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E-News News
Since it's "that" time of the year again (you know, it's when rotund men with red cheeks and noses, dressed in fur fringed
red clothes laugh and chuckle sinisterly but give gifts to others nonetheless), we'd like to offer our readers a small present. It's not a big present, but it is very useful - it's the new "Search" button
we've added to our menu on the Bonaire E-News Web site at http://www.BonaireENews.com ! With the new Bonaire E-News Search function you can search all of our archives for specific words or phrases, and be almost instantly presented with a list of matching articles and pages. Many of you probably don't realize that usually within 12 hours of e-mailing the Bonaire E-News to most of you reading this we also post a copy on the Web site for surfers to read. Now, with the search function, every issue is within easy reach, from our first issues in July of 1998 through till this issue, and other new ones as we write them. Hope you like this present :-)
Separately, this will be the last Bonaire E-News we publish this century. We've decided to take next week off to recover from Christmas and prepare for the New Year and our annual New Year's Day Party
(e-mail mailto:editors@BonaireENews.com for details if you plan on being on-island January 1st). Our next issue will greet the new year on January 5th or so (one
third of the editorial team will be off island during the first half of January, so it may take a bit longer to compile the E-News as a result).
Finally, you may be wondering about the previous comment about "one-third" of the editorial team. Well, we (Jake & Linda) are pleased to announce that we've taken on a professional journalist
to help us track down key stories of interest to our readers. Aïda Jaber's been helping us for the last couple of issues of the Bonaire E-News (replacing Terry Dovale, who, after returning from vacation, will be
resuming her offering of Papiamentu classes and translation services on Bonaire - Terry can be reached at mailto:terry@infobonaire.com ).
Aïda studied journalism in the Netherlands, working there for several newspapers over the course of about five years before moving to Bonaire, where she has lived nearly five years as well. While on
Bonaire, Aida started to freelance for various newspapers and magazines, including being the Bonaire beat reporter for the Algemeen Dagblad - Caribbean Edition. Aïda is also actively involved in the Sea Turtle
Conservation Bonaire organization. We are glad to have Aïda aboard, and look forward to using her skills and background to continue to improve the quality of our publication. Anyone wishing to contact Aïda can reach
her at mailto:aida@BonaireENews.com .
Finally, our apologies for the delay in getting this issue of the Bonaire E-News out the door. The last week's been a bit hectic, and Christmas fever took over today :-)
Klein Bonaire is Back!
Miracles do happen, but often only with a lot of hard work behind them, and the reacquisition of Klein Bonaire by the Bonairean
government certainly qualifies. After a number of years of trying to prevent development of Klein Bonaire and have the island made into a national park, the Foundation to Preserve Klein Bonaire (FPKB) and the
Bonairean Government have just announced that they have successfully concluded negotiations to purchase the island from its private owner, the Klein Bonaire Development Company (KBDC).
With an original asking price of US$ 10 million, the deal was sealed for 9.3 million Dutch guilders (US$ 4.26 million, NAFl. 7.56 million). The majority of the funds come from the Government of the
Netherlands' Dept. of the Interior and Kingdom Affairs' environmental budget, with a balance of NAFl. 1.8 million still needing to be raised by a combination of the Bonairean Government, the FPKB, and Werld Natur
Fonds of Holland.
Bruce Bowker, President of the FPKB, issued the following statement, "The purchase of Klein Bonaire, with the intentions of making it a National Park, is the culmination of years of work by many
people. Now, as a National Park, Klein Bonaire is guaranteed to be saved from what would be ecological disaster through development for personal profit. As a National Park, with no development and no changes made to
its natural beauty, generations to come will be able to enjoy what nature has given Bonaire. Now everyone can see one of the last untouched islands in the Caribbean both on land and underwater."
STINAPA, the Island Park Authority will be meeting in the next few weeks with the FPKB to begin drafting a management plan for Klein Bonaire.
The official signing of the transfer deed is expected to occur early next week at the Notary's office, with a ceremonial signing and celebrations to be held on Friday, December 31st. The tentative plan on
that date is for the signing to occur at 3pm. At 4pm there will be a flag planting ceremony on Klein Bonaire with press and various officials and guests to officially reclaim Klein Bonaire for Bonaire and its
people. Bonaire boat owners and operators are asked to join a festive ceremonial flotilla at this time as well. And at 5pm, there should be a celebration at Bayside, with cocktails and speeches.
Klein Bonaire became private in 1868, 131 years ago, when it was sold to Angel Jeserun. The property exchanged hands several times to Mr. Bogart, and in 1971 the KBDC, owned by Mr. Neme, purchased the
island one final time before its transfer back to Bonaire.
Flooding in Venezuela
In case you've missed the news, parts of Venezuela were struck with torrential rains late last week - resulting in the
heaviest floods in 50 years. The Venezuelan government has reported that at least 20,000 have died as a result of these floods and the mudslides they have caused, with the toll possibly being has high as 30,000,
although it's unlikely the exact numbers will ever be determined because of the up to seven meters of mud in many areas. The search for missing people is going on, but so far only 1,500 bodies have been found.
Doctors are also desperately trying to avert the outbreak of diseases resulting from the flood and the loss of life. The biggest problem is the transportation of goods. The areas that were hit worst by the floods
and rainfalls can only be reached by air.
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez Frias - dressed in a red beret and military uniform - has put himself at the head of the national rescue-operation and Venezuelan First Lady Marisabel has opened the
presidential palace for children that have become orphans.
