Jake & Linda...having spent many a fantastic Bonaire vacation staying at the Sunset Beach Hotel I was at first distressed over your Letter to the Editor. Upon reflection I realized the validity of your suggestion of a Bonairian owned/operated beach. The hotel was not that much, my loyalty was to the Sunset Beach Dive Center and to the super dive site "Front Porch". Because of the closing of the Sunset Beach Hotel the Sunset Beach Dive Center was forced to close and the waves of "Linny" all but destroyed the beach. It is time that Bonaire has a unrestricted beach easily reached by all. Properly restored, Playa Leche would be perfect and will serve the residents, the cruise ship industry and of course the divers. You have my vote (just so it isn't a "butterfly ballot" !!!!

Good for you Kelly!
Bonaire does not need another hotel, with a 50% or less fill.
The people of Bonaire have been riped-off as far a nice beach goes. Big bucks comes in and builds on all the prime land.
I do remember that Hugo(?)did allow all to use his beach, and made them feel welcome. Try that at the HV, Plaza, or even the Divi.(to small to start with)

Ah, the good old days!

"Ah, the good old days!"... you got that right Jerry. It seems the easy going days of beach diving have been replaced by a need to "bag" as many dive sites as possible. I fondly remember just grabbing a tank and falling off the pier at Sunset Beach, drop down to visit the sunken tug, an easy cruise to visit the folks at Sand Dollar, then a slow drift back to Playa Leche..{major sigh}

ps - Playa Leche was a public beach and therefore Hugo had no choice, but all were welcome. kh

As an FYI for those reading this topic, the original letter we submitted to the Bonaire Reporter follows:

---------------------
Today, as we write this letter, it's the one year anniversary of the wave surge which affected Bonaire's normally tranquil west coast. By the time you read this, it will be the one year anniversary of when nearly two dozen volunteers cleaned as much of the debris as could be removed from the beach at what used to be the Sunset Beach Hotel in order to allow Bonaireans - born and transplanted alike - to once again take advantage of the only centrally located, non-restrictive beach on Bonaire's west side.

We find it discouraging that in the year that has passed, the only change to the Sunset Beach Hotel property has been a large fire and more vandalism. For better or worse, several almost-done deals by Interbank (the present owners) to sell the property to companies wanting to reestablish a hotel on the property have all fallen through. And now, over two years since the hotel was closed down by creditors, all we have is a eyesore, and a beach which is not practical to use by the public due to lack of upkeep.

In practical terms, Bonaire does not need yet another hotel, even if it's replacing a derelict property like Sunset Beach Hotel although we're sure there are those who would vehemently disagree with us. What Bonaire is in need of is a facility which offers Bonairean families easy access to a nice beach where kids can learn to swim (as they once used to), play, and just be kids, and likewise, where families can enjoy a day together combining Bonaire's generally wonderful weather (okay, not including this month) with Bonaire's life filled warm waters, all within easy distance of where the majority of Bonaireans live. The Sorobon area is nice, but remote. The same goes for Cai.

Even visitors to Bonaire would benefit from a conveniently located public beach - certainly tourists staying at Habitat, Lion's Dive, Sand Dollar, and Buddy Dive, and more particularly, the proverbial non-diving spouse, would enjoy the use of a real beach where no fee has to be paid, and where locals and tourists can mingle freely. In the countless e-mail messages we get from tourists praising Bonaire, the friendliness of Bonaireans is rated very highly, as well as the sense of not being made to feel like outsiders, with Sundays at Lac Cai among the leading examples.

Even those much disparaged (again for better or worse) visitors - the cruise ship tourists - could enjoy a public beach at what is still the Sunset Beach Hotel property. We've seen this work quite successfully in places where cruise ship tourism is exponentially greater than on Bonaire.

Of course, to make this all work some way would have to be found to compensate Interbank for its stake in the property, which, it should be noted, Interbank can't do anything with without the Bonairean government's approval. Perhaps a compromise which would allow for the building of a small shopping area and concessions (for food, drinks, rental of snorkel and dive equipment, etc.) with rent and some profits payable to Interbank would be possible. In any event, with the Klein Bonaire purchase, precedent was been set in reclaiming land from private owners and putting it into a public trust, and to make this an environmentally oriented move could require rules involving the banning of jet skis, proper disposal of cups, etc.

