Day 9 - Kralendijk, Bonaire

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Today we visited Bonaire, the last of the ABC Islands on our cruise. All three share similar histories and cultures and became part of the Dutch Leeward Islands in 1845. In1986 Aruba seceded followed by Curacao in 2010. Both Aruba and Curacao are now countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, leaving Bonaire a special municipality of the Netherlands. 

Although historically and culturally similar, the countries economies now exhibit significant differences. On one end of the scale is Aruba exhibiting economic growth with a populous full of hope. On the other end of the scale is Bonaire exhibiting traits associated with colonialism with large portions of its populous in the past. Curacao falls squarely between the two geographically and economically. There are many factors contributing to these observed differences, but could gaining independence be one of the driving forces?

Independence offers opportunities not entitlement. Successful governments enable the populous, but the populous must also be prepared and willing to realize the opportunities. It is a two-way street. Remember, as individuals, no one owes us anything, we must re-earn independence daily.
Location: Kralendijk, Caribbean Netherlands

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