The staff of the Bonaire E-News/InfoBonaire/NetTech N.V. (that would be Jake & Linda Richter in all cases), would like to wish each of our readers a most Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyful Kwanza, and whatever else you care to do during what's Polically Correctly called "The Holiday Season" (at least in the United States). For Bonaire, it's Bon Pasku, Felis Navidad, and Gelukkig Kerstdagen, among others. In any event, have a great holiday, and a very happy, successful, and enlightening New Year!

As part of the so-called Holiday Season, please note that this edition of the Bonaire E-News covers two weeks - we won't be publishing next week.

Also, many Bonaire markets and businesses will be closed a half day on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, all day on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, as well as on Boxing Day (the 26th) and Sunday, December 27th. Port Call and the E-News advise you to plan accordingly.

The upcoming January/February 1999 issue Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine (RSD) features the annual Top 100 - a listing of the best diving has to offer around the world, as rated by 6,000 RSD readers. Bonaire and Bonaire's dive operators and resorts scored very well, especially considering that Bonaire plays host to less than 60,000 visitors a year, a significant number of whom are not divers.

Without further ado, here's how Bonaire rated in the eyes of readers in various categories:

Best Overall Destination:
2nd Place in the Caribbean/Atlantic (Little Cayman was 1st) 5th Place worldwide (Papua New Guines was 1st)

Best Fish Life:
2nd Place in the Caribbean/Atlantic (Little Cayman was 1st) 7th Place worldwide (Palau was 1st)

Best Visibility
3rd Place in the Caribbean/Atlantic (Cozumel was 1st) 5th Place worldwide (Egyptian Rea Sea was 1st)

Healthiest Marine Environment:
2nd Place in the Caribbean/Atlantic
3rd Place worldwide

Best Snorkeling:
1st Place worldwide

Best Shore Diving:
1st Place worldwide

Best Beginner Diving:
2nd Place in the Caribbean/Atlantic (Bermuda got 1st place) 3rd Place worldwide (Looie Key, Florida got 1st place)

Most Popular Destination, Worldwide:
3rd Place (Cozumel and the Caymans got 1st and 2nd)

World's Favorite Dive Sites:
11th Place - The Hilma Hooker

For obvious reasons, Bonaire didn't place into the categories of Best Big Animal Encounters, Best Wreck Diving, Best Wall Diving, Best Advanced Diving, and Best Topside Attractions. Bonaire also didn't place in the category of Best Destination Value, which is something that probably needs to change.

Bonaire's Resorts and Dive Operators did quite nicely, as well:

Top Dive Operator Value:
1st Place Worldwide - Bruce Bowker's Carib Inn (a perfect score of 100!)

Best Dive Operators:
5th Place in Caribbean/Atlantic - Bruce Bowker's Carib Inn (& 6th worldwide)

Best Dive Resorts Worldwide:
7th Place - Plaza Resort Bonaire
12th Place - Buddy Dive Resort

Most Popular Dive Operator:
2nd Place - Capt. Don's Habitat
3rd Place - Sand Dollar Dive & Photo

Most Popular Resorts:
5th Place - Capt. Don's Habitat

Many congratulations to the resorts and dive operators rated so highly by RSD Readers!

Our request for people's opinions, experiences, and observations on the crime situation on Bonaire resulted in a number of rather interesting e-mails (and additional commentary on the news:rec.scuba and news:rec.scuba.locations Internet newsgroups. We've filtered through these messages, and have included what we believe to be representative portions of them below.

The comments ran the gamut from people who thought the situation was being overblown to people who refuse to come back to Bonaire until the problem is resolved.

Examples:

The Pleasant Side of Bonaire, from Donna Emmell:

"A little bad press goes a long way, and I think this is what is happening with your present "crime" situation."

"Once our van broke down at while we were at The Green Parrot. The security guys there couldn't have been more helpful, jump starting the van and getting us on our way. We also had the misfortune of a flat tire over at Lac Bay and were immediately rescued by one of the locals, who not only put our spare on, but took us somewhere in town, on a Sunday, and had the flat fixed for $5.00 instead of us having to go through the rental car agency to pay for it. We paid the tire fixer $10, even though he only wanted $5 and everyone was happy.

Many nights I would go down to Karol's alone, while my friend was taking an UW photo class at the Divi. Once again, no harm ever came our way.

I am not the least bit hesitant about returning to Bonaire. I have met many kind, friendly people, not just resort workers and dive masters, etc., but many locals who I feel very comfortable with. I think Bonaire is a wonderful dive destination."

