It is an independent legal entity that is subject to public law and operates as an administrative authority independent of the government (both the local and central government).
The Chamber of Commerce has a number of duties prescribed by law, the BES Chambers of Commerce and Industry Act (Wet op de Kamers van Koophandel en Nijverheid BES). The most important duties are:
- The management of the Bonaire Commercial Register (a record of all businesses, legal entities and second establishments on the island).
- To inform and advise the government on economic development (on request and otherwise).
- To represent all businesses on the island.
The Chamber of Commerce concentrates particularly on improving the preconditions for businesses on the island. The Bonaire Business House (Ondernemershuis, a Chamber of Commerce initiative to construct a one-stop-shop on the island) can provide business owners with advice and information in various fields. For instance, there is the Business Affairs Desk for information about commercial permits and licences, where the advisors can give you information and specific advice about everything connected to running a business on the island. The aim of the Business House is to house several services in one building so that businesses spend less time looking for specific information.
At present, the Chamber of Commerce has 9 members of staff and a Board consisting of 5 people. Together, we try to translate the statutory duties as well as we can to the challenges of everyday life on Bonaire. In particular, the economic development of the community, with the focus on business enterprises, is a constant challenge.
The Board of the Chamber of Commerce:
- Jeaniro Balentien – voorzitter
- Judy Diaz – vice voorzitter
- Leonard Domacasse – penningmeester
- Marcel Westerhof – bestuurslid
- Ghoulam Chowdry – bestuurslid
The secretary/director of the Chamber of Commerce is Mr. Phar Martha.
The year review 2021, year review 2022 & year review 2023 of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bonaire about the year 2023 can be found in the link. The Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 annual plan can be found here.
The Annual figures 2020 can be found in this link.
MCB: 419.291.05 (for payment of the annual contribution)
MCB: 102.822.07 (for payments of all other products)