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WEB2K
People on Bonaire over New Year's Eve and beyond will be pleased to hear that WEB (Water- en Energiebedrijf Bonaire N.V. - the local
utility company) does not expect any Y2K-related problems at the turn of the year with their computer hardware and/or electronic equipment. This was announced in a press release by technical manager P. de Palm. Like
most everywhere else in the world, WEB uses computers for the production and distribution of electrical energy and drinking water, as well as for its administration. And that why the public utility researched the
sensitivity of its systems to the so-called "millennium problems". Fortunately for Bonaire (at least in some ways), WEB uses relatively few critical computer systems - the company is only computer
automated to a minor extent. Some parts, like the distribution of drinking water and electricity, are not at all computer automated. As such, according to De Palm, the millennium problems will be nil for the
production of electricity and water.
Nevertheless, WEB has taken precautions to be able to immediately solve unforeseen problems should they arise. For example, the disturbance team will be reinforced by an extra staff member; the communications systems
will be expanded with an extra back-up; storage of diesel oil and lubricating oil will be filled to the maximum capacity; and water storage will be filled to it's maximum as well - providing a twenty day supply to
the island should that be required.
During its research of Y2K compliance, WEB also approached third parties, like suppliers of services that are an important part of the public utility.
In related news, Bonaire's telephone company, Telbo, also announced some months back that with the new phone switch there should be no Y2K-related communications problems (no comment was offered on their accounting
systems though), and Cultimara, Bonaire's largest supermarket also indicated to the Bonaire E-News that it and its suppliers were Y2K ready.
Marine Conservation Summit
The proceedings of the 1st Marine Conservation Summit meeting, held on the final day of last month's Dive Festival,
commenced with the opening by the moderator, Ms. Elsmarie Beukenboom, Director of Tourism. Ms. Beukenboom explained that the meeting provided an opportunity for the people of Bonaire to benefit from the presence of
some world experts on the oceans, who were on-island for the Dive Festival.
The guest of honor, the renowned Dr. Sylvia Earle, provided a comprehensive perspective of the state of affairs of our world's oceans. Dr. Earle stated that the present isn't very bright in terms of the exploitation
of the fisheries by indiscriminant fishing techniques. She discussed overfishing and exploitation of larger catch, and the consequential adaptation of fishing methods to size down for hauling in smaller catch as a
result of fewer large species remaining. An expert in marine plants, Dr. Earle explained the expenditure of energy in the ocean food web. She detailed the futility of the work derived from converting sun energy to
plant food through the first level primary producers in the ocean food web, which in turn feeds the next level smaller fish, and those feed the larger fish which are hauled out in an accelerated pace by the top
level predator, man. She summarized her presentation by showing two videos that graphically illustrated the exploits of predatory man on the seas, and the attempts by world class scientists and concerned citizens to
change the situation before it is too late. She appealed to the audience to become proactive protectors of the sea by joining world organizations. People on Bonaire and elsewhere must realize the value of a live
fish for bringing in money versus a dead fish on the table.
The next speaker, Dr. Rod Fujita of the United States Environmental Defense Fund, provided insights about the benefits of marine protected areas. He answered questions and gave advice on fisheries regulatory
practices that would help Bonaire's conch fisheries to recover. A minimum of a 5 year moratorium would be required for all conch harvesting and limit catch after that. Cindy Lott provided information from the Lac
Bay Project which implied that Bonaire's conch fishery had collapsed sometime between the 1930s and 1960s, and has declined to virtual non-existence since. Dr. Fujita also explained what is best to do, as well as
counter-productive activities, in terms of Bonaire setting up fisheries regulations. In particular, allowing any kind of fishing in a protected area is hard to enforce and counterproductive. He also explained the
benefits and the environmental impacts of fish farming. Dr. Fujita also emphasized sewage as one of the greatest threats to coral reefs worldwide. And most importantly once nutrients are measurable in the
ocean it is too late. The best method is eliminating sewage flow into the ocean completely. Bonaire's land is too porous and sewage can go almost directly into the sea if not contained properly.
Local government sector representatives from the environmental departments, Mr. Paul Hoetjes and Mr. Coen Vos, presented solutions for Bonaire's environmental problems and issues. Mr. Hoetjes defined
"greening" and how to apply it for better business practices in the hotel tourism industry. Mr. Vos explained the hazards of wastewater and provided up to date news on progress with the sewage treatment
facility plans for Bonaire, as well as alternatives for wastewater disposal.