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Concern from Dr. G. Trager:

"We stayed at Bruce Bowkers Carib Inn in early October/98 and someone had broken into one of the upstairs bedroom while the guests were in their beds and stole some diving gear. The 'police' finally showed up to garner some info about that crime as well as info about some crime that occurred about 2 months before.

Please don't let what has happened to other tourist sites happen to Bonaire... Please don't let DRUGS take over the Island, because most of these petty thefts are usually Drug related. Crack down on these individuals and make sure the "police force" is doing their jobs.... Start now.. Don't wait.. Tourism is one of your main industries.. Don't allow petty thieves and drugs ruin a beautiful island, one of the rare jems on this earth. We shall return but please make it as safe as possible for tourists to enjoy the abundant natural preserves you have down there."

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Boycott from Dave Scott:

"I just returned from my fourth trip to Bonaire over a span of 11 years. I post my opinions and observations for your information and safety. I've been to most of the valid dive locations in the carribean and central america (and many you may not of ever heard of) as well as many in the pacific...

If you are planning a trip to Bonaire be advised that it is now realistically no longer part of the dutch caribbean; unfortunately it is a latin american island complete with annomosity, serious crime and government apathy (and probably corruption). divers (THE economy) are tolerated, no longer warmly welcomed. the most outward sign of a real problem; bars on every window of every shop and hotel (they have imprisioned themselves just as in latin america and miami), the "club" on every car and plenty of broken car window glass at every shore dive location. if you go, and after you get ripped off, please go to the police and report the crime so you can witness first hand part of the problem: the police have an attitude that it is somehow your fault and you are insured anyway...

crack cocaine is just about everywhere which is the cause of need for cash and all the robbery (ok, theft at this point, but strongarm and gang violence is right around the corner). shore divers: leave nothing in the car, lock the club and leave the windows open. at nite, lock yourself up and don't leave that window up, don't try to listen to the sea, crank that ac up, sleep on your money or put it in a safe if available. sounding like "DIVE MIAMI" you bet your butt it does. i was going to urge all concerned persons to write the governor, tourist board, news paper and so on, but this is feel good crap. you want to do something? BOYCOTT BONAIRE, once it shrivles up..., then possibly the do nothing government will do the obvious, proactive policeing... "bitter" you probably say to yourself as a reaction to this posting, wrong..sad. what did they get of mine?..on two seperate occasions.. a disposable camera, a few really smelly tee shirts and about 8 ICE cold polars in a cheap cooler which i thought were cleverly hidden in the scrub away from the jeep (at nucove)...

i just think its really sad that this has happened on bonaire when it would be so easy to stop before it really gets out of hand. the bonaire government will not even admit there is a problem..."

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Avoid Platitudes, Take Action from Alan Spencer:

"The various letters and articles impress us as being very weak in their coverage of one important point; namely, efforts to apprehend the criminals and current penalties being given. A prospective tourist in reading such reports will quickly distinguish between treating symptoms and dealing with root causes, and is more reassured by actions taken to declare the problem intolerable, than by all the recounting of educational steps, new windows and locks, statistics about smallness of crime as compared to other islands etc. which all sound as if everyone must accept this as "the new way of life on our island." Of course you don't want to tolerate crime! But what message is being sent to the criminals?...

I note that a few good suggestions have been made by those writing on the Internet about the situation. I hope they are given serious consideration.

One article suggested planting cars in popular dive areas that could be watched by police. Just the knowledge that such "sting" operations are in progress would do much to reduce the problem. If reports were published that the authorities were gathering names and building a case, then all would be sure that there was a genuine effort to get to the bottom of the problem and not just deal with symptoms.

Now I'm sure some of these things are being done, but it is not comforting to read reports from police and other officials that point to how few murders there are, how much is being spent on educating tourists, what new locks are being installed etc. when the underlying communication seems to be that they are either unwilling or unable to speak clearly about measures to apprehend or punish wrongdoers.

One reason we come to the Caribbean is to sleep at night with our windows open! It is not a big request. Would we come if the prevailing sentiment was "We have a little problem and we are letting the crooks know we are dead serious about bringing this to a halt, but in the meantime, please lock your windows?" Probably. On the other hand, would we want to spend substantial savings where the attitude comes across "They are here to stay and we lack the will to stop them so here is the new list of rules to live under the new way of life: Lock all windows etc."? I doubt it."

