Environmental Police Group is Formed on Bonaire
Recently it was announced that a new Environmental Police Group was formed, made up of representatives from Stinapa, the Police Department, SSV, and the Police Ambiental.
Although ten Stinapa employees received official police powers in 2005, their Board of Directors felt that the rangers should not be armed. However, it became apparent that additional control was needed, and therefore, then-Public Prosecutor Ernst Wesselius suggested the new Environmental Police Group.
After multiple discussions, this week the group was formalized with Chief of Police van Stratton, and will consist of two members each from the four above-captioned entities. Their sole purpose will be to investigate any charges of environmental issues, with priority placed on poaching of conch, spearfishing, construction debris and illegal dumping of construction materials, and illegal construction in the Bonaire National Marine Park (the construction of stairs, piers, etc. without permission). (Source: Stinapa release)