Most affected was the state of Vargas, and in particular the slums of Caracas as well as the popular beach areas north of Caracas. Over 200,000 people have lost their homes. Of these, about 108,000 people
have been evacuated from the stricken areas. About 23,000 houses have been destroyed en more than 65,000 damaged.
On Tuesday, December 21st, two P3C-Orion planes belonging to the Dutch Royal Navy flew from Curaçao and Bonaire to Venezuela to bring all sorts of goods from relief campaigns which have been mounted (and
are on-going - see end of article for more information). The first Orion flight left for Maiquetía, near the capital of Caracas. According to Navy-spokesman Idzend van Eysinga there are so many goods, like
medicines, gloves, sheets, fresh water, and rubber boots, for the victims of the floods to be transported that the Orions probably will have to fly four times.
The Consulate of Venezuela in Bonaire has opened a bank account for people who want to help the victims of this nature disaster financially. The account number is: 106.843.01 at Maduro and Curiel's Bank
(call 717-5520 for wiring information). If you still have goods like clothes, blankets, food in cans, medicine, etc. for the relief campaign, you can take it to Rocargo on Kaya Industria. Rocargo has donated use of
part of their warehouse for the collection of such goods. For more information on what to donate, contact APNA at 717-7244. If you're off island, contact the Venezuelan Consulate or Embassy in your country for local
donation options.
In a related note, we've received many worried inquiries about the effect of the Venezuelan rains last week on Bonaire. Rest assured that Bonaire's weather for the last week has been unremarkable for this
time of the year (which is part of Bonaire's so-called "rainy" season), with a fair bit of sunny skies and occasional drizzles. And, underwater visibility is not much different than during other Decembers
as a result.
Letters to the Editor
As promised in our last issue, here are a few more letters our readers have recently sent us for your perusal:
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To The Editors:
This letter is in response to the comments made by BONHATA's guest speaker at the Gala Dinner and quoted in the E-News dated 27 October [Editor's note: that was only three issues ago due to our hiatus in November].
While I fully appreciate and respect Mr. Aguiton's opinion on the subject of cruise ship tourism, it must be pointed out that he does not speak for all of us. To say that the cruise lines are not committed
to the future of tourism is like saying that the cruise lines are not interested in Caribbean port calls. In fact, the cruise lines live from their Caribbean stops and together, as the Caribbean, we should realize
that this is our collective strength. After personally speaking with Mr. Aguiton, I believe that this was the point that he was trying to make. United we stand, divided we get taken advantage of?
As most of you already know, our cruise tourism has grown three-fold compared to last year (18 ships in 1998-99 / 61 ships in 1999-2000). To say that transient businesses are not interested in our future
growth is not accurate. By its very nature, tourism is transient. Be it a stay of one day or one week, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agents and tourists, they all come and they all go. Holland
America passengers, on its first visit of this season rated Bonaire as the second most preferred stop in their 9 stop trip. Our objective should be to keep them coming back as many times as possible while managing a
growth that this island's infrastructure and resources can sustain and maintain.
Granted, they have many islands to choose from and some are more welcoming than others. In the case of Trinidad, Mr. Aguiton's homebase, the port hosts a terminal filled with shops & restaurants.
Perhaps there, the cruise ship passengers do not venture much further than this point? However, such is not the case in Bonaire. On a typical cruise ship visit Bonaire Tours will handle approximately one-third to
one-half of the ship's passengers. This means anywhere from 100 to 600 passengers will be dispatched on island and park tours, snorkel and dive boats, bike tours, kayak trips, visits to our local beaches, the Donkey
Sanctuary, and stop in at local spots for drinks.
Further, there are those that go off on their own with taxis to visit the island or on foot to shop on Kaya Grandi. Our local businesses do not suffer from these cruise ships visits, as was suggested. On
the contrary, it is a win-win situation. The main street shops are busy, the taxis are busy, the non-hotel dive shops have a unique chance at a volume business that normally is not within their reach, and the tour
operators are filling their buses, boats, bikes, and kayaks. Moreover, the hotel dive shops that do not eagerly look toward cruise ship business due to their high in-house numbers are also able to get their share of
the pie by filling unsold capacities.
Therefore, I would have to say that while cruise ships are perhaps not consumed with the business of our future growth, on the other hand they certainly do not take the bread from our table. Quite the
opposite, they butter it!
Happy Sailing!
Corine Gerharts
Bonaire Tours
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To the Editors:
BONAIRE FEATHER STARS ARE THREATENED: Feather stars (or more properly, crinoids) are some of the most ancient and beautiful creatures found on the reefs at Bonaire. They have a fossil history
extending through 500 million years of Earth's history. The black and white crinoid, "Nemaster grandis" is a favorite subject for underwater photographers and a shot of one or more of these perched with
arms outstretched atop an orange elephant ear sponge has been called the signature photo of Bonaire reefs. Unfortunately, the opportunity to capture such a scene is in jeopardy. Crinoids were abundant in the
waters around Bonaire as recently as 1989, but that has changed drastically in the last 10 years. Populations of all crinoid species at Bonaire are dwindling rapidly. The golden crinoid "Davidaster
rubiginosa", another favorite of divers, is severely reduced in number and has become quite rare. A less well known, yet formerly common species, the beaded crinoid "Davidaster discoidea", has
disappeared entirely from the island. Why this is occurring is not yet known, but there are things that you can do to help slow the decline and aid in the study of these fascinating animals.
