown[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Suspect at large[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2007, March 6[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Nicolai Winter[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]42[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]German[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Victims property Shot[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unknown[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]No arrests[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2005, December 11[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gary Smith[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]58[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]US[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shot at home[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Robbery[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Six ladino people convicted[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2005, November 13[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Thomas Khuner[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]45[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]German[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]machetied at Hog Islands hotel[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Personal [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ladino male convicted[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2005, June 4[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gary Fuertado Miller[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]53[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]US/Hond.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shot in police shootout[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Personal[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ruled justifiable homicide[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2004, October 4[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Tom Matulas[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]62[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]US[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shot at his Roatan home[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Propertydispute[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]American convicted[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2004, October 4[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Richard Bourgerie[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]63[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]US[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shot on his driveway[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Personal conflict [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Severa arrested[/FONT]


Bay Islands Voice - News on Roatan, Utila & Guanaja

 

[messedup]

messedup, I understand you were one of the original poster's group who were victims to the break-in mentioned in the first post.

Thank you, for offering some important items to this discussion. I know hind-sight can be pretty clear, but it can still be difficult to help try and make a positive for others out of your negative experience.

Will you be a visitor to Bonaire again? Why?

Thanks,
Jim

Jim:

I will likely return to Bonaire in the future. I love the freedom that shore diving gives you versus boat diving. If your group wants to wake up late or sit long for breakfast then no worries. You dive when you want to dive. I will however investigate the security of the place I stay at in more detail and I will travel with less stuff of value. If I don't bring it I can't lose it. The burglars didn't seem to want dive gear. - They wanted cash, computers, cameras, phones, passports and batteries.

Brian

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

Jim:

I will likely return to Bonaire in the future. I love the freedom that shore diving gives you versus boat diving. If your group wants to wake up late or sit long for breakfast then no worries. You dive when you want to dive. I will however investigate the security of the place I stay at in more detail and I will travel with less stuff of value. If I don't bring it I can't lose it. The burglars didn't seem to want dive gear. - They wanted cash, computers, cameras, phones, passports and batteries.

Brian

Then, let me say I am sorry to read (as stated by others here) that you have gone insane

 

[Waterskier1]

To help put things in perspective, I choose Bonaire over all the other places I've dove in the Caribbean because:

** It's cheaper...I don't have to pay by the tank or by the boat - I pay once for unlimited diving.

** I get to dive a lot. I usually dive 30 dive a week...the highest was 35, the lowest was 24 (but I was completing my Divemaster that time, so I was doing that instead of diving.

** It's so relaxing! I can get up when I want, dive when I want (no boat schedule) return to the room when I want, eat when I want, and dive as often as I want.

** There are no schedules, once you take the requisite orientation and associated dive.

** If you boat dive, you usually get 2 dives a day, sometimes 3, plus a night dive one night or two a week. And sometimes those cost additional. (Did I mention I'm cheap?).

** I can fix my own breakfast and lunch, and even dinner in my room, saving on eating out. Granted some of those $10-$12 breakfasts are good, and lunches can be found for under $7 each, but I can buy a lot of food for $100 - $150 and get to eat it when I want.

There are many more reasons but these are the primary reasons I return to Bonaire. Oh, and with the money I save, I can go diving more than once a year. I guess I'm just not one who would rather pay for someone to wait on me or order room service. I'm not saying I'm right, but many have asked how come I continue to go to Bonaire, and how I can afford to do so. This is how.

 

[ncchuck]

Now isn't that interesting. Seems Roatan keeps statistics. Roatan also seem to catch these criminals. If you'll look at the very items listed in your post you'll find that none appear to be on innocent tourists just doing a day of diving. Anyone that's ever been there for any amount of time however knows that anyone caught or even suspected of bothering a tourist (not counting street begging) gets taken care of by the islanders themselves. They know the value of the tourist dollar. In addition, the vast majority of tourist stay within a specific resort area of Roatan and may possibly visit west end. Frankly, I've never seen a single incident reported in the Bay Island Forum by DIVERS and I believe this forum caters to divers.

 

[Waterskier1]

LOL. That's an impressive list of dive vacations. You're clearly addicted...in a good way. Now I'm envious! Enjoy.

Well, as Paul Harvey used to say, "Now for the other side", Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel I only did 2 dive on a single day each, from a cruise ship. So, no, each was not a week long vacation, but all were done on a single ($450/person) Cruise that was a week long. (Did I mention I'm cheap?)