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Accommodations: Who is Polaris Travel Group?
Bonaire Talk: Accommodations: Archives: Archives 2000 to 2006: Archives - 2000-07-16 to 2001-07-11: Who is Polaris Travel Group?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Karla Davis on Sunday, July 8, 2001 - 10:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We recieved a call last week telling us we won a land vacation from them. With all of me I am ecstatic about it, but I am barely reluctant to spend 1,300.00 on air tickets to stay somewhere I am not able to pick. Has anyone been at their establishment? And what was your experience?

Sincerely, Jeff and Karla

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly on Sunday, July 8, 2001 - 11:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

If it sounds too good to be true, it is... I for one have never heard of them.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Niki Harris on Monday, July 9, 2001 - 1:31 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

What establishment are they saying you will visit? (Like Kelly, I don't recognize the name Polaris..)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry Gassert on Monday, July 9, 2001 - 2:02 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jeff and Carla,

It sounds like a marketing technique where they put you up for a period of time, give you a high pressure sales pitch and sell you a time share of something - or swamp land :) It's very little cost to them....

Beware, take heed, don't do it.....it's not worth it, no matter what you might think. It's the way they market using your emotions - they could be a FBN (fly by night) company. And as Kelly says, if it sounds to good to be true....it is.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kerri Freeman on Monday, July 9, 2001 - 2:45 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

A real Advertising/Marketing rat speaks: Straight up....legitimate companies don't ask you for money. Maybe a proof-of-purchase and 50 cents. That's it. Same thing if your child/wife/husband/dog are cute...if we want you as a model, WE pay. We don't need great pix. We can struggle along with a small colour shot. We often work from a quick and dirty throw-away cam shot. Anybody can call themselves an advertising or marketing company..and a lot of FBN's do. Lots of pseudo-holiday places around right now in a good economy..really notorious! If someone's asking you for money....Hang Up !!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ann Phelan on Monday, July 9, 2001 - 8:28 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Trust me..anything that appears too good to be true usually is..I am a travel agent and have had many clients scammed. Be very careful. Annie

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sarah on Monday, July 9, 2001 - 2:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Karla, does this help???

Polaris Marketing: Specializing in PRIME vacation rentals and real estate on Bonaire, Dutch Antilles - one of the ABC islands along with Aruba and Curacao. We are based in Quincy, Massachusetts, USA and have a 20 year history on this paradise island.

Imagine vacationing in your dream home deep in the beautiful and tropical Caribbean and spending your days scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, fishing and relaxing!

Let Polaris Marketing help you book a trip to the Divers' Paradise Island of Bonaire. We can book your air fare, accommodations, car rentals, dive packages and windsurfing packages. If you have vacation dates, then please call us and we will quote you a full package price or send us an e-mail for an even quicker response.

Call 1-888-Bon-bini (1-888-266-2464) Email: Bonaire3483@aol.com

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Anonymous on Monday, July 9, 2001 - 3:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

OOPS! COMMERCIAL!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ann Phelan on Monday, July 9, 2001 - 4:30 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I am in the travel industry (An IATAN agent) and am unfamiliar with this agency. Also, I reside in MA. Check them with the local Better Business Bureau and possbible ARC or IATA, the reporting agencies for ALL travel agencies. Your local agent can help you do this. Good luck.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linnea Wimberly on Monday, July 9, 2001 - 4:46 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sarah's profile puts her in the UK, which is why no US travel agent may be familar with the company. Karla's profile does not state her home country. I agree with most of the other postings - look a gift horse in the mouth very carefully. Sarah's posting (commercial) does sound like a time share or property presentation would be part of the package.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sarah on Monday, July 9, 2001 - 5:34 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Guys.. was not intended to be a commercial.. I have nothing to do with Marketing or Polaris in any way. People we know on the island will confirm that.. The information is on the front page of the web site www.bonbini.com. My partner and I rent one of their apartments on the island every December... I recognised the name Polaris and thought it would be helpful to Karla..:)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linnea Wimberly on Monday, July 9, 2001 - 6:05 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