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It's a Sad Reality from Richard:

"While we had a few problems with theft on our visit to paradise (Bonaire) in July, it was not anything we feel the natives were a part of. One member of our party had a mask and snorkel stolen as well as the cap off her bc dump valve. Not exactly hot items for resale. I personally had a small flashlight stolen off my bc. It is my opinion that if the theft had been for resale, the entire bc would have "developed legs". As it was they removed the flashlight from the bc and let the much more valuable equipment. My guess it was the youngster of a guest that wanted a flashlight. I say youngster in that I would hope that anyone coming to Bonaire would not have to resort to stealing to obtain a $20.00 light. As for vehicles being gone through while divers are on a shore dive, yes I know that happens. My group did 1000 steps as a shore dive. I have a history of bad knees and thus stayed topside while they dove. More than one person came along and "rested" on the benches there until they figured out I was not leaving. Did I feel threatened? Hardly. But I am sure I was not on the top ten lists of liked people by those who wished to "rest". Yes Bonaire has a problem, but not one that most places in the US do not have as well...

Actually in almost any tourist area the tourist are the easy marks as opposed to locals. It is the same in any tourist spot in the US and it seems that we have brought our problems with us to Bonaire. Did anyone ever check to see what the crime rate was BEFORE we divers made it a "hot spot"?

I doubt it was any where nearly as high as now. So while there is a bit of crime there, it is nothing we are not use to at home (some exceptions). I doubt that many have considered moving just because someone "borrowed" something from their home. Likewise I will DEFINITELY go back to Bonaire. I will just make sure ALL my gear is in the room/condo and locked before I go to sleep, go out, etc."

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Statistics Don't Tell All from Richard Schiffer:

"When thieves went through my rented vehicle, nothing was stolen because we left nothing of value in the vehicle while diving. Not all of the people we met while there were as fortunate. From my conversations with many other tourists we met, both those who had experienced theft and those who had not, the feeling was that even if something was stolen that there was no point in reporting it because nothing would happen. The fact that so many people seem to feel that there really doesn't appear to be a concerted effort to stop theft could very well be the cause of the reduction in reported theft. Why report an incident if your belief is that nothng will result from your report? If that is the case, you might as well just accept it, right it off and try to enjoy the rest of your stay and not waste time reporting the incident. For the record, I was on Bonaire for only 9 days, which hardly makes me an expert on the issue, and I enjoyed my stay immensely. Still, the fact that I met a number of people who had experienced thefts and, while we left nothing for our unwelcome guests, we also had would be thiefs enter our vehicle on two occasions (we were advised to leave it unlocked so they would not break the windows, as they did to the van parked next to us) points to a very high incidence of theft/attempted theft. To say that a decreased number of theft reports points to a decrease in crime seems to me to be a bit of a reach. At least for me, a more comforting statistic would be a substantial increase in arrests and convictions. Unless people perceive that a real effort is being made to combat the problem, I would think crime victims would simply stop reporting the incidents, and thieves would continue to view us as easy marks. Just my opinion."

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Part of a Solution from David Fortlage:

"While the TCB has been proactive in giving financial support for the beach patrols (I believe this has now stopped), there has been very little said or done by the gov to reassure tourists or property owners that steps are being taken to reduce crime. While I agree that crime might be less on Bonaire than other Caribbean islands (we say this but never give actual statistics), the fact remains that crime gets a lot of attention when it happens on Bonaire. I disagree with taking the approach that crime really isn't as bad a problem as we think....even if it is true. That goes against current public perception. You can argue this forever, but you won't change public opinion.

What is needed is a good PR program involving the public and private sectors. Silence in situations like this only adds fuel to the fire. The gov must develop specific actions, or if they already have done so, then publicize what they are doing. If they have done all of this, then they have not been effective in getting their message across... Ultimately it is the government's responsibility to protect its citizens and guests, not the private sector."

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Not Going to Bonaire - from Brian Slack:

"My luggage had been searched - nothing taken - since we carried our dive gear with us. Our rental car was also searched at a dive site - but again because we left it unlocked with nothing of value, we did not lose anything. We heard several other people with similar experiences.

1. Our losses were nil, and we did not make a report...could this be a factor in the chief of police's statistics, the underreporting of criminal acts?

2. As minor as these events were, they shook us up. The fact that the dive operater has to tell you to leave the vehicles unlocked indicates a degree of occurrence that is unacceptable.

3. The car break in occurred at a site that wouldn’t take too much police work to have a stake out to apprehend the thieves.