DIVERS MUST CEASE ALL PHYSICAL CONTACT with, or other disturbance of any species of crinoids they encounter. This is particularly true of the black and white crinoids, which are subject to being picked up
and moved to better suit photographers whims. It has long been a tradition to gather crinoids from their natural dwelling sites to place them in more photogenic situations. This must stop immediately. If it
continues there will soon be no crinoids left to disturb.
A CASE IN POINT: While in Bonaire for three weeks during September of 1999 to study the crinoid populations, I observed two black and white crinoids which lived directly offshore from Habitat, one at a
depth of 15 m, one at 12m. As is the case with all crinoid species in the region, once they reach a spot which is to their liking they remain for long periods, perhaps even years, when left unmolested. I
revisited these individuals several times and each time they were in the exact same locations... that is until one day when the shallower of the two turned up missing. After searching around the immediate area I was
unable to find it anywhere. As I returned to the dock at Habitat, I found the missing crinoid on a small piece of coral rubble near the dock in only two meters (approx. six feet) of water. It had been carried there
by a thoughtless diver. This species cannot survive the wild temperature swings, bright light, and wave surge in such shallow water. They also have limited mobility and it is doubtful whether this individual could
have returned to a suitable place. Had I not located it and returned it to its home in deeper water it would have surely died. The population of black and white crinoids in the vicinity of Habitat which had been
only two, would have been cut in half by the act of one thoughtless diver. With the small numbers of crinoids left on the island, it is clear that it wouldn't take many such acts to exterminate them entirely.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? First, as stated above, do not disturb any crinoids you see. I encourage you to observe and enjoy them, and take all the photos you wish, BUT PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THEM!
Secondly, please make a note the exact locations, depth, numbers and types of crinoids you encounter and report it to me via e-mail at mailto:laskpb@email.uc.edu. In this way, when I return to study the crinoids in
2000 I will have leads pointing me to likely locations of the remaining crinoids. Also, I will be happy to answer any questions about the crinoid situation and I welcome any other information or observations you may
have regarding these beautiful creatures.
Thank you all in advance for helping to preserve these unusual and ancient animals.
Peter B. Lask
Department of Geology
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013 USA
[Editor's Note: Peter is a Ph.D. student in paleontology from the University of Cincinnati and his dissertation project involves examining the populations of feather stars (crinoids) on reefs throughout the
Caribbean.]
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[We received the following in response to a letter from Steven Carey posted in our Letter to the Editors section last week:]
To the Editors:
On behalf of Bonaire Air Services, I would like to thank Mr. Carey for his complimentary remarks about the Air Jamaica service he received in Bonaire. In the same breath however, he states that Air ALM and Air Aruba,
in his estimation, compete for the worst airline service. If he is referring to service only on Bonaire, I would like to point out to him, and to many others, that Bonaire Air Services handles ALL carriers at the
airport and therefore Air Jamaica or Air ALM or Air Aruba it still adds up to the same agents! Whom he now claims are the best... and the worst? The difference perhaps is the timely manner in which information is
passed on to us from the actual airline that we represent so that we may in turn pass this on to the passengers. As they say, "don't shoot us we're just the piano players".
Best regards,
Corine Gerharts
Bonaire Air Services (& Bonaire Tours)
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Letters (and Poems) to the Editors of the Bonaire E-News can be sent to mailto:editors@BonaireENews.com . Not all letters will necessarily get published, and those that we publish may be edited for clarity.
Bonaire Sweeps Rodale's Readers Choice
Rodale's Scuba Diving magazine, one of the most popular and reputable diving magazines in the U.S.A. performs an
annual survey of its readers to get their take on what's great and what's not in the world of diving.
Well, the Year 2000 Reader Survey results are in (a little ahead of schedule), and we've received a sneak peek at Scuba Diving's Top 100 Readers Choice Awards (at least the part in which Bonaire was mentioned). The
results are simply stunning!:
Bonaire was voted:
#3 Best Overall Destination - in the Caribbean/Atlantic
#2 Best Fish life - in the Caribbean/Atlantic
#4 Best visibility - in the Caribbean/Atlantic
#3 Healthiest Marine Environment in the Caribbean/Atlantic
#1 Best Snorkeling in the Caribbean/Atlantic
#1 Best Shore Diving in the Caribbean/Atlantic
#2 Best Beginner Diving in the Caribbean/Atlantic
#5 Most Popular Destination in the World
Bonaire's dive resorts did great as well:
Buddy Dive Resort - #5 Best Dive Resort in the world
Capt. Don's #7 Best Dive Resort in the world
Sand Dollar - #9 Best Dive Resort in the world
Plaza Resort Bonaire #15 Best Dive Resort in the world
Sand Dollar Dive and Photo was also named the #4 Most Popular Dive Operator in the world
Sand Dollar Resort was also named #2 Most popular dive resort in the world
Considering Bonaire's size and tourism marketing budget (both of which are relatively small) it did very well among Scuba Diving's readers. Most impressive are the resort results, considering that Bonaire
had four resorts in the top 100 Best Dive Resorts of the world, and all four in the top 15!
Congratulations and kudos to all the resorts and dive operators! (Of course, nature should be thanked as well, since she played no minor part in Bonaire's success <grin>).
Dolphins for Curaçao, again?
We had hoped that the matter of bringing dolphins to the Sea Aquarium in Curaçao was a dead issue. But according to
Curaçao's Commissioner of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Ramon Chong, that is not the case. The Sea Aquarium will be getting dolphins after all, he says. "We should not run wild. Not to the side of the economic
interests, but also not to an exaggerated effort at environment protection. We should try to find a balance between these two. A dolphinarium will bring grist to the mill for Curaçao" is what he declared at a
recent conference, according to the Dutch language newspaper Amigoe.