So, what we would like to propose is that the Sunset Beach Hotel property, via some fashion or another, be brought back to ownership and control by the Bonairean people for use as a public beach for locals and tourists alike. Comments? Send them to the Bonaire Reporter as Letters to the Editor.

Jake & Linda Richter

[Or post comments here too... :-)]

Wonderful idea, J & L!!!

As for making it happen, you did realize that as
members of BSR you are subject still to
Fineberg's law even though you live on
Bonaire? 'When you present a wonderful idea,
be prepared to lead the project if it is approved
of.' I sense enthusiastic approval here at least.

Keep us posted on the island reaction. Have
you tried it out before the letter to the editor?

This is the best idea and you have expressed it very well. Thank you for putting this out. It is a truly appropriate plan that would benefit everyone. Bravo!

I heard after the fire that the thatch-roof structure that is so beautiful was not destroyed, but it would seem to need some tender care in order to be preserved. That could be part of a public place too.

Great idea, as mentioned by all above.
By the way, am I wrong in thinking that all natural beaches (or some definition of that---high water mark, whatever) in Bonaire are public? The question is the access across private land...or am I way off base here?

Sounds like a great idea to me, Jake and Linda.

That is such a great idea! I had no idea that there were no nice local beaches for Bonairean families to go. Good luck!!!

Here are a few things to toss around.
The beach is public property, but the land surrounding the beach is now owned by the bank, am I correct so far?
If so, what is the asking price for this land?

Does anyone know the reasons all the past deals to DUMP the old Sunset fell through?

Is the bank motivated to sell?

Is there any public access to this beach, or is it land-locked?

Would the Government of Bonaire be willing to give a Corporation a tax brake if they were to buy the land and put it into a trust? Some what like Klein?

Here is my idea.

Get the Bonaire Hotel association to buy the land from the bank, the tax brake (savings) would be forwarded to the bank as payments on the note.
The trust could be set up so no one can ever buy / sell / own this land.
It would belong to Bonaire and it’s people. Even the bank itself could be a part of the trust, enjoying a tax brake for it’s percentage? Open it up to any investor who would like Bonaire to have more public land, open to all.

The Government would have to be a major part of this plan (Tax wise).
One less new hotel would be a benefit to the Bonaire Hotel Association.

This is a long term investment, with long term commitment on all sides. But if people can buy Klein, why not SUN SET BEACH?
The big problem is, how badly does the bank want to get out of this?
Would the people be willing to help with clean-up, maintenance?

Get people to pledge a given sum to this project in exchange for the tax write off, and have there names put on a plack / sign saying, i.e. THIS BEACH WAS GIVEN TO THE PEOPLE OF BONAIRE BY.
John Doe
The Bonaire Hotel Association
Mary Doe
ALM airlines
The trust of Mary and John Doe.
Microsoft ( Bill could buy Bonaire)

Now here’s a leap of faith.
I would be willing to donate $1,000.00 to start it off.(to be used only for land perchase in the trust) Now jump on board!

Jake and Linda:It seems Canada and Bonaire have a lot in common. In Ontario, within the last couple of years, we've bought back an island that had been in private (foreign) hands.Some government help and some with moneys from a private group,I think a nature conservancy, who are now trying to raise donations. And our eastern provinces, with some of the most beautiful oceanfront on earth, have been faced with losing access to folks from 'away' who're building summer homes there....The local municipalities and legislatures are scrambling to get laws in place to ensure that they can hold onto their heritage.They make their livings from the sea and they like to take their kids there without crossing the 'No Trespassing' signs.If you need any back up for your position, I hope this gives it to you.You're dead right in what you're doing....but you knew that. From the posts, your friends know it too.These 'computer geeks' and 'dive bums' are some class act. Sunset Beach..good times are a comin'!