4. We have not returned to Bonaire since, inspite of loving the diving. Instead we have been to other Caribbean destinations where we "feel" safe..Cayman, Cuba and Bermuda...we make two trips a year there.

5. Until the tourism/resort owners/ police do something about the situation, I am sure that others like me will stay away. I am not persuaded that "crime is worse on other islands" or "the crimes are not violent". These responses are unacceptable.

6. The airline problem [ed: theft from checked bags] is another issue...I am convinced that the problem lies with the ground handlers in Miami.....but ALM should take steps to safeguard the baggage of its customers. An undercover operation there too would not be that difficult for the airport authority to undertake.

Try to do something, since I would love to dive there again."

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The above comments reflect many different attitudes about the petty theft problem that exists on Bonaire. If we were to summarize the contents of the messages above and others which we did not quote above (yes, there were many more), it would come down to:

- The status quo isn't good enough. Reduce crime, otherwise it will continue to grow and evolve into worse forms of crime than just petty theft.

- Use proactive policing instead of reactive policing - Use sting operations and increased patrols and visibility of the police at dive sites

- Police report quantities don't tell the whole story, because many attempted and actual thefts are never reported - Publicize the efforts being made to reduce crime on Bonaire, and back up the publicity with factual evidence, not vague statistics - We're not coming back to Bonaire until it's safe again (about half the responses)

- We're coming back to Bonaire because we still feel safe as long as we take certain precautions (the other half of the responses)

All in all, things could be far worse, but they could also be far better.

It's hard to believe, but Bonaire has a new phonebook, and just a year after the last one came out (for those not aware of it, there was no new phone book in 1995, 1996, or 1997). The new "Buki di telefon 1999" sports computer enhanced Lora parrot on the cover, has extensive yellow page listings, and is, for the most part more accurate than the 1998 phonebook (we've already had reports of several incorrect phone numbers, however).

Telbo, the local phone company, is making these phones books available to the owners of existing, operational phone numbers - one each. Additional phone books may be purchased for Nafl. 15,- from Telbo (this also even applies to advertisers, oddly enough). Phone books may start being delivered to residences and business as early as next week, but more likely at some point in January as Telbo tries to figure out how to ensure that each Telbo customer gets his one (no more, no less) copy of the phone book for each line the customer has with Telbo.

While we're thrilled to have a phone book in which we are actually listed, we are puzzled by this bizarre rationing of phone books the phone company has put into place. It seems counterproductive, since if more copies of the phone books are available, it will make it easier for more people (like those in an office, or guests in hotel rooms, etc.) to locate the person or company they want to call, and in turn, Telbo will make more money (since even local calls are metered and paid for in terms of time used). Hey, and if they give out more copies of the phone books, they could probably even raise advertising rates in their yellow pages (but don't tell them that - we don't want our advertising costs to increase). Telbo can be reached at 7000.

Last night, we were invited to a private press briefing and dinner to show off the new Dock of the Bay restaurant at Buddy Dive Resort. Dock of the Bay is the third restaurant to be managed and operated by Rob van der Berg, the owner of both Rum Runners (at Capt. Don's Habitat) and The Dome (in downtown Kralendijk). In our opinion, the new restaurant has winner potential. The food is scrumptious, with diverse lunch and dinner menus offering a range of cuisines. For example, lunch features lighter fares such as french bread sandwiches, several different kinds of salads, and even a couple of different burgers, followed by homemade ice creams/sherbets. Dinner features a wide range of appetizers, including a grilled porkloin stuffed with "tutti frutti" in an almond sauce, and a good selection of seafood, meat, and vegetarian main courses. Did we mention the homemade ice creams and sherbets? Definitely our favorite course last night! Prices are moderate for Bonaire, with an average dinner main course running around US$12-15. Call 5080 for reservations.

Someone (as usual, we can't remember who) once said that there are only two absolutes in life: Death and Taxes. Well, Bonaire has its share of taxes, one of which is the annoying ABB (which is 6% on certain goods and services) and the other is a series of duties on certain imported goods designed to protect various industries in Curacao. There's news about both of these, courtesy of Port Call.

ABB: It depends who you believe. The present 6 % ABB (sales) tax is due to be replaced by a gross receipts tax of 2% next year, a change that should add 50 million guilders a year to the treasury. But when will it begin?

Newspaper accounts vary. Some say in January; others say April. It will be of special help for individuals importing items directly because the automatic 6% levy applied by customs in addition to the normal duty will be eliminated.

Duties: The Bonaire Business and Industry Association (AKIB), came out in favor of a free market for the Netherlands Antilles. That means they do not favor market protection via tariff for Antillian manufacturing industries.

Following up, Bonaire s parliamentarians took a firm stand on the position to Curaçao, saying they would withdraw from the coalition government if the legislation to eliminate protectionism was rejected. This year Bonaire will send approximately 1 million guilders to Curaçao to subsidize its local industries. Supporters say protectionism costs the consumer unnecessary money. Curaçao labor unions are in favor of protection saying that its elimination will create further unemployment.

Our take: Things being what they are, it's probably not too surprising that there isn't a clear position of what's happening when with the various taxes. However, anything that increases the cost of goods to locals and tourists alike makes Bonaire a more expensive place to live on and to visit, and we think that's not a good thing. So, out with the protectionist duties, and let's hope that the ABB goes away soon, not to be replaced by the cumulative 2% gross receipts tax (called the BBO).

[NOTE: The Cinema is closed on December 24th and 31st]

Bonaire Twin Cinema is located in the heart of Kralendijk next to the Exito Bakery and behind the Cultimara Supermarket. Starting Friday, December 25, Bonaire Twin Cinema will be offering the following film features (NaFl.10.- for all normal features):
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Holy Man
- Nightly at 8:30pm and 10:30pm
- Late shows Fri. & Sat. at 12:30am

Eddie Murphy stars as an outrageous spiritual leader who offers a hilarious look at life and TV shopping as he is given the opportunity to take his pitch to the airwaves on a cable shopping network. Jeff Goldblum and Morgan Fairchild co-star. (Rated PG, Comedy Drama, CinemaScope, 94 min.)

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The Little Mermaid
- Nightly at 6:40

The Disney animation featuring an adaption of Hans Christian Andersen's tale of a mermaid who longs to be human returns to Bonaire's silver screen. (Rated G, Animation, 83 minutes).

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Halloween H2O
- Nightly at 6:45pm and 10:45pm
- Late Show Fri. & Sat. at 12:45am

After twenty years, Jamie Lee Curtis returns in the role that launched her motion picture career in the original Halloween. Halloween H20 visits her character, Laurie Strode, as she tries to maintain a normal life, but still haunted by the nightmares of that deadly night when Michael Myers killed all those she cared for. (Rated R, Horror, CinemaScope, 85 min.)

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Knock Off - Last week
- Nightly at 8:45pm

Each week, we'll list the addresses of new Bonaire Web sites that we come across.

Just in time for Christmas! Lots of things for sale, and some things being sought:

For Sale:
TOYOTA TERCEL
"Classic" car. Cream puff condition, 65,000 miles. Asking Nafl. 5000. Call 2447

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
New freezers (several sizes available)
17 kw Lister Diesel Generator (mint)
Slicing machine
Vacuum pack machine
Clothes dryer
Reel of coaxial cable
Maple wood bed frames - twin size
"Harvard" mattress frames
And more....all priced to sell
Call 2447

CELLPHONE
Motorola Ultra Lite MicroTAC Cellphone with Vibra Call, Enhanced Features include battery, Intellicharger, leather case, Already programmed for Bonaire and USA. Cost in Curaçao over Nafl. 2000. Reduced! Asking Nafl. 600. Call George 8988 or mailto:portcall@infobonaire.com

COMPUTER HARDWARE
Used 2GB External SCSI Hard Disk - 3 years old - Nafl. 500 or best offer Used (5 months) 32MB DIMM - Nafl. 75 Call 6773 or mailto:jake@nettech.an

HELP WANTED
Accounting office "Bonaire Pro" is looking for an accounting assistant. Must have experience working in accounting. Please respond to mailto:bonairepro@bonairelive.com or call 8143.

GARAGE SALE
Sunfish sailboat - Nafl. 900
Computer keyboard - Nafl. 50
Cellular Phone - Nafl. 200
Canon Video Camcorder with Underwater Housing - Nafl. 1500
Four (4) Kitchen Chairs - Nafl. 100 for all
Dot Matrix Printer - Nafl. 150
Minolta x-700 35mm camera with flash, 5 lenses, auto-winder, bag - Nafl. 1800
Call Susan at 5425 between 8:00am and 5:00pm, or 2848 from 6:00pm until 9:00pm

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Want to Buy:

USED NOTEBOOK COMPUTER:
Looking to spend not more than Nafl. 1500. Send details to mailto:classifieds@infobonaire.com.

USED COMPUTER MONITOR:
15" or 17", color, PC compatible. Contact mailto:tcbproduct@bonairelive.com