The strange thing is that Chong says this while VOMIL (the Ministery of Health of the Dutch Antilles) earlier declared that it is against a so-called dolphinarium. According to the SPAW-protocol there is even a
prohibition against catching dolphins in the waters around Curaçao.
The Curaçao Sea Aquarium wants to catch five dolphins in the waters surrounding Curaçao to let these animals perform in a show. From the beginning, Reef Care, an environmental organization based in Curaçao, has been
very much against this plan. The organization announced that it will keep on waging war against a dolphinarium. The president of Reef Care, Menno van der Velde, said this after the statements of commissioner Chong
were publicized.
Van der Velde wonders what interest Chong has in a dolphinarium. The Reef Care president doesn't think a dolphin show will bring in additional revenue for Curaçao. "The only ones who will earn money from it are
the shareholders of Sea Aquarium - Adrian 'Dutch' Schrier and Rudy Pizziolo."
Van der Velde is against a dolphin show because he thinks it is unethical. "Chong compares dolphins to rottweilers (a popular dog breed in Holland and the Antilles), but that's like comparing apples and pears.
Dolphins are wild animals. We can't domesticate them like lions or tigers. And dolphins won't attract more tourists. Americans won't be coming to take a look at dolphins in Curaçao when they have their own
spectacular dolphinarium in Orlando."
Reef Care thinks commissioner Chong is playing a dangerous game because he will get entangled in international treaties, he is risking court cases and he is going against the will of VOMIL.
Medical Cost Cutting, or Not?
At the beginning of December, the Sociale Verzekerings Bank (SVB - the Antillean equivalent of a social security and heath
care administration department) in Bonaire sent a letter out to remind local physicians that each week medical specialists from Curaçao come to Bonaire to see patients, and that as such the sending of patients to
Curaçao to visit such specialists is discouraged. According to a spokeswoman from SVB this is not real news. "We just wanted to remind the people [of this situation], because it is a waste of money to fly many
people to Curaçao [to see the specialists] when in fact the specialists are coming to Bonaire. There is an exception of course if patients have to go to a kind specialist that doesn't come to Bonaire. But it's not
that we have all of a sudden we become more cost conscious - we have always been [interested in keeping expenditures low]."
On a related note, according to a press release issued last week, the Sint Elisabeth Hospital (SEHos) in Curaçao is having financial problems and the management cannot assure the continuity of certain medical
services. Because of building losses and a shortage of revenue, the cash flow has become so restricted that each day the management has to decide what can be spent and what not. The hospital has sent letters to the
government for assistance, but they haven't reacted. Last September SEHos management asked to be able to increase their rates by 11.5%, but without response. That number was determined to be one which would assist
the hospital in reverse the mounting losses they are facing.
The New Den Laman
by Michael Gaynor
Den Laman restaurant, located at the traffic circle near the northern resorts, is now open for lunch as well as dinner. It is a familiar scene that greeted me today when Kirk Gosden, former manager of the Green
Parrot, met me at the door. The al fresco atmosphere and menu are just what we "Green Parrot Regulars" were missing since our old haunt had to cease operations thanks to the recent wave action.
Today, December 23rd, is the third day under Kirk's guidance and it looks like the combination of the new and present management are a winning team. The lunch menu has a lot of the old favorites, including local
smoked fish and one half-pound cheeseburgers. I had a "Greek" salad which was a selection of different greens, Feta, Tomato, Olive, Egg with a lemon oregano vinaigrette topped with a sliced chicken breast.
Besides the wonderful taste, the portion was more than generous.
Although the menu is not as extensive as the one Kirk created for the Parrot, everything is delicious. (I surveyed a number of familiar faces, including the Green Parrot's Sara Matera who was enjoying a bite with
friends.) Kirk's famous deserts are also available as well for those who still have the room.
Den Laman will be serving a 3 course Special Christmas Eve Menu as well as the regular a la carte dishes on Friday evening. The special dinner offers your choice of fish chowder with cilantro sour cream or garden
greens tossed in mango papaya dressing. For the main course, pan-fried fish filets with lobster gratin set with fettuccini and broccoli or roast New Zealand Rack of Lamb with mint and tomato Salsa, and herb polenta
with a three bean ragout. For desert, Kirk's famous Key Lime or Quesillo.
Den Laman will also be open to celebrate New Year's Eve. Reservations can be made, and other information obtained, by calling 717-8955.
Help Bonaire's Elves Help Others
Once again it is the season to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. Last year, the community donated
food and money to be distributed to homes of those in need. We need non-perishiables, canned goods and toiletry articles such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorants, etc. Please drop your donations at the
TCB office or A Place for you, behind Zee Zicht. We will collect right up until the end of December. If you have any questions or need goods picked up, call Bonaire's well-loved elves, Michael at 4781 or
Desiree at 2727.
Movies @ The Movies Bonaire
Starting Thursday, December 23rd, the following movies will be shown:
Sixth Sense - Nightly at 7:00pm
Blue Streak - Nightly at 9:30pm
The Astronaut's Wife - Nightly at 9:15pm
Double Jeopardy - Nightly at 6:45pm
Note that this week, The Movies Bonaire is closed Friday December 24th through Sunday December 26th, but will be open Monday and Tuesday, December 27th and 28th respectively.