Wouldn't it be wonderful if something like what Jerry suggests could be done. I'd certainly make a donation (a larger one if it could be set up in a way that it would be tax-deductible to US residents). Keep us posted on possibilities. And, thanks!

Jerry your proposal is super and I will be more than willing to donate to such a cause. To take the dream a step further, reopen the dive shop and expand it so that it would serve all that would use the beach, snorklers, swimmers, sun bathers, etc. (justathought)

To Jake,Linda,Jerry...and all comments..I've been trying to think of ways to get on-going sums of money for use in any Bonaire projects designated..it could be in addition to single donations..and small amounts can add up.The premise is:something that's do-able, tax breaks or no,and something satisfactory to a bank: If the bank you mentioned is interested, and legally able,..and if the cost-efficiency is the right balance,what about a credit card with benefits to Bonaire?.(I'm not sure exactly how this works..maybe some of you know..but my alma mater just informed me of a deal like this with VISA...obviously the bank get the 5% or whatever from the store, and pays the University something).For that matter, maybe it could be set up with VISA and proceeds assigned to Interbank? or Bonaire.Don't know how many people would have to sign on,but would anybody out there go along with something like this? Switching to a Bonaire card I mean...I use my card enough for l2 and it would be nice to see benefits going somewhere I like!Oops..almost forgot..what about some kind of attractive coin set of NAF that we could buy and use as gifts (nicely packaged, of course)? Or is there some decorative Bonaire stamp we could use on our mail like 'Easter Seals'.(Let's everyone know how they can show care for Bonaire.)

Who are the big players on Bonaire, (the movers and shakers?)We need to get them involved.

Other then the people of Bonaire, who has the most to gain?

We are stuck here in the states. We need someone in Bonaire to start this project up. Lawyers-Bankers-A government rep.

Who and how did the Klein deal?

Who is the largest tax payer on Bonaire?
Who is the largest employeer?

Wouldn't gov. permits be the thing that would have to be secured for such a project, Isn't that part of what is needed for such a project, besides funding ? I think it's a great idea,but I wonder of the enormous undertaking it would take to see such a thing thru.

Yes Lorraine, a project of this size will need many permits, (being Bonaire in all). Red tape is not in short supply in Bonaire from what I'm told.

I belive we need a person from the government and the Bank to be in on this project from the start. Without a powerfull person on our side, this project will stall,and be pushed aside for another hotel.

I am all for the undertaking of this type, but I doubt that it will (or could) get the international or even local support that Klien got as the circumstances and politics of the situation would be so vastly different. The Bank will not be willing to work much, I don't believe, as they have the premiere piece of waterfront property on the island and I would be stunned if they wanted to "unload" it or be philanthropic with it.

Hugo was well connected and had trouble dealing with the financial institutions and government agencies where you would certainly think he had much inside knowledge. IMO, it would take a real well respected person or group of locals with plenty of "front money" to even get the bank interested.

Certainly the idea would be great for all who truely love Bonaire and I to, would be willing to donate to such a fund, but the torch will have to be lit by someone on Bonaire...any takers?

Sorry I haven't responded sooner - ended up on an unplanned trip to NYC (and not on AJ because I left on Sunday - took ALM to Curacao and then American from there). And it's way too cold in Manhattan right now. Brr!

Anyhow, I agree with Thomas that it is unlikely that you would get anywhere near the off-island support for purchasing back Sunset Beach as what happened with Klein Bonaire, because the issue is less one of ecology than it is supporting the local populace (seems a little twisted, doesn't it?).

It should also be noted that in the same issue of the Bonaire Reporter that Linda's and my editorial appeared was a news item that the same people who had planned an "exclusive" (i.e. for the affluent) community north-east of Sabadeco/Barcadera were now close to a deal for the Sunset property. Personally, I hope this falls through too, because Bonaire really doesn't need more "exclusive" residential or tourist properties - not with what's already available and for sale on the island.

