KRALENDIJK — A group of about twenty professionals from Bonaire recently set up a study group with the purpose to get a development process going on various areas that is to contribute positively to the future development of the island.The study group Initiation, Vision & Action (IVA) focuses on action and results.

 

It will receive advice and support from the former lieutenant governors of Bonaire, Glenn Thodé and Frits Goedgedrag. The professionals, united in IVA, are active in various sectors in the society. Since the beginning of this year they meet regularly to determine the aim and strategy of the group. They noticed there are challenges in numerous areas and that the key for a good development is partly or rather primarily depends on how the residents assume their responsibility for the future of Bonaire, said the professionals. The study group’s attention is mainly focused on four main areas: the social foundation, the administrative foundation and the local color.

 

On the social sphere it regards advancement of the universal rights of the child and mankind, social participation, discouraging social isolation, security, sufficient subsistence level, and development possibilities for everyone in the society.

 

On the social-economic sphere the group’s attention focuses on sound and future-oriented economic vitality, reducing unbalanced external dependency, sustainable economic development, protection against disruptive natural influences, favorable circumstances for entrepreneurship, and good business climate.

 

In the administrative field the IVA focuses on a stable administrative structure, transparent democratic processes, involvement of citizens, and open communication between politics and islands.

 

As regards the local color the focus is on protecting traditional historic and cultural values, attention for the own character of the islands as basis for distinction between other Caribbean or tropical tourist destinations.

 

The study group wants to encourage concrete activities on all aforementioned areas. To realize this it will have to inventory existing reports on these areas. The group will also enter into conversations with the National representative, the lieutenant governor, the Island Council and the Board of Governors to exchange ideas and to introduce the group.

 

In the meantime IVA has delineated several activities that can yield positive results in the short term. In the coming weeks the study group will introduce itself to the Bonairean community and give information on these activities, such as encouraging citizen participation in the future of Bonaire, offering help with integrity projects, presenting economical proposals and initiatives, and empowerment campaigns in various groups of our community.

 

IVA consists of: Marga Domingo, Dennis Martinus, Orphaline Saleh, Aimed Ayubi, Michèle Knuf, John Soliano, Gregory Obersi, Elyanne Paul Nicolaas, Sherwin Pourier, Carol Winklaar, Nicole Chirino, Leonard Domacasse, Jeaniro Balentien, Dudley Wedervoort, Curvin George, Herbert de Jongh, Lucia Beck, Robert Croes, Roella Pourier, Mark Kater, Sybren van Dam, Evert Piar and George Soliana.