Also, on December 29th, The Movies Bonaire will feature an all-new movie marathon, with six new, never-before-shown movies (on Bonaire): Bowfinger, Summer of Sam, The Wood, Mickey Blue Eyes, Simon Sez, and
8mm. The marathon starts at 7pm and ends at 7am and includes a breakfast following the last film at De Tuin restaurant across the street. Cost for the movie marathon is NAFl. 35 in advance, or NAFl. 45 at the door.
Call the box office for more details at 717-2400.
Please see The Movies Bonaire Web site for more details on these movies and for box office times at http://www.InfoBonaire.com/cinema (Note: The Movies Bonaire is
normally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays - but not this coming week.)
Web Site of the Week
Each week (when we have material), we'll list one address of a new Bonaire Web site that we come across.
Web site of this week:
Antillean Wine Company - http://www.AntilleanWine.com
If you have a new Bonaire-related Web site and want to make sure people know about it, send a message to mailto:news@BonaireENews.com with thedetails.
Quick Takes
- Exhibit of Jewelry, Photos. There will be an exhibition of special one of a kind jewelry designed by Femke Winkel in conjunction with an exhibit of photographs of tribal people with their jewelry by Bertie
Winkel at Photo Tours Divers at the Caribbean Court Resort, starting Monday, December 27th, running until January 23rd. All are invited to visit. For more information call 717-5353 x328 or e-mail mailto:info@bonphototours.com
- Y2K VCR Fix. The specter of Y2K madness is in all the media around us, and we've found that most media doesn't provide any real information on how to fix Y2K problems other than buying new equipment. Well, a
friend sent us this gem in case you have an old VCR which is unable to cope with the year 2000: "If your VCR has a two digit year setting on it, which most do, you may not be able to use the programmed
recording feature after 12/31/99. Don't throw it away. Instead, if possible, set it for the year 1972 as the days are the same as the year 2000." While it's likely that not many working VCRs will have a 1972
setting available, it worth a shot, right?
- BONHATA General Assembly Results. At the General Meeting of the Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association (BONHATA) held Wednesday, December 22nd at Harbour Village, the membership in attendance, after much
discussion, approved a new set of bylaws for the organization (copies available via the BONHATA office) and voted in a new board. Of the previous nine Board members, eight opted for reelection, and were all
reelected: Nick Davies of Capt. Don's Habitat, Tim Webb of Harbour Village, Marion Wilson of Great Adventures, Delno Tromp of Sand Dollar, Ann Louise Tuke of Samur Sailing, Peter Lensvelt of Lion's Dive, Debby
Wiggers of Buddy Dive, and Desmond Ridderstap of Divi Flamingo. Elected to fill the remaining seat was Corine Gerharts (renown "Letters to the Editor" letter writer :-) ) of Bonaire Air Services and
Bonaire Tours. BONHATA can be reached at 717-5134 or mailto:info@bonhata.org .
- Shrimp For Sale. Bonaire's own shrimp farm, Sea Hatch, will be harvesting a batch of fresh shrimp on December 28th, with harvested shrimp available at an estimated NAFl. 25/kilo at the Bon Awa factory store
on Kaya Industria shortly thereafter. If you want environmentally sound shrimp, this is the time to get them!
- Promenade Completed. With little fanfare or hoopla to alert us otherwise, we quite accidentally discovered that the seaside promenade project which has had the whole Playa section of Kralendijk in
disarray for most of the year has been completed, and it looks great. Even the section by Karel's and Harbourside Mall is open, much to the delight of the dining and drinking establishments in that area. Please be
careful, however, about driving too quickly along the promenade (easy to do now that the road is so smooth) as there are children playing, pedestrians crossing, and cyclists pumping away on the road. No word yet on
when the promenade will be extended to the Divi Flamingo, however.
- Fireworks! The government of Bonaire had serious plans to celebrate the purchase of Klein Bonaire with big fireworks on the uninhabited island on New Year's Eve. The fireworks had been planned by BONHATA long before the acquisition was finalized, in cooperation with the Bonairean Government so that visitors could see the fireworks from all the waterfront resorts, and permission to fire the fireworks from No Name Beach had been granted by the Bonaire Marine Park and STINPA. But Commissioner Ramonsito Booi changed his mind when he heard that, among others, the Foundation for the Preservation of Klein Bonaire and Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire were very much against this plan - the latter because the time around New Year's Eve is expected to be a big nesting period for turtles on the very same beach the fireworks were planned for. At present it's not clear if the fireworks will be shot from the Town Pier or similar location on Bonaire (which will limit the ability of BONHATA's member resorts' guests to see the fireworks, and hence may lose their support), or if some sort of floating platform will be used for the display. Plaza Resort has its own fireworks display planned, and of course, as is tradition on Bonaire, fireworks go on public sale starting shortly after Christmas, and will be used by a large number of families and individuals all night long during New Year's. The Bonaire Fire Department (Brandweer) has issued a release explaining how to minimize risk when firing off fireworks in an effort to minimize damage to humans, animals, and property alike. One key item - don't mix alcohol (presumably in the human pyromaniacs) and fireworks.
- Harbour Village Renovating. Harbour Village Beach Resort announced that it will be performing a complete renovation of all of its rooms during the spring of 2000, in phases (one building at a
time). The goal of the renovation is to improve the bath facilities and expand the usable space in the room for their guests. New tiles, fixtures, and furniture are also planned as part of the renovation process.
Contact Harbour Village at 717-7500 or mailto:info@harbourvillage.com for more details.
