Former UPB council member Esther Bernabela joins MPB party on Bonaire

KRALENDIJK – Retired Bonairean general practitioner Esther Bernabela has joined the ranks of the Movementu di Pueblo Boneriano (MPB). The blue party announced this on Sunday via its social media channels.

Bernabela played a prominent role for many years as a member of the Union Patriótiko Boneriano (UPB), for whom she served on the Island Council during the coalition period between the MPB and UPB.

Observers on the island describe the move as an interesting and politically significant development. It was previously noted that then-MPB party leader Elvis Tjin Asjoe and council member Bernabela had a productive working relationship.

After the news appeared on social media on Sunday, a lively debate erupted on the island. Both supporters and critics made their voices heard in the comments. An active opposition politician, who wished to remain anonymous, described Bernabela’s move in a conversation with Bonaire.nu as a "political earthquake".

“Already during the last elections I didn’t really feel welcome at the UPB anymore, even though I had dedicated years to that party. I have also had my disagreements with the MPB, but at the end of the day we could always work things out,” Esther Bernabela told the editors of ABC Online Media on Sunday morning.

Bernabela adds that she has been friends with MPB founder Tjin Asjoe since her early years. “Furthermore, current party leader Hennyson Thielman is a distant relative of mine, and this just feels right,” said the retired doctor.

Back on the political stage

With her move, Bernabela immediately returns to the political stage of Bonaire. After four years of absence, she re-enters active politics on an island that has seen an exceptionally turbulent period in recent times.