My apologies about the "commercial" bit. If you had just stated that before and just given the web address, you wouldn't have confused me/us.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sarah on Monday, July 9, 2001 - 6:37 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Linnea, apology accepted.... most of the talkers know of me. I'll try to remember that there are talkers out there that don't....:) One thing, if I read a thread and come to a conclusion, I never state it on the site, unless I am absoloutly 100% certain that I'm right..:) T

The site is great, in that there are many people out there with information to give to others.. if you have it, share it..:)

Once again, sorry for any confusion..:)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Anonymous on Monday, July 9, 2001 - 9:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

All I can say is that Polaris is a company in the States associated with Ray Byrd and run by his son Joe. Ray lives in Bonaire and his son in Mass.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry Gassert on Monday, July 9, 2001 - 10:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Many of you know my writing and I am normally positive, especially when promoting Bonaire. Jake you may take this down if you so desire, but I have to speak:

RAY BYRD, Hmmmmmmmmm

I WOULD RATHER HANDLE BLOOD FROM AN AIDS PERSON WITHOUT GLOVES, THAN DEAL WITH RAY BYRD.

HE IS AN EMBARRASSMENT TO AMERICANS. HE IS KNOWN TO BE A CROOK, A SWINDLER (Check out his name in Florida), A PERSON YOU DON'T WANT TO DEAL WITH. HE IS A FAST TALKER AND WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY WITH A SMILE.

GIVE HIM A DEPOSIT, AND YOU WILL NEVER SEE THE MONEY AGAIN.....HE KNOWS HOW TO WORK THE LEGAL SYSTEM AND KNOWS YOU WON'T PUSH IT.

STAY AWAY. STAY AWAY. STAY AWAY. STAY AWAY.

Enough said - Now, ending on a positive note: Scorpions won't hurt you if you stay away from them :):) They are one of God's creatures and are here for a purpose.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sarah on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 4:28 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Barry, we have rented one of Ray Birds' apartments from him over the past 2 years.. we have never had any problems with deposits, and the apartment is really very nice indeed. The fact that my partner is an Attorney might have something to do with that..! You can imagine how shocked I am to see your thread.. We were thinking about staying in the same apartment again this year..:) Oh well, enough said..

Karla, guess you won't be taking up that offer now!!...:)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry Gassert on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 4:47 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sarah,

His apartment rentals are legit. He has nice places and all. It's his buying / selling / timesharing deals that are in doubt - in my humble opinion. It's the deposits for his finders fee, etc that are in jeopardy. He could have cleaned up his act, too. I haven't been there since March 2000.

He has done well for some, but I know of some who got caught on the short end. I wasn't one of them, but my friends were.

I don't want to disparage against him. He's a businessman and deserves to be allowed to do business in any way he feels he must. Word of mouth is the best advertising and if he's cleaned up, then so be it.

I wouldn't normally tell anyone to not do business with him, but I will open their eyes a bit - it's the same all over - buyer beware.

Karla, you do what you have to do, but watch your money.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sarah on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 7:30 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Barry, thanks for that.. we have had thoughts about buying on Bonaire sometime in the future... we'll sure be careful about who from, that's for certain... :)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Anonymous on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 9:28 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ray Bird had a business on the Island called IBS located in the house next(north) of the old ABN bank in town. The business is now gone along with Ray Bird. He was associated with Lighthouse Beach Resort for awhile and cheated a few people out of rental income there along with bogus management fees. I would stay away from him and his business dealings and am sorry to post this as anonymous but am doing so for personal reasons.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Anonymous on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 11:11 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I like you hate to post anonymous, but I also do this for personal reasons. Ray Byrd IS not gone. I just met him on the island during this last trip I took. He told me all about the business he and his son run, but it is in his son's name. Why he hasn't left yet I will never know. Thanks.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Anonymous on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 12:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

He may still be on the island but his business is not. It is my understanding that he is not much wanted on the island.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jason on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 3:42 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jake,
You can take my message down too.. I have had some potential dealings with Ray a couple of years back... I never followed up as his ideas of levereging my mortgage just didn't sit well with me, nor did some of the representations he made that my lawyer refuted..If I had followed through I am relatively certain that I would have had lost my property, I know he had some great plans but I would therefore agree with Barry's assessment. Our shop in the US recently received a proposal from Polaris that appears to be geared to Ray's former properities.. FYI the pricing when all was figured out was far less advantageous then dealing with one of the better known firms..