- Maria Hoppner Fund Raising. Delno Tromp, Chairman of the Maria Hoppner Foundation for the care of underprivileged and orphaned children informed us that on Friday, December 31st, there will be a
sale of 200 beautiful Year 2000 calendars to help raise funds for the organization. The calendars, donated by ABN Amro Bank, feature paintings by children, and will sell for NAFl. 16,95 in front of the Mona Lisa
restaurant from 4pm to 7pm. To preorder a calendar or for more information contact Delno at mailto:delno@sanddollarbonaire.com .
- Buddy Dive Gets Nitrox. As part of an effort to expand and improve its services, Buddy Dive recently completed the installation of an efficient, membrane filtering, Enriched Air Fill (Nitrox)
Station, meaning that Nitrox fills are available at either of Buddy's two drive-thru lanes. Nitrox tanks are also available on Buddy Dive boats. Those not already certified can become PADI Enriched Air divers in
only two days at Buddy Dive. Call 717-5080 or contact mailto:info@buddydive.com for more information.
- Need an Electrician? Bonaire's newest electrical contractor is Voltage N.V. Edsel and Tinker, Voltage's resident electricians have many years of experience with a wide variety of electrical issues, ranging from installation and wiring to repair and maintenance, and based on our experience here at the E-News, are very prompt (they appeared in about five minutes this past Saturday when we had a problem that needed immediate attention), reliable, and helpful (problem was figured out in a few minutes a solution found a short while later). They can be reached at 717-5661 when in the office, or by cell phone at 09-560-7151 (Tinker), at 09-560-7500 (Edsel Engelhardt), or by e-mail at mailto:voltage@infobonaire.com .
- New Restaurant. Ed and Joep, former proprietors of Mangerie de la Mer and Fifties have opened a new restaurant at their new Bayside resort (formerly Club Nautico). The restaurant is called
"It Rains 'Fishes'", and serves dinner only. A special three course fixed menu is offered each evening for NAFl. 30. They are located a short walk north of Karel's and their old restaurant.
- Fiber Optic Operational. Last Thursday, December 16th, Bonaire, Curaçao and Aruba were connected simultaneously by the Americo Vespucci en Alonso de Ojeda fiber optic connection. During the
inauguration in Bonaire at telephone company Telbo, Lt. Governor Richard Hart stated that Bonaire can now participate in e-commerce as a result of the new fiber connection. From now on, according to the Governor,
Bonaire will have many more possibilties for its economic development - just like Curaçao and Aruba have had for a while with their fiber optic connections to the U.S. and South America.
- Old Bonaire Neighborhoods. One of the older inhabitants of the Bonairean neighborhood Tera Korá, Ana Luisa Bomba, thinks the name should be changed back to its original. When this neighborhood was
founded halfway through the previous century it was named Mundu Nobo. Tera Korá, like Rincon, was related to slavery. According to an article in the Papiamentu newspaper Extra at least three of the six traditional
neighborhoods on Bonaire nowadays have a name other than the one they originally had when they started their existence. The original name for Tera Korá was as we just mentioned, Mundu Nobo; for Nort Saliña it was
Kunuku Bieu; and Antriol used to be known as Den Tera.
- Congratulations Burney & Ginia! The Bonaire E-News congratulates one of Bonaire's newest wedded couples: Tourism Corporation Bonaire's Director of Marketing, Burney el Hage and Commissioner Ginia Cicilia! Congratulations and may you live happily together forever more!
- Christmas Hours. The Bankvereniging Bonaire, the banking union, has announced that because of the holidays several banks will be adopting modified hours of operation. This goes for ABN-Amro Bank,
Antilles Banking Corp., Banco di Caribe, and Maduro & Curiel's Bank. On December 24th these banks will be open for the public from 8am to 12pm and on December 31st they will be closed. The Post Office and
Government Offices will open on the 24th and 31st until 12pm, but operate normally the rest of the coming week. The Governor announced that he and the Commissioners won't be having their weekly consulting hours next
Thursday however. Local markets will be closing early on both Fridays as well. Consales will be open non-stop until 3pm both Fridays, and Cultimara until 5pm. Additionally, Cultimara, which is normally open on the
weekend for limited hours will be closed over the Christmas weekend, and closed on New Year's Day as well.
- Reminder - No UW Clean-Up in Jan. That says it all. The next monthly underwater clean-up is scheduled for February 5, 2000, at Green Submarine. Stay tuned to the Bonaire E-News for additional
details.
- Dutch New Year's Edible Treat. Cozzoli's Pizza's owner Simon Brandsma happens to be a master baker from Holland (which anyone who has sampled his fresh bread, croissants, and tarts can attest to). Well, the
Dutch have a special treat specifically for New Year's called an Olliebollen, a rounded piece of dough which is flavored with raisins and other goodies and then deep fried. They are best eaten warmed up with
a sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top (just don't inhale as you bite into them - makes you cough something fierce). Simon and Cozzoli's are offering authentic Olliebollen, on a preorder basis only, for Thursday
and Friday, December 30th and 31st, respectively. Cost is NAFl. 1,- per ollieboll (we understand that the ones Simon makes are almost the size of a tennis ball, compared to the ones at local markets which are
golfball sized), with a "baker's eleven" (buy ten, get a bonus olieboll). To order your oliebollen for New Year's call Cozzoli's at 717-5195 or send e-mail to mailto:wws@bonairelive.com .
- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Seeing as this is our last issue before the Holidays, we'd like to wish all of our readers and friends a very Merry Christmas (and if that's not your thing, translate to
your celebration of choice) and an extremely fun and Happy New Year! We have also composed a small on-line Christmas card showing several of Bonaire's more brightly decorated homes and streets which you can find at http://www.BonaireENews.com/19991222-xmas.html . We'll see you all next year!
Classifieds
Lots of things for sale, and some things being sought. Please note that we do not warrant the accuracy or validity of the products/services/etc. being presented here - in other words, Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware).
Note: Advertising real estate for sale or rent, as well as services offered, in our Classifieds are _fee based_ (and are marked with "Advertising Section"). No classified ads will be accepted from those
looking for employment, and all other ads will be reviewed and may be edited if accepted for free placement. Contact us at mailto:classifieds@BonaireENews.com for details.
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Help Wanted
HOUSE CLEANER
Three families looking to share a house keeper/house cleaner five half-days a week - two each for two of the families, and one half-day for the third. Can provide transportation if needed. Contact
Corine at 717-7033 or mailto:info@multifish.com .
CHIEF ENGINEER
Capt. Don's Habitat is currently accepting applications for a full time Chief Engineer. Applicants must have extensive hands on experience in maintenance and repair of Caterpillar Marine Diesel
engines as well as knowledge in outboard engines to include basic service, maintenance, repair as well as major overhauls. Applicants should also have knowledge in inventory control and be willing to travel as fleet
consists of 8 boats located on two islands. Applicants should also have a basic working knowledge in high-pressure air compressor maintenance and repair. Salary and benefits commensurate with
experience. Please address all applications to: Capt. Don's Habitat, Attn: Dive Operations Manager, P.O. Box 88, Kralendijk, Bonaire Netherlands Antilles. Telephone: +599-717-8290, Fax:
+599-717-8240, e-mail: mailto:jack@habitatdiveresorts.com .
VOLUNTEERS
Special Olympics Bonaire is looking for volunteers for transportation and unified sports and personal guidance with the "Athlete, Leadership Program", as well as for a volunteer treasurer and
volunteer secretary. For more information, please call tel. 717-8550 / 717-6144 / 717-4781, fax 717-8706, or mailto:spec-olym-bon@bonairelive.com
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Personals?
BIRTHDAY GIRL RESPONDS!
Tenta Boka,
I know dreams can come true;
I won't give up.
Thank you for changing my life.
I love you.
- Your "Blue Moon" girl.
HAVING A BABY!
Chad and Michelle Gillespie are expecting their first child on April 14, 2000. Michelle Sink Gillespie was born and raised on Bonaire as her family worked for Trans World Radio. Living in
Belnem with her family, which included her 2 older brothers (David & Mark) and the other TWR children was great. She wants to send her "hellos" to all her friends and classmates who still live on
Bonaire. She is a Registered Nurse in North Carolina and her husband is a Sales Rep. for Cameron & Barkley Co. Their email address is: mailto:Chadmich@mindspring.com
GETTING MARRIED!
Francis Felipe Beaumont and Nathalie Braat from Almelo, Holland, would like to let the people of Bonaire, especially the Beaumont family from Antiol, Tras Montana and Playa p'abou, know
that we are going to get married February 2nd, 2000!
TOYS FOR TOTS FROM BOSTON
If you live in the Boston area and are coming to Bonaire anytime soon, please contact Ms. Sharon Magnuson at mailto:SharonMag@aol.com . She has some things that should be brought to Bonaire for the kids of the Maria Hoppner Foundation (for underprivileged children and orphans). If you are willing and able to help please contact her!
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Services
(Advertising Section)
HANDYMAN
Need a handyman? An Experienced plumber, electrician, painter, and jack-of-all-trades? Then call Jato Handyman at 717-7270 (evenings) or 717-2727 (daytime - ask for Alda) [Jato was
contracted by the editors of the Bonaire E-News last year and just recently for some work, and we recommend him highly]
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Rentals
(Advertising Section)
SAND DOLLAR CONDOS FOR RENT
Studio Units F-15 and F-17, located on ground level with ocean view, full kitchens & baths. Both sleep 2 adults and 2 children: Queen bed (F-15)/Murphy Queen wallbed
(F-17), both have queen-size sleeper sofa. F-17 recently painted and redecorated. Tennis courts, swimming pool, front desk, and convenience store on property. Dive shop next door. For Discount rental contact owners
David or Lynn Colvard at U.S.A. (919) 782-1761 or email mailto:dcolvard@mindspring.com .
A WEEK AT LIONS DIVE RESORT
Beautiful oceanfront one bedroom (sleeps 4) unit with full kitchen for 7 nights available at Lions Dive Resort for a discounted rate during the year 2000. Call 717-5592
or mailto:samur@bonairelive.com for more info.
HOUSE FOR RENT
One bedroom house, located at Kaya Rapheala 28 in Antriol. Includes a living room, kitchen, bathroom. Unfurnished. Available as of January 1st, 2000. Asking NAFl. 500,- per month. Contact Diana at
717-5134 during business hours.
HOUSE FOR RENT
From November 2, 1999 to December 24, 1999. Offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished. Located in Belnem. NAFl. 150/day plus extra NAFl. 25,- laundry costs. Contact Desiree at mailto:aplaceforyou@bonairelive.com .
ONE BEDROOM HOUSE
One bedroom house for rent from November 2, 1999 until December 31, 1999. Fully furnished, located in Belnem. NAFl. 85,- per day plus extra NAFl. 25,- laundry costs. Contact Desiree at mailto:aplaceforyou@bonairelive.com .
