
376: Party@Ecropolis
Bonaire Infrastructure, Dutch Government Expansion, Cruise Ship Petty Theft
Adam Curry reports from Bonaire, noting significant changes since the Dutch government designated the island as a province in January 2011. The local government workforce has expanded to 600 employees for 15,000 inhabitants, while property taxes have tripled. Despite a 28-million-euro EU grant for sewer and fiber infrastructure, residents remain unconnected due to high individual hookup costs and a lack of an external internet service provider. Local frustration is rising over cruise ship passengers who allegedly shoplift souvenirs without spending money at local businesses.

