BES prosecutor permits searches and camera surveillance for Regatta 2026

The Chief Public Prosecutor of the Public Prosecution Service BES has authorised preventive searches during Regatta 2026, according to the service. The order takes effect on Sunday 11 October and runs through Sunday 18 October, from 6pm to 6am AST each day.

The order covers the town centre and the neighbourhoods of Tera Kora, Den Tera and Nòrt Saliña. Police may check people for weapons, inspect clothing, bags and luggage, and search cars, motorcycles and scooters passing through the designated area without a specific suspicion, the service said.

The Public Prosecution Service BES said people are required to cooperate with checks. It said refusal is a punishable offence that will lead to arrest and prosecution.

The Island Governor of Bonaire has also authorised camera surveillance in the designated area, according to the Public Prosecution Service BES. The service said people found with illegal firearms can expect strict enforcement action.