Sounds like Bonaire and Mexico are taking different paths dealing with a problem that's contentious here in the U.S., summarized in the old cliche' 'Pick your poison.'
COVID-19 is serious, contagious, infects huge numbers and kills a substantial minority, leaving variable lasting, sometimes permanent, damage in survivors. If we (i.e.: the U.S., Bonaire, Cozumel, etc...) 'open up' the economy, allow tourism, stand kids back to school, etc..., there will be a cost in sickness and human lives.
But...
People want food, clothing, shelter and entertainment, to get back to living their lives. That stuff doesn't magically appear. Cities are suffering under huge financial short-falls, and some were already struggling with paying for government programs and pension payments, and needed more infrastructure and other work done.
The federal government can't give anyone anything it didn't 1st take from someone else, already had a vast national debt and horrendous annual deficits, and was headed toward a bear market...all before the pandemic hit. It, too, can expect a large drop in tax revenues. Plus it sent out stimulus checks.
As I was told as a child, money doesn't grow on trees. People are delaying medical screenings for other things. Vaccinations are down. People have lost jobs and businesses suffered. Online schooling is not expected to match the quality of in-person education and in an era with plenty of single parents and dual income families, the 'daycare effect' of school is very important.
I'm not pushing one approach (or posting to start a debate, just analyzing the situation). Bonaire, Cozumel/Mexico and the U.S.A. will each pay a big price for what they're doing.
Does anyone know whether its affiliation with the Netherlands will feed Bonaire funding/support to offset the damage from lost tourism? If so, that might be a factor in their decision making.
