KRALENDIJK – Regatta Week has begun. The festivities annually bring many visitors to the city center of Kralendijk. The Public Body Bonaire (OLB), the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN), and the Public Prosecution Service (OM) are jointly committed to ensuring the festivities proceed safely. To this end, extra security measures have been taken and heightened surveillance will be maintained throughout the Regatta. Violations and disturbances of public order will be dealt with consistently.
Increased police presence on land and on the water
During the Regatta, extra police patrols are active on and around the event grounds. Within the event area, officers patrol on foot and by bicycle. In addition, patrols are conducted in the surrounding areas using police cars and motorcycles. Surveillance is also maintained on the water, in cooperation with the partners of the Multidisciplinary Maritime Hub Bonaire (MMHB).
Thanks to this broad deployment, the police are visibly present at various locations and can act quickly when necessary. The emphasis is on preventing incidents, identifying unsafe situations early, and taking immediate action when safety is at risk.
Take strict action against violations
During the Regatta, strict action will be taken against violations and behavior that disrupts public order or endangers the safety of visitors, participants, business owners, and emergency services.
The police enforce broadly and will take action against all observed violations and criminal offenses. Appropriate measures will be taken depending on the situation.
Temporary ban on glass for the safety of visitors
To limit the risk of injury and violent incidents, the Governor of Bonaire has imposed a temporary glass ban for the Regatta. Glass bottles and other glass beverage containers can cause serious injuries in the event of incidents and be used as weapons.
The glass ban applies in the designated areas of the city center of Kralendijk, from October 11 to October 18, 2026, at 06:00, each time between 18:00 and 06:00.
Within these areas, it is prohibited to carry opened or unopened glass beverage containers. Furthermore, hospitality establishments are not permitted to serve drinks in glass containers during these times. The use of standard drinking glasses inside hospitality establishments and on the associated terraces remains permitted.
Camera surveillance and preventive searches
In addition to the visible extra police surveillance, camera surveillance is used within the event area during the Regatta. This supports the police in identifying safety risks and responding to incidents.
A preventive search order is also in effect. From October 11 to 18, 2026, between 18:00 and 06:00, the police are authorized to conduct preventive searches of individuals in the designated areas and to inspect bags, luggage, and vehicles, among other things. Individual suspicion is not required for this.
Everyone is obliged to cooperate with a preventive inspection. Refusal is punishable and may lead to arrest and prosecution.
Together we ensure a safe Regatta
The OLB, KPCN, and OM appeal to all visitors, participants, and businesses to contribute to the safe running of the Regatta. Adhere to the applicable rules, follow instructions from the police, and ensure that passages and routes for emergency services remain clear.
The three parties have jointly taken measures to ensure public order and safety during the festivities. The focus is on prevention and a visible presence, but also on consistent and decisive action when necessary.
The Regatta is a celebration for all of Bonaire. Together, we ensure that
everyone can enjoy it safely.