The crime on bonaire isn't what I'd ever classify as common, it's extremely unique. The targets don't exist elsewhere as they do on Bonaire because there is no other shore diving place like it. Saying it's because it's 3rd world and just what goes on between the have and have nots is also just a gross glossing over of reality, as there are plenty of places in the world with just the same have and have nots where crime is lots less common, Fiji for instance. What goes on in Bonaire is crimes of opportunity in a unique environment due to a two fold issue, the first being drugs, Bonaire has a huge drug problem on the island, the second being the local law enforcement turns a blind eye to the problem as on a personal level they don't get much push back from the locals as the locals aren't effected and the police see the people being victimized disappear off the island usually within 7 days of arriving so any problems the police might be dealing with disappear with each tourist when their planes wheels go up.
BONAIRE: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY (Trip Report, May 16 - 23)
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The crime on bonaire isn't what I'd ever classify as common, it's extremely unique. The targets don't exist elsewhere as they do on Bonaire because there is no other shore diving place like it. Saying it's because it's 3rd world and just what goes on between the have and have nots is also just a gross glossing over of reality, as there are plenty of places in the world with just the same have and have nots where crime is lots less common, Fiji for instance. What goes on in Bonaire is crimes of opportunity in a unique environment due to a two fold issue, the first being drugs, Bonaire has a huge drug problem on the island, the second being the local law enforcement turns a blind eye to the problem as on a personal level they don't get much push back from the locals as the locals aren't effected and the police see the people being victimized disappear off the island usually within 7 days of arriving so any problems the police might be dealing with disappear with each tourist when their planes wheels go up.
oldschoolto
Contributor
Just goes to show how little you know of Bonaire.. Local home break in's are a problem just like everywhere ... Local people are not happy with the crime and do care about what's happening on the Island... Drugs are a problem all over the world... Crime is a problem all over the world... The crime on Bonaire is petty and non-violent...
And I'm done with this thread..... BYE....
Jim...
And, once again, a general Bonaire thread devolves into a discussion about crime.
If I were the Chief Marketing Officer of Bonaire it would be the first thing I'd go after. And, no one here would ike it. And I'll tell you why...
First, I'd hire Rudy Guliani as "Mayor of Bonaire." When he cracked down on petty street crime in NY the whole city turned around. Now, let's not get into a whole different socio-political discussion but anyone who remembers what Time Square, Fifth Avenue, and Columbus Circle used to be like, compared to what it is now, will understand.
Once petty theft went down, demand would increase. This would have a two-pronged benefit from a marketing standpoint: the interrelated ability to appeal to a more affluent customer base while also raising prices.
Higher prices means more profit for businesses. More profit for businesses means business opportunity. That attracts more higher-end businesses. More higher-end businesses means business real-estate and rent prices increase. Some small, local businesses will thrive and grow under this renaissance. But many might go under. They'll be replaced by newer, more upscale businesses though.
With the new market economy, it won't be terribly long before an existing property is bought out by a global hotel chain. As Bonaire's CMO Marriott is who I'd woo, they're the best in the business from a strategic marketing standpoint. They'll largely do the right thing; small property, three floors max. Sort of like their Curacao property.
They'll want, and need more than divers, however. So there will need to be a beach. A decent sized one. No worries... with all the new money flowing in we can bulldoze enough iron shore and truck in enough sand. Hell, we might have enough fill from the giant hole we dug out for the infinity pool.
From a resort property standpoint, however, the real question will be "where to locate the golf course?" After all, affluent people paying $369 a night are going to want to play some golf, too. Right? Of course we'll want the last three holes to come back along the ocean... so we might need to restrict/limit access to a handful of dive sites. Which will probably be OK, because the runoff from pesticides and chemicals used to maintain the golf course will end up wiping out those dive sites anyway. So there won't be anything to see there other than the plastic cups and straws the blew into the water from the swim up bar in the infinity pool.
Assuming all goes well, another hotel hotel chain will come in. Maybe a boutique type? (Someone get me Ian Schrager's number.) And many of the smaller properties will get knocked down and rebuilt as true luxury villa properties. And rent out at true luxury villa prices. We might need another golf course, too. Chinese millionaires do love to golf. They love to gamble, too. So a casino. Or two. (Hey... while you're in my rolodex, get me Carl Gouw's number too!)
It's not difficult to imagine a new Bonaire flush with money, attracting a higher-end customer willing to pay far higher prices than you are today. Of course, that will leave you with the choice of paying far higher prices to go to Bonaire... or going somewhere else.
Or you can simply not leave any valuables in your truck and keep the doors unlocked.
If I were the Chief Marketing Officer of Bonaire it would be the first thing I'd go after. And, no one here would ike it. And I'll tell you why...
First, I'd hire Rudy Guliani as "Mayor of Bonaire." When he cracked down on petty street crime in NY the whole city turned around. Now, let's not get into a whole different socio-political discussion but anyone who remembers what Time Square, Fifth Avenue, and Columbus Circle used to be like, compared to what it is now, will understand.
