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Phone: +58 (212) 263.1820 / 265.2433/ 236.1940, Fax: +58 (212) 263.9119, info@alboradavenezuela.com
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History & Economy
Bonaire
History
The Caiquetíos, a branch of the Arawak Indians were Bonaire's first inhabitants. They sailed from the coast of Venezuela almost 1000 years ago. The first Europeans arrived in Bonaire in 1499, when Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci arrived and claimed the island for Spain. Finding the island of little commercial value, the Spaniards enslaved the Indians they met and transferred them to Hispaniola, leaving Bonaire unpopulated.
The island remained "a lonely outpost" until 1526 when the then Governor, Juan de Ampues introduced cattle to the island. Many of the Indians were returned to the island which soon became popular for raising animals including cattle, sheep, pigs and horses.
In 1633, the Dutch took possession of Curaçao, Bonaire and Aruba. Bonaire became a plantation island belonging to the Dutch West Indies Company. African slaves were soon brought to the island to cultivate maize and harvest salt. Until 1816 Bonaire changed hands many times finally being returned to the Dutch that year under the Treaty of Paris.
By 1837 Bonaire became a thriving center for salt production. Slavery was abolished in 1863 and it was not until a century later that the salt industry was revitalized.
The Caiquetíos, a branch of the Arawak Indians were Bonaire's first inhabitants. They sailed from the coast of Venezuela almost 1000 years ago. The first Europeans arrived in Bonaire in 1499, when Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci arrived and claimed the island for Spain. Finding the island of little commercial value, the Spaniards enslaved the Indians they met and transferred them to Hispaniola, leaving Bonaire unpopulated.
The island remained "a lonely outpost" until 1526 when the then Governor, Juan de Ampues introduced cattle to the island. Many of the Indians were returned to the island which soon became popular for raising animals including cattle, sheep, pigs and horses.
In 1633, the Dutch took possession of Curaçao, Bonaire and Aruba. Bonaire became a plantation island belonging to the Dutch West Indies Company. African slaves were soon brought to the island to cultivate maize and harvest salt. Until 1816 Bonaire changed hands many times finally being returned to the Dutch that year under the Treaty of Paris.
By 1837 Bonaire became a thriving center for salt production. Slavery was abolished in 1863 and it was not until a century later that the salt industry was revitalized.
Economy
Tourism is Bonaire's major economic activity. It is popular for its diving sites, windsurfing, snorkeling and fishing. There are also two casinos. Salt production is also a significant industry and there is some agriculture including animal husbandry. Offshore financial services are fast developing into a useful form of economic activity on the island.
Tourism is Bonaire's major economic activity. It is popular for its diving sites, windsurfing, snorkeling and fishing. There are also two casinos. Salt production is also a significant industry and there is some agriculture including animal husbandry. Offshore financial services are fast developing into a useful form of economic activity on the island.