For what its worth ..

jason

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Liz Ginocchio on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 4:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sarah, If you are talking about is apartment next to Bel Mar...it is my understanding that the government has seized it due to the money he owes others and the government...don't think you will be able to stay there...Also your right anon...Ray's business is not on Bonaire...he actually owns nothing anymore -- heard he had to file bankruptcy due to owing everybody and their brothers. His son runs everything for him out of his MASS office. Also he does part own one unit at Lighthouse Beach Resort (end oceanfront). Owns no others, but still manages a few properties there (NOT MINE THOUGH).

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 7:19 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ray is now bankrupt and still has a beautiful house on the seaside worth lots of money, but not a part of the corporation, so he has stuck a number of folks for beaucoup bucks. I will not stick my neck out as far as Barry did since I still live here, but Barry does speak the truth. I know that for everyone who has been in a positive dealing with him, two have had "their clocks rewound" by his devious practices. Joe, his son, is a nice guy but you know the expression about the acorn falling not far from the tree.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry Gassert on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 8:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I have received many emails on this because people want to remain anonymous, but all the stories are basically the same. Ray sold them property, mangaged it as a rental and kept the money.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out his new scheme is that Joe (Michael, you're right about the acorns) gets the 'mark' and sends them down to dad. Dad uses someone elses property - free of course - and tries to market Polaris's moneymaking venture.

As I said before, I'm normally positive, but when it comes to the reputation of Bonaire and the pocketbooks of innocent people, I will speak out on behalf of Bonaire and those people.

Keep well everyone and I hope you didn't lose too much - or in your case, Karla, you have been forwarned and I'm glad we all were part of saving you your money and a possible sour taste of Bonaire......:)

Drinks on Karla and Jeff next time they are in Bonaire, yeah?:):)

Barry

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ray Bird on Wednesday, July 11, 2001 - 1:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks for the propaganda, Ray Bird
This week on CNN a program aired about the internet. One finding said 70% of people do not believe what they see on the internet.
HMMMMMMMM..............

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Anonymous on Wednesday, July 11, 2001 - 1:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

However...the truth is the truth..

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary Wirth on Wednesday, July 11, 2001 - 3:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We feel we must correct one posting in this discussion. The apartment next to Bel Mar is not part of the IBS bankrucptcy as it was never part of the business. My wife and I purchased 50% ownership in this apartment when it was still unfinished and designed the interior plan. We also purchased and shipped the furnishings. We have a lot of love for Bonaire and this property and hate to see it suffer because of other problems by IBS or Ray Bird who only has 1/4 ownership in it.
Our businesses in the states are built on honesty, ethics and customer satisfaction. We are accustomed to dealing with other businesses that operate on these same principles. We have managed to make this a wonderful apartment in spite of not having those expectations met.
I don't want to get commercial here but if anyone has interest in this property they do not have to deal with Polaris but can contact us directly.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry Gassert on Wednesday, July 11, 2001 - 9:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Ray, You're welcome. Glad I could be of help. :)

70% huh? Guess they didn't survey this group. I think there are too many great minds here to be able to print a mistruth and get away with it.

I would say after a thread has run it's course, 90% believe what they read, hmmmmmmm, maybe higher?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kate Hickson on Saturday, July 14, 2001 - 12:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Barry et al.:
I usually "lurk" here on the site daily, but I've been busy and missed this thread for a few days. Wow. I feel no need to go "anonymous". I was one of the ones burned by Ray Bird. I blame myself because my immediate first reaction was:sleazeball personified. He is straight out of central casting. I will say i dealt with him only because he had a great house for sale which I ended up buying and I love it. But as a property manager he kept all my money from rentals, never paid utilities (they were all shut off), yard overgrown with weeds, homeowner's insurance not paid, etc....all things he was contracted to do. He was never honest and neber returned phone calls. Claimed he was mugged twice on Bonaire...Barry, were you somehow involved?? I'm sure there are alot of fingerprints on that knife! I immediately filed a complaint with the Boston Better Business Bureau, for what it's worth. I just don't want anyone else to get burnt. We now have honest property managers and still love Bonaire.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry Gassert on Sunday, July 15, 2001 - 11:05 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kate,