Once petty theft went down, demand would increase. This would have a two-pronged benefit from a marketing standpoint: the interrelated ability to appeal to a more affluent customer base while also raising prices.
Higher prices means more profit for businesses. More profit for businesses means business opportunity. That attracts more higher-end businesses. More higher-end businesses means business real-estate and rent prices increase. Some small, local businesses will thrive and grow under this renaissance. But many might go under. They'll be replaced by newer, more upscale businesses though.
With the new market economy, it won't be terribly long before an existing property is bought out by a global hotel chain. As Bonaire's CMO Marriott is who I'd woo, they're the best in the business from a strategic marketing standpoint. They'll largely do the right thing; small property, three floors max. Sort of like their Curacao property.
They'll want, and need more than divers, however. So there will need to be a beach. A decent sized one. No worries... with all the new money flowing in we can bulldoze enough iron shore and truck in enough sand. Hell, we might have enough fill from the giant hole we dug out for the infinity pool.
From a resort property standpoint, however, the real question will be "where to locate the golf course?" After all, affluent people paying $369 a night are going to want to play some golf, too. Right? Of course we'll want the last three holes to come back along the ocean... so we might need to restrict/limit access to a handful of dive sites. Which will probably be OK, because the runoff from pesticides and chemicals used to maintain the golf course will end up wiping out those dive sites anyway. So there won't be anything to see there other than the plastic cups and straws the blew into the water from the swim up bar in the infinity pool.
Assuming all goes well, another hotel hotel chain will come in. Maybe a boutique type? (Someone get me Ian Schrager's number.) And many of the smaller properties will get knocked down and rebuilt as true luxury villa properties. And rent out at true luxury villa prices. We might need another golf course, too. Chinese millionaires do love to golf. They love to gamble, too. So a casino. Or two. (Hey... while you're in my rolodex, get me Carl Gouw's number too!)
It's not difficult to imagine a new Bonaire flush with money, attracting a higher-end customer willing to pay far higher prices than you are today. Of course, that will leave you with the choice of paying far higher prices to go to Bonaire... or going somewhere else.
Or you can simply not leave any valuables in your truck and keep the doors unlocked.
diver 85
Contributor
Thanks for the report=---------but-------some here will skip over the 'bad' & the 'ugly' part----------Their thinking will be "nothing like that can happen to the 'epicenter of dive travel SCUBA'....".....
Sorry mate. Nothing is 'extremely' unique. Something is unique or it isn't. There are no variants of unique - even petty crime in Bonaire.
I've been there 4 times and never been bothered. Hardly proves a point though. Just my experience...
Bubbles below
Contributor
This is scary! I'm going w my dive group on Aug 15-22, but hubby is staying home w the kids. I will pack the minimum attire and leave everything at the hotel,staying at Divi Flamingo. For the shore dive, I will probably wear a workout outfits under my 1mm. It will dry fast and it will be appropriate to wear at a restaurant to grab lunch or a casual dinner. Also, i well put my money/keys in my BC pocket w a protective cover. My main concern is my prescription sunglasses. Do i hide this underneath my car or not use it and have my buddy drive? Maybe, one of the non-diver stand guard?I guess you can't leave your dive bag in the car while getting diving or getting lunch? For boat diving, I will use my dive shirt over my bikini for extra protection from the sun and sea sprays. I will keep my nicer clothing and cover-up to be used at the resort pool and restaurant.
I'm worried and excited at the same time. I believe the value and safety might be better in Grand Cayman! But, I have to check it out and hope the condition of the diving out way the petty thief!
Be safe and have fun everyone!
I'm
I'm worried and excited at the same time. I believe the value and safety might be better in Grand Cayman! But, I have to check it out and hope the condition of the diving out way the petty thief!
Be safe and have fun everyone!
I'm
scuba127
Contributor
Bubbles below...don't let what you're reading here get you all worried...I've been shore diving Bonaire for 15 years and have never had an issue with petty crime...I'm not trying to down play it...it does happen but its not so bad that you should let it ruin your trip even before its started....the only issue I see with what you're plan is the prescription sun glasses...if possible, I'd leave those in the room or, as you stated, hide them somewhere at the dive site....I've done this with truck keys before and have not had a problem...trust me, when you get back you're gonna be talkin' favorably about your Bonaire trip for a long time....
paulw
Contributor
Get one of these: Amazon.com: OtterBox 1000-14 1000 Series Waterproof Case - Blue: Cell Phones & Accessories , use some tie-straps and hook it to your BCD or Back-plate. You can put your glasses, some money and keys in it. I have had mine to 140 with no leaks.
Get one of these: Amazon.com: OtterBox 1000-14 1000 Series Waterproof Case - Blue: Cell Phones & Accessories , use some tie-straps and hook it to your BCD or Back-plate. You can put your glasses, some money and keys in it. I have had mine to 140 with no leaks.
This is exactly what we do, we haven't had any issues.....Headed back to Bonaire tomorrow.
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