It is no secret that when people visit Bonaire, they change gears almost immediately and adopt a slower pace. If they remain for any length of time, they find that many of their aches and pains have disappeared or have been greatly reduced. I speak from experience. When I first arrived on our sunny shores I had been diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) and was certainly suffering the early stages of trying to deal with an unsure future. That was over thirty years ago and counting!!
So, how do we become a wellness destination? The first thing we need is the cooperation of both the private and public sectors. The first step was recently taken and demonstrated to the public at a seminar presented by the British company Aviramp. They are the world's only manufacturer of mobile jet stairways designed to provide access for all passengers to the aircraft with gentle slopes of just 7.5° rather than using steep stairs.
The portable jet-way means disabled passengers no longer have to be carried or climb up steep and, at times, slippery stairs. This eliminates danger and a demeaning experience for passengers who are challenged. We are a destination that has a lot to offer people with challenges. Now we can take the first positive step in promoting our island as an accessible destination.
The plan for Bonaire is to have two models available. Once approval for the purchase is given, we can expect to see the first model for general use in operation within the next few months. If approved, a new model used with larger aircraft will be available within the next year. The good news is that with the new ramps, passengers who were reluctant to travel here now have a major obstacle removed.
Now that the door, or should I say the jet way, has been opened a crack, how does Bonaire go about improving its image when it comes to dealing with social issues such as accessibility and build the rest of the infrastructure up so we can live up to our reputation of being one of the friendliest islands in the Caribbean?
As a destination Bonaire needs to ensure that we use terminology that complies with legal terminology and is considered acceptable by the majority of people.
Bonaire is not new to walk on a path of innovation minding people with limitations. As a matter of fact the island fielded one of the first teams of athletes to join in the Special Olympics Caribbean wide games more than twenty years ago. We have even sent teams to China to compete. It took major PR efforts to change the mindset from “retarded” children and young adults to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It is abundantly clear the difference the words can make.
As the saying goes, you have to crawl, then walk, then run. The first few baby steps have been taken and now all the sectors of the Bonaire economy have the opportunity to take notice and start to invest in the future of our own citizens and also that of our descendants who will benefit socially and economically from a well planned development project. Of course, there are agencies here, both public and private, who can put these efforts into motion but it will take visible projects such as Aviramp to galvanize the population to collectively speak up and take action to aid our visitors as well as a large segment of our population.
Bonaire is perfect as a destination for people with a wide range of limitations in their daily lives regarding movement and accessibility. The time has come to address the needs of our citizens, as well as those people who come here to take advantage of an ideal climate and stress free lifestyle.
By Michael Gaynor
Michael Gaynor is from Connecticut but has lived the last 33 years on the island of Bonaire. "We are governed by the Dutch and for the last five years, have shared the status of a Special Municipality in the Kingdom of the Netherlands." He had been one of the original contributors to Colors at its inception. "Glad to be back on Board". Read more
Check his site at www.bonairehelpdesk.com
Images: MyDoorSign.com (CC BY 2.0) , Aviramp