The Bonaire Marine Park manager, Ms. Kalli de Meyer, found herself almost without words, as everything had been said by the time she was given the floor, and she jokingly commented this situation is a first for her,
and probably a seating strategy by the moderator! She iterated the new "national" marine park status (announced at the Dive Festival Opening Ceremonies), and its implications to provide stronger marine
protection for the area. She gave news updates for the illegal use of anchors in the island of Bonaire, commencing November 1, 1999, and other recent park management activities.
Commissioner Norwin Willem ended the program with the "piece di resistance" for the gathering, by presenting the "Declaration of Intent" by the new Bonairean government to initiate stronger
environmental action as an integral part of business as usual for government. It was signed, sealed and delivered to the people of Bonaire during this occasion.
The session was closed by the moderator, Ms. Beukenboom, who explained the declaration of intent was binding because of the signature of Lt. Governor Hart, and she looked forward to the preservation of both culture
and environment for Bonaire, for the long term benefit for the community and visitors alike.
The Government's Declaration of Intent
1. To utilize a precautionary approach towards development and adopting and applying strict construction guidelines for any and all building work on the island, particularly within the coastal
zone.
2. To encourage and support the island's tourism sector in the efforts to reduce energy and water consumption, and deal more effectively with waste management and improve landscaping practices.
3. To pursue actively and energetically by all means within its power, the securing of the necessary funding, technical expertise and assistance for the installation of waste treatment facilities
on Bonaire with the goal of having a fully functional sewage treatment plant in place within 5 years.
4. To stimulate hotels to implement waste water treatment facilities and adopt techniques for sustainable landscaping, by supporting a tax and import fee exemption for all hotels on all materials
needed to build and maintain waste water treatment facilities and sustainable landscaping for the next five years.
5 To support only sustainable harvesting of Bonaire's fish stocks, by imposing strict limits on fisheries or threatened or locally endangered species such as turtles and conch and excluding all
foreign and commercial fisheries for the better protection of Bonaire's fishing industry.
(Most of the above article courtesy of Entre Nous)
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 tooth paste, 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 717-4781 or Desiree at
717-2727.
Holland Gives Antilles Money
The Netherlands Antilles will be receiving 130 million guilders from the Netherlands to support the Antilles on-going
operation. The Antilles are getting the support to straighten out the public financial affairs (80 million guilders for this) and the other remaining part (50 million guilders) is to help the islands with the damage
they suffered from hurricane Lenny. This is the result of negotiations Antillean Prime Minister Miguel Pourier had last week in The Hague with representatives of the Dutch government.
The 80 million guilders will be used to make a start with the national recovery plan first announced this past spring. This plan will cost a lot of money to implement, because part of it requires the firing of at
least one-third of the civil servants employed by the Central Government, and Antillean laws on such terminations require extensive compensation. If the recovery plan is approved by the International Monetary Fund
(IMF), the Netherlands will be providing more funds to support the islands in their on-going house cleaning. Because the approval of the IMF is not expected before March 2000, the Netherlands decided to initiate
support with the aforementioned 80 million guilders so that Pourier and his new government can get to work.
The other 50 million guilders for hurricane relief will have to be divided among the five islands of the Antilles. These funds are not only for Sint-Maarten and Saba - which suffered the worst damage from Lenny, but
also for St. Eustasius, Curaçao, and Bonaire - all of which also received damage as a result of Lenny's passing.
One final requirement the Netherlands stipulated for the release of all these funds was that they must be kept informed on how the money they have provided will be spent.
Turtle Club Year End Summary
Each year two students from Holland come to Bonaire and work with STCB (Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire) as project
assistants for about 6 months. This year our students were Claudia de Kort and Minco Coenraad. They arrived in June and have been tracking turtles as well as educating tourists and school children about turtles
regularly ever since.
Keeping in mind that they presented only a preliminary report (final report due about mid-2000) the data was very interesting. Nesting attempts were down from a dramatic high last year of 252 to just 99. This decline
is likely a normal cycle. Unfortunately only 2 actual nests were found among all those attempts. The turtle students and local experts believe there are many reasons for this, including very high rainfall this year.
Also, 41 attempts have not been excavated, and 30 attempts were washed away or buried by the wave action caused by Hurricane Lenny's passing north of Bonaire.
Increased coverage by volunteers has increased the reported sightings of nesting turtles on Bonaire (versus Klein Bonaire). Previously a 20/80 split for Bonaire and Klein Bonaire has been observed this year the split
was even - 50/50.
STCB also worked on a Sea Grass Project in Lac Bay with the Bonaire Marine Park volunteers; participated the Coastal Cleanup, and worked on public awareness for local residents as well as tourists. The PIC project
(analyzing pictures provided to STCB by visitors and locals of turtles spotted in the wild) continued in conjunction with the sighting survey forms. 235 pictures of turtles were turned in with 45 different Hawksbill
turtles identified.
As part of the presentation, Imre Esser, the president of STCB, wanted to stress the importance of the Volunteer Network on Bonaire. Volunteers gave slide shows, cleaned beaches, sat up late at night (and through the
night) on many occasions for turtle watches, and in general pitched in whenever needed.
Appreciation Awards were given to Samur Sailing, Bonaire Lagoen Hill Bungalows, Boi Anton from Extra, Renee of the Woodwind, and Barry Gassert.
STCB has also released a new newsletter, for December 1999, with many of the details of this year's presentation. The really exciting news is that this newsletter is currently being translated into Papiamentu for
distribution around the island. Other articles in the newsletter include the first recorded nesting of a green turtle since 1993; a fisherman's commentary about the current taking of turtles; results from many of
the STCB projects; budget information; the first turtle case goes to court in January 2000, and others. For more information contact STCB at stcb@bonairelive.com.
Letters... and... er... Poems to the Editor
We have several letters to the editor we received during our month long hiatus, and even one poem. One of
the letters and the poem are below and others will appear in subsequent issues as space permits
To the Editors
I had the opportunity to try Air Jamaica's service on November 27th and December 4th. After 10 years of problems with ALM, Air Jamaica was a refreshing change - the most important being that
there were no missed connections in Miami or Atlanta.
Over the years I became convinced that the only airline worse than ALM is Air Aruba. Even though Air Jamaica left Bonaire late, we were kept informed. The connection in Montego Bay was
tight, but done easily. Personnel were very friendly and helpful. I'm hoping that this level of service is the norm and that Air Jamiaca is encouraged to continue serving Bonaire.
Steven Carey
And, a poem for our readers
"Thoughts on Bonaire"
by Martin F. Downs, Brooklyn, NY
Broiled Dutchmen reef a black jacht's main,
racing shadows of fast and lonely clouds.
The sea beneath her teems. A silver sun-
lit band of tarpon streams over the reef.
It hangs at the edge, darts this way, then that
and spills down the wall to colder fathoms.
Sailors, fish, clouds--all are moved by one mind
I think, loitering on the breakwater.
I have seen, across the sound, there upon
bare Klein Bonaire, a sometime hermits' hut.
Coralstone, stucco cracked away, roof thatch
rotted, dispersed, gables in sharp shadow.
There, and about the scudded scrub, who lived
naked, squinted, salt-glazed? Who dove after
lobsters in the blue, among fans and plumes
swaying with the waves cresting far above?
Whose hands dug bloody meat from turtle shells,
what Dutch or Caribs throughout the decades
before the airstrip and the Model 'A'?
Not that I'd ever live here. This climate's
a reprieve, a buzz-on, a nap. Of Norse
descent, a product of America's
rust-belt bitterness, I need a sleety
wind and damp, bitchy bones to put some starch
in my collar, lest life succumb to dream,
a silly dream wherein I might "slow" dance
by an hotel cabana bar with some
saronged and sunburned Ohio honey
as the house calypso band plays "Falling
in Love with You" and floods turn blue, red, green
on palm fronds rasping, her tender shoulder
smelling of coconut oil and sweat--
If I cared to, on some other island.
There's no Holiday Inn here, no Burger
King, no spring breakers, pink Jeeps or jet skis.
Just breeze. Air feels out her dusty contours.
Donkeys scavenge her northern flats. A crab
claw skitters on cracked mud. Flamingos fringe
a standing pool. Obelisks watch her shore.
And ocean...ocean...ocean, Ah, ocean.
Letters (and Poems) to the Editors of the Bonaire E-News can be sent to editors@BonaireENews.com. Not all letters will necessarily get published, and those that we
published may be edited for clarity.
Navy & Coast Guard On Duty Millennium Eve
The Dutch Royal Navy and the Coast Guard of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba will be in a higher state of
preparedness during the upcoming millennium eve. This is per the request of the Lt. Governors of the five islands of the Antilles. The Navy and Coast Guard will be in starting blocks to help wherever something goes
wrong. Naval officers were asked to take their leave sooner because of the upcoming turn of the millennium. Although it is not known whether there will be any problems at that time, the Navy and Coast Guard will be
prepared to give technical, military and social assistance.
In the Parera Naval Base in Curaçao, 60 people will be ready to give assistance. Bonaire will be served from Curaçao.
Aