Bad Ending to Otherwise Good Bonaire Trip

[ScubaSteve]

Can you do this in Bonaire?

I DID this on Bonaire - TWICE

 

[gypsyjim]

Nope, because they don't have security problems. The tourist is protected as the cash-cow by the locals and if needed the Federales. It's fine to overcharge them if you can, but they have to submit voluntarily therefore these discussions never happen on that forum.

Resorts and hotels do often have security employees and facilities, but they're a non-issue.

REALLY?

First thing that popped up just now on a search: "Cozumel, crime, tourist" , from Caribbean Guide.Info:

"For the most part, Q. Roo and Cozumel are subject to the same petty crime as other tourist areas; car break-ins and pick pocketing scams are the most frequent crimes. Exercising simple caution goes a long way:'
(WOW thought that was only on Bonaire )
"Watch your valuables, don't wear a lot of flashy or overly expensive jewelry, and don't carry too much cash at one time. Also, be cautious when exploring less populated areas; if possible, hire a local guide, and always establish the cost of services before they are rendered."
( NEVER heard that precaution for Bonaire )

And I am sure that, "Resorts and hotels do often have security employees and facilities, but (BECAUSE?) they're a non-issue.", just because they wish to waste the expense, and provide un needed security?

 

[Mike]

I DID this on Bonaire - TWICE

I'm glad to hear that. I've been told that you should not leave anything out drying overnight there. Glad to hear that it's not true and you can do the same.

All the rest of you in agreement with that?

Do you also leave your dive gear out over night to dry on accessible patios?

 

[gypsyjim]

An.

Can you do this in Bonaire?

yes, 7 maybe 8 trips, no issues. But then I am never blasé about security, and pay attention to my surroundings no matter where we are diving, or traveling.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Common sense dictates that there is crime everywhere, even in Saudi Arabia with some of the most draconian punishments crime still happens.

Yes that would be common sense

You too I assume are intelligent to understand that the issue is not crime existing, but the EXTENT of the crime that exists.

Using the two forums of the Bonaire forum and the Cozumel forum here, a quick search shows an unscientific result of Bonaire far outstripping crime reports versus Cozumel.

OR the extent to which it is reported. and quite frankly, there are not that many crimes reported on here. Yes there are some but it is not several each day or week. This is where we "island lovers" (or whatever we are called right now) take exception. Some individuals are trying to paint Bonaire to be one of the most dangerous places of all dive destinations. In MANY opinions, this is simply not the case. The only acceptable level of crime anywhere would be zero however that is not realistic as we both know.

What do you draw from that? Well, you obvoiusly have to take it with a grain of salt, understand the validity of what proof there is, but to anybody with reasonable sensibilities, it's pretty obvious that there is either a lot more crime going on in Bonaire than in Cozumel, or for some reason there is not a lot of posting of crime happening in Cozumel that is happening.

So which is it?

Again it is the dramatics that cause us island lovers to lose interest in the posts. Is there more crime on Bonaire than other places? I bet there is. Are there other dive destinations with higher crime rates? I bet there is. Is the level anywhere near what you guys are painting it out to be? Definitely not IMO (that is based on my experience and the # of first hand accounts of crime available on the web).

 

[ScubaSteve]

Exercising simple caution goes a long way:

Jim, it has been made abundantly clear that the Bonaire haters do not believe you should have to excercise ANY common sense on the island.

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

Can you do this in Bonaire?

Yep, leave it on the balcony draped over a chair or sitting in a chair to dry. No issues... And like gj, I am not blase' about security, and pay attention to my surrounding no matter where we are diving, traveling, etc.

 

[gypsyjim]

Do you also leave your dive gear out over night to dry on accessible patios?

I am sorry, am getting older, and my eyes aren't quite what they once were. Maybe your eyes see things that mine do not? Can you read the following paragraph for me and see if it contains the words: "leave your dive gear out over night to dry on accessible patios"


Your statement:
"I've stayed at 4 places in Cozumel and have always left dive equipment drying on the patio in all 4 places and never had a problem.

Can you do this in Bonaire?"

If you see those words anywhere within that quote, it could explain a lot about the direction these threads seem to keep going.
You seem to have difficult quoting even yourself with any accuracy.

 

[gypsyjim]

Jim, it has been made abundantly clear that the Bonaire haters do not believe you should have to excercise ANY common sense on the island.

Actually that was crime free Coz being discussed there

 

[diverbart]

I have been following and participating in this thread for a couple of days. Unfortunately there is too much personal sniping for my taste to participate any further. As soon as a topic turns into a right/wrong discussion, especially bitterly, the important part that seems to be losing out, is the focus on the issue at hand. Or better yet, a contribution to a solution.

I honestly don't understand what the point is of going that route.

Have fun discussing.

Bart