However, the key determiner in what happens with Sunset Beach is the Bonaire government. As I understand it, there are back taxes and fees in the vicinity of NAF 1 million due for Sunset Beach, and whoever the purchaser is has to come to an agreement with the government about how to handle this debt. As such, the Bonaire governement is the final determiner as to if and when Interbank can dispose of the property. This is the potential for leverage.

The hope among those of us who think Sunset Beach would best serve the island by becoming a public area is that native Bonaireans will take up the call to push for a conversion of Sunset to a public property - it has to be something that comes from Bonaireans (born Bonaireans, not transplants like us), especially ones who can vote(!), since without large scale local support the government has no real motivation to do anything in this direction.

We've spoken to a number of native Bonaireans, and universally they seem to like and support the idea, but so far no one has stepped forward to take a leadership role in this matter. So, for those of you who are long-time visitors to Bonaire (or if you're a Bonairean born & bred), get in touch with your Bonairean friends.

It should be noted that there will undoubtedly be people opposed to this plan, such as the people wanting to develop Sunset Beach as a private property as well as some others who want to see more hotel rooms or exclusive accommodations on Bonaire.

Jake

There is also the practical problem for the
government that making the property a public
area would likely require forgiving the NAF 1
million debt. The current cash shortage must
make that difficult.

Does anyone know the asking price for the SunSet?

The idea of a public beach instead of a hotel has been printed before, almost 2 years ago. The government was also sent a letter suggesting it.

It seems more are now interested in the idea but a big hotel always looks better to some.

Thinking about what has changed since 2 years ago...: If no one made a go of the hotel when it was still an intact building, now that the fire has destroyed part of it, there might be greater incentive to entertain alternative ideas.

Also, if there are back taxes owed (NAF 1 million), then the government already has a claim to the property, such as in foreclosure, or is that not a feature of Bonairean law?

Good point Niki

But after talking with some friends that live on Bonaire, I get a strong feeling that this dream is just that, a dream.
I was informed that many last chances have come in gone on Bonaire, in-part to corruption, greed, and lack of foresight, and poor governing on the governments part.

I was told that, “Bonaire is like a play, you see what the director wants you to see on stage, but behind the curtain? Who is pulling the strings? Why does ALM have such a hold on Bonaire, they are among the worst airlines going? In fact they stink! We are pushing the animals out, we are building faster then the system can handle. The cost of land has gone nuts , it can’t keep going this way for long. Bonaire will over develop, the facts are clear, Greed. Don’t think Bonaire will last as a divers paradise for long, it’s to hard to get here, and the cost are growing way to fast. I’m just sick of what is taking place now.”

Needless to say, after reading this E-mail I was a bit upset, but deep down I knew that Bonaire was changing, and changing for the worst.

I hope my friend is wrong. I hope I am wrong.

I am so sorry to read your posting and all of the misinformation re Bonaire you are reporting. You seem to be parroting the political dogma that is part of any developing economy. You point out the problems, my friend, without any consideration for the people who work tirelessly to keep the culture and enviorment alive. (Keep in mind that the people of Bonaire have to eat and buy the essentials of life.) Many of your points are merely heresay and just a cop out. It is easy to take a position from afar, but those of us (natives and transplants) who live here are really the ones who see what is really happening. I have not been taking part in this forum to date, for a number of reasons, but I do assure you that the majority of what you say has are that Bonaireans are aware of but, there are many good people in government who have a vision for the islands future and are true Bonaireans. It is an insult for foreigners (yes I am one too) to pass judgement when they are not educated in the facts. Sorry, but I have held my tongue long enough.

Please do not misunderstand the last post made by me. It was a copy of a E-mail that I rec’d from a friend that lives on Bonaire. This was and is not my impression. This person has worked very hard to help Bonaire’s reputation – safety – and other charitable ongoings. But he is upset with a small group of Government officials who seem to be holding back Bonaire. He would not say who, or what there part in this problem was. So I gave you all the only information I had. We outsiders see changes made when come down on vacation, we are there two-five weeks a year. From this short visit, we see changes, talk to people, and come away with a impression, right or wrong, that is what happens to most of us. Something must be right, because we keep going back year after year.