HOUSE ON THE BEACH
Available for weekly rental, in front of great diving and snorkeling, minutes from dive shop, stores and restaurants, reasonably priced. More information available at http://www.homestead.com/bonairebeachhouse/index.html or at mailto:anniejul@juno.com . Phone/FAX: 516-694-3430
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
Tenants sought for long term apartment rental. Offering two different apartments on same street: First is a one bedroom apartment, second is a two bedroom apartment. Both are located on Kaya
Caribe, Nord Salina, and have recently been completely refinished and are fully furnished with air conditioning, kitchen & appliances, washing machine, and more. Affordably priced. Pets okay. Contact Alda Dirskz
at 717-2727 (daytime) or 717-7270 (evenings) for more details.
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Real Estate
(Advertising Section)
SAND DOLLAR CONDO
Sand Dollar Unit C-9. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Located on ground level with ocean view. Nicely decorated and great rental opportunity. Call owners Art or Anna Kleimer at (U.S. toll free)
1-800-303-7355 or email mailto:kleimer@kleimer.com .
LAND FOR SALE
1538 square meter corner plot for sale with a large sea view frontage, known as lot 116, on Santa Barbara hill (the street below Kaya Aquamarine), with a view over Klein Bonaire. Plot
shape, dimensions, survey map can be provided by FAX for interested parties. Will sell for NAFl. 69,000. Replies to mailto:dawn@bonairelive.com
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For Sale:
SKIN DIVING FINS & WETSUIT
Skin/Deep diving fins, extra-extra long, size medium. Also, new 5 mil wetsuit, medium (1m60). Call 2844.
COMPUTER PRINTER
HP DeskJet 820Cxi (color). 2 years old. Well maintained. Asking price NAFl. 275,-. Contact mailto:ben@sunbelt.an .
SPEEDBOAT
1989 Speedboat - 16 ft. Deep V, 175HP. Includes trailer, a bimini top, trim tabs. NAFl. 16000. Call Santino at 6769.
FREE KITTEN
To good home. At this time I am trying to find a home for a very affectionate kitten. One of the staff families with Trans World Radio is facing surgery and cannot keep the cat. She is used to being in
the house. If you are interested, please call me (Carla) at 717-8908 or mailto:chall@twr.org .
SUNFISH SAILBOAT
Used, but in good condition. NAFl. 650. If interested, please contact Keith or Carla at 717-8908 or mailto:chall@twr.org .
BIG SAILBOAT
The "HoeSee" - 9,60mtr / 31' 5". Asking US$15000,- Specifications: 1984 Morgan (US-mfd), modified; 4 berths; Aft Cockpit; 6 sails (mainsail, genoa 1 and 3, foresail and stormsails); Yanmar
inboard diesel engine 15 KW; Shower and (manual) pump toilet; Freezer; Gas-stove; 25 Watt shipping traffic radiophone; Depthsounder; Two solarpanels of 50 Watts each; and one windgenerator of 75 Watts. Contact mailto:jhoedemakers@rnbtech.com
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER PRADO
1999 model, 3 doors, air-conditioned, standard shift, with AM/FM Radio & Cassette.Only 14000 km driven. In excellent condition. For info please call Judy at 717-7709 (daytime) 717-7363
(evenings) 09-5609379 (anytime) or email at mailto:judydiaz@bonairelive.com
AIRCO
General brand air conditioner, 2400 BTUs. One year old, asking NAFl. 1500,-. Contact Desiree at mailto:aplaceforyou@bonairelive.com .
BCD & REGULATOR
A.P. Valves Buddy Commando BC orange/black, w/emergency inflation system, 1100 Denier Cordura, 2 bladder system, lots of lift, professional quality; Beuchat VS10 Regulator, Diaphragm system,
high performance, w Octopus, NO console/SPG. Both items for only NAFl. 400,- Contact Benji at mailto:benji@bonairelive.com .
SUNFISH SAILBOAT
Selling a SUNFISH sailboat in very good condition. Price including trailer NAFl. 2995 or best offer. Contact Richard at mailto:cwinkel@bonairelive.com .
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Eudora Pro 4.0 for Windows 95/98 - Professional E-mail software for people who live by e-mail - only one copy left - US$45. Contact Jake @ NetTech at 717-6773 or mailto:jake@nettech.an
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Want to Buy/Swap/Rent/Find:
NEED ROOMMATE
Female roomate wanted (non-smoker, please!) to share waterfront townhouse. Private furnished bedroom and bath. Utilities included. NAFl. 850,-
Please call 717-7071 or e-mail mailto:islandfashions@bonairenet.com .
CAR!!
We need a used car! Pickup truck preferred, basic safety features must work properly. Price: UNDER NAFl. 1500!! If you know something that is actually drivable, let us know! Contact: Benji at Sand Dollar
Dive & Photo, mailto:benji@bonairelive.com OR Annouck at Bon Bini Divers.
WINDSURFING SAIL
I'm looking for a (modern) used sail for windsurfing. Approx. 6 m2. Also looking for complete set: board, sail, mast, etc. (not beginners). Call Coen at 717-8130 (office) or mailto:coenvos@hotmail.com
HOUSE RENTAL(S)
Looking to rent one or two homes (should be near to each other) for two weeks, starting July 15, 2000 for former Bonaire residents and their family & friends (up to 10 people total).
If you have such homes available for rent, contact Gerdien van den Brand in Holland at mailto:vdbrand@tref.nl
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