Well stated and no, I wasn't the one with the knife. However, it wouldn't be surprising that it was someone who he knew in his past and who wasn't too happy with him :)

Two muggings, eh? That's half the annual muggings on Bonaire. So, when he leaves, the crime rate (muggings) will decrease, too. Not bad.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor on Monday, July 16, 2001 - 11:57 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

The most recent really was not a mugging, truth be told, but a jealous boyfriend. No, not that Ray was hitting on the girl, but his grandson was. It kind of got messy with all the stories and was the "talk of the town" for a while!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly on Monday, July 16, 2001 - 3:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

You gotta love the "Bamboo Telegraph"

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By cheryl ferguson on Monday, August 20, 2001 - 5:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I too received info from this person / company. Thanks for the 'heads up'!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert Deal on Monday, August 20, 2001 - 6:34 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Just got an e-mail today out of the blue from "Polaris"...fill out a survey and get entered in a free drawing, that sort of thing. Help us help you to the most wonderful island, etc., etc...
I can only imagine that they pulled my address from the profile.
Fortunately, thank to this board, I know better than to answer this particular offer...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem on Monday, August 20, 2001 - 6:34 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I got one today (don't bother to answer the email, Jake, unless there is something worth it). This thread and the 'Delete' button are wonderful.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry Gassert on Monday, August 20, 2001 - 8:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I got one, too. Glen is right. BUT...this just shows what kind of SCUM this father and son act are....

Hmmmm, who's for replying - 10x, 20x each....load up their mail...give them some of their scum back.

I haven't engaged in scum slinging since the swamps of the New Jersy pine forests. :)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Feldman on Monday, August 20, 2001 - 8:53 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Me too.

They must have copied all the email addresses off this board. Scumbags.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry Gassert on Monday, August 20, 2001 - 9:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I just sent my complaint that Jake recommended. Man, did it feel good.

I still liked my 10x,20x idea better...that would give me more satisfaction, but......:) Yeah, I know, I'm not a kid anymore, I'm mature, I'm not to lower myself to SCUM SUCKING like Joe and his dad....but.......:) I know it would feel soooo good.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Anonymous on Tuesday, August 21, 2001 - 1:05 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

It's more devious than just taking addresses from profiles. They sent it to my work e-mail, an address I have never included in my profile or anywhere for that matter.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter - NetTech on Tuesday, August 21, 2001 - 11:54 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I just got a note back from the ISP that they are taking care of the matter. Hopefully it does some good...

Jake

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Anonymous on Tuesday, August 21, 2001 - 12:24 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Just got the same message from a Joy and Tom Clough...Is that were everyone is getting their's from? I will be sending my complaint!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linda Richter - NetTech on Tuesday, August 21, 2001 - 12:53 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

They are the culprits.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gail Currie on Tuesday, August 21, 2001 - 1:45 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I too got an e-mail and went to the site to see what it was all about. When I realized they were just trying to build their database by getting names entered for a supposed contest and selling condos I left the site and deleted the message. After reading all of this thread I'm glad I didn't enter it!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry Baker on Tuesday, August 21, 2001 - 2:53 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sherry actually got the message before I did and forwarded it to me but I remembered this thread about Polaris and told her to look it up.

Barry Baker

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS on Wednesday, August 22, 2001 - 4:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ray,I can guarentee that this board isn't part of that 70%!!!!!!
Jake, please don't delete this thread!I was just getting back from my vacation and must of missed it till now! I received the email too and to my dismay, I entered the contest. Oh Well, at least I am educated now! Thanks Guys!!! Sometime my love for Bonaire gets in the way of my brain!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Josie on Wednesday, August 22, 2001 - 5:35 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Just deleted the email I got from Joy & Tom Clough. Where do we send a complaint to?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Feldman on Wednesday, August 22, 2001 - 9:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Josie,

Look at the Newsgroup Announcements/E-Mail Harassment of BonaireTalk Users thread - Jake has a little "form" letter there.

Welcome back (though I'm sure you'd rather still be on Bonaire - wouldn't we all!)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Bender on Monday, August 27, 2001 - 8:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I too received the Polaris entry form, but submitted before reading this thread. Just like Darlene, I let my strong desire to return to Bonaire cloud my better judgement. Oh well!

 


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