So, what's the average salary for the typical Bonairean?
Bonaire Crime - Our experience - Looking for input to share
- Thread starter salth2owannabe
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lmorin
Contributor
Data from CBS - Income Caribbean Netherlands highest on St Eustatius - Article
The median disposable income on Bonaire is $13200. The disposable income of the bottom 25% on Bonaire is only $7200/yr.
boat sju
Contributor
Tip well and frequent local businesses as much as possible.
Local Bonairean residents, all of the victims in the previously quoted threads, and the many pages of internet forums discussing the topic would seem to disagree. Just because you (or anyone else) hasn't been exposed to this problem firsthand doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
What do you think are realistic expectations for people to secure their homes on the island? Thieves are breaking into locked occupied homes at night. They're breaking into unoccupied homes protected by locks and security systems. Your suggestion to "be smart about where you stay" obviously shows you believe the threat is real. Civil discussion on the topic, especially from those with firsthand experience like the OP, is hardly "crap". Jeez.
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I've resisted replying to this thread but can't any longer. Bonaire is extremely dependent on dive tourism. I've only been there 3, crime free visits, and have enjoyed my stays very much. If Bonaire does not get a handle on the petty, and more aggressive crime, they will lose the largesse of the diving community. There are so many dive destinations, many of which are more easily and inexpensively accessed. Either the island realizes this or not, we, as divers, will vote with our wallets. I'm currently at my home in Boynton Beach Florida, the diversity and density of tropical fish rivals that of many sites on Bonaire.
So what factor should we apply to that number for the real total of dive site vehicle thefts. I'd venture if 72 were reported those were the ones that resulted in damage/disabling to the vehicle such as broken windows, batteries stolen... I'd guess you could factor that times at least 10x for the amount of thefts that occurred as nobody is making police reports the majority of the time for the smaller stuff.
oldschoolto
Contributor
If you think crime is so bad in Bonaire, Just don't go... I have traveled all over this world and can tell you... Bonaire is one of the safest places I have ever been... I plan to retire to Bonaire... Is there crime ? YES... but, I'll take someone stealing my flip-flops and sunglasses from my parked truck over a gun stuck in my face any day....
Jim...
Jim...
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Right, there are many places where you don't have to worry about anything. Bonaire needs to get it's **** together, or lose it entirely. Do they want to be 3rd world, or better?
Jim, I wish you all the best with your retirement plans. I love Bonaire, but I find it disappointing that this persistent, unpleasant issue is so casually accepted and I don't see much hope for improvement in the current culture.
Below is an item that was posted previously but I thought it might be useful to read the words of someone who did move to Bonaire and lived there for many years. I am sure that many of you remember Jerry Ligon who conducted educational dives for Bari Dive & Adventure and gave bird-watching and wildlife tours on Bonaire.
Last year, after his death, I tried to find the correct Facebook page to post a tribute to Jerry. I never found it but I did find his personal FB page and below is one of his last posts. He wrote about the thievery problem on Bonaire. He was a local and he loved the island - yet he affirmed that theft is a real problem.
Jerry C Ligon
September 3 at 8:28pm · Edited ·
For second time in 2 weeks, found dumped stolen tote bags in identical spot going NORTH from Ol Blue (Tolo). Thieves take all valuables out after stealing back packs, tote bags out of dive trucks, they toss them along side the road. Identical spot on 22 August, found black back pack with bright red men's swim trunks with black stripe. Neither time was there any identification.
My biking for exercise has me looking intently along side my route and has proven time and again that divers think that thieves are not around when they leave clothing, and most likely smart phones, cameras, etc. while they are diving.
Below is an item that was posted previously but I thought it might be useful to read the words of someone who did move to Bonaire and lived there for many years. I am sure that many of you remember Jerry Ligon who conducted educational dives for Bari Dive & Adventure and gave bird-watching and wildlife tours on Bonaire.
Last year, after his death, I tried to find the correct Facebook page to post a tribute to Jerry. I never found it but I did find his personal FB page and below is one of his last posts. He wrote about the thievery problem on Bonaire. He was a local and he loved the island - yet he affirmed that theft is a real problem.
Jerry C Ligon
September 3 at 8:28pm · Edited ·
For second time in 2 weeks, found dumped stolen tote bags in identical spot going NORTH from Ol Blue (Tolo). Thieves take all valuables out after stealing back packs, tote bags out of dive trucks, they toss them along side the road. Identical spot on 22 August, found black back pack with bright red men's swim trunks with black stripe. Neither time was there any identification.
My biking for exercise has me looking intently along side my route and has proven time and again that divers think that thieves are not around when they leave clothing, and most likely smart phones, cameras, etc. while they are diving.
oldschoolto
Contributor
Where is this place that has no crime ? Please tell me..... I live in Northern Maine in a town of less then 2500 people and we have a drug problem and some petty crime... We have camps broken in to, We have tractors taken for joy rides, We have all the problems the rest of the world has... BUT, We don't have Rapist and Stick-ups...
Jim...
Jim...
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