As for the people of Bonaire, well you will not find better any place on earth. They are a hard working, friendly group that happen to be living in paradise. Personally, I would like to see the people able to enjoy it more.

Over the years that I have been coming to Bonaire I have seen the development of homes skyrocket, as with the cost. The government has taxed it’s people to death. 2% here 7% there. The backbone of Bonaire is the working people. Not the rich developer. If his project fails, he’s gone. Look around at the half built buildings, holes in the ground, that’s it! But the natives are still there, to absorb the cost suffered buy the banks and government.

I am the first to admit, I would live on Bonaire if I could, even with it’s slight faults. You should see the faults that we live with here in Ma, US.

We don’t have the answers, we can’s solve there problems, we can only try to help Bonaire in what ever way we can. We (outsiders) realy suffer from lack of proper info. We can only draw from our short stays.

Please don’t hold your tongs, this is what this news group is all about. Some time something really good comes out of it.

I'm sorry you take such offense to an obviously plausible statement of opinion on the goings-on on Bonaire, Michael.

The sentiments passed on by Jerry (via his friend) are much more than the parroting of any rhetoric. The fact is housing costs on Bonaire has skyrocketed, development does pose serious threats to the being of what we have all come to love, and ALM does have poor track record and does have "favorable son" gurantee's with the government. Perhaps some of the government portrayals are off mark, I'm in no position to judge.

As far as the dilemma's of an emerging country, well, it is true that growing pains will exist. In a perfect world the rich developers will share more equitably with the local participants and all would be well. But in the abscense of a political will to do so or mandate it, it'll be another case of a once idyllic island destroyed by greed.

If I misunderstood your complaint, forgive me and set me straight, but I think anyone who spends time on this board feels more for Bonaire than is normal and we all feel the frustrations and discouragements as Bonaire becomes more Americanized and politically victimized.

Dear Michael,

Again you sat back, listened and succinctly castrated the "Ugly American". Congratulations, you verbalized my thoughts. I, too, am American and although I consider Bonaire as my second home, I find it offensive to speak of local politics and customs in such a condescending manner. We Americans have enough closed "closets" and enough issues of question in our own country. For anyione's information ... I think the book was by Sloan.

One last comment and as Chief Joseph said, I will fight no more. Many of the folks profiting from the constructiion, projects, etc. are Antillean/Bonaireans, following their dream. Jerry, I did not mean to offend or attack you and I understand all the concerns of all of the Americans/Europeans who love Bonaire, but it is their country and for better or worse, they will find solutions or face the error of their ways.

I totaly agree with Michael, trying to figure out Bonairian politics is as bad as figuring out our own in America lately.(I don't really understand either and prefere not to be involved)

New Thread from The Santa Patrol: Linda Richter, Do you think anybody you know would be interested in receiving Santa Patrol reports on Dec.24th...When I worked in radio, among the jobs I most enjoyed was my yearly report which let all the girls and boys know whether Santa had left the North Pole yet;how the reindeer looked, and if the sleigh was full-to-bursting with goodies. And since the people who write this board come from everywhere, we'd have some good scouts (if they're going to be home to tell us what they see).Way up where she is,I'm sure Domenica would see him first...maybe me next, or Nikki who might get a picture? He has so many places to be, we could probably track him thru Long Island,and New Hampshire,Boston Mass and anywhere else there's a small person who wants to know(RDeal said he had a young daughter, do you know if she's Santa age?)And probably Ellen could get something closer to home (like on the postcard?) Everybody who wants to would be welcome to give a report..right to Bonaire's door.And if anybody wants to e-mail me with hints about presents,or the recipe for Santas favourite cookies,or what to feed reindeer,I canbe reached at Carefree@interactive.rogers.com. I'm happy to e-mail kids schools etc...Rum Raisin by the way....Santa's favourite cookies are Rum Raisin... with a glass of milk and ....well no more now...could we post here? or another board? Well I can't post, but since you show us fish, I can keep my eyese Ho, Ho, Hoooh-pen and show you Santa.

Count me in Kerri! I'll be around early Xmas-eve.

Jake/Linda or other Bonaire contributor - on my annual Thanksgiving pilgrimage to Bonaire I observed the arrival, usually via pickup truck, of what I believe to be the Bonairian version of St. Nick and his trusty aides. If you have a few extra minutes (which is asking a lot the way this site is growing) would you be so kind to describe the Bonairian version of St. Nick

Kelly, do you mean what does he look like? Does this help?

Thanks Ellen. The picture helps, but I was also looking for the "story" of his arrival and the meaning of his assistants. In the USofA Santa Claus has his elves and arrives via a sleigh drawn by 8 tiny reindeer. This tale would not work on Bonaire

Kelly, try this link.....


Sanikolas!

Kelly, Sanikolas arrives in Bonaire aboard the Samur, an authentic 56' Siamese junk and has been seen this past week riding around Bonaire in a jeep with his helpers(Black Peters). The rest of the story is pretty much the same as in Holland.

Ellen! The link just ate up one hour of my Bonairelive time and it was worth it! Thank You!!

Great link...I just spent my lunchtime investigating. Got sidetracked into recipes for speculaas and pepernoten, as well: this could be dangerous to the diet! One of the joys of coming to Bonaire in January is finding speculaas cookies on the shelves of the markets---we always grab a big supply.
On a similar note, I am all for the Santa Patrol idea---Jessica is 8, and already got a preliminary visit from St. Nicholas two nights ago (we like to mix customs and traditions). Of interest to some, as a corollary effort, might be the NORAD santa tracking effort, at http://www.noradsanta.org/ even though the current message is that the site is not yet active for the year. This effort grew out of a misdirected phone call to NORAD one year (see story at http://www.stn2.net/pagesl1/trackingsanta/moreinfo.html
We have done this for a couple of years, and it is always fun, so count me in.

Ellen.. absolutely perfect. I have seen Sanikolas riding around with his helpers, your link completed the circle not to mention taking me to a site where I can completely ruin any chance I have of dieting before the Holidays! Thanks a million (I think ).

Ellen..what a wonderful link!As Kelli put it, 'absolutely perfect'. Haven't got through all of it because 'the dreaded lake affect' is picking on Toronto today along with an 'Alberta Clipper'(very cold gusty winds), and have just fought my way home.I'm so glad :-) for the volunteers for the Santa Patrol and the ideas suggested..Robert, we used to "take" a Norad feed..maybe someone out there has the expertise to describe the special 'love'craft that accompany Santa's sleigh...maybe they are"stealth" technology because it is hard to see them the children tell me. You said you combined traditions and so does our family. We celebrate Chanuka as well as Christmas, so to celebrate the sacred oil that lasted 7 days when really there was onlyenough for 1 day, some of the family give Santa potato pancakes with apple sauce or sour cream (he loves them) and home-made sugar donuts(they're always gone in the morning,too).:-) yummm. Kelli, probably around New Orleans,Santa switches from his sleigh to a boat...he wants to reach all the children, in fact I think there's someplace I've been where he arrives in a conch shell drawn by seahorses...I'm sure when we see him it'll be appropriate...and I'm glad you mentioned the different ways he appears..after the coals and the oranges I was a bit foggy. (Oh I do go on when I'm excited). We'll certainly finish after the childrens' bed time...any suggestions on a starting hour? What a trip report this'll be..!

"Many of the folks profiting from the constructiion, projects, etc. are Antillean/Bonaireans"

Don't think so!!! Constuction companies have the highest level of foreign workers. Larger companies are foreign owned.

I beg to differ with you....e mail me and we can discuss it...don't want you to loose your anonymymous status.

I've been wondering about some of the references in the "Santa Tracking" thread....and here are the missing snippets nested at the Sunset Beach Hotel...... Perhaps Santa Claus, with all of his magic and goodwill, his unfailing optimism and the ability to reach across time, space and cultural barriers, his boundless enthusiasm for the good that lives in the hearts of men, will deliver the seeds of hope and vision to a Bonairean stocking this Christmas eve. It only takes one person, with a dream put into action, to change the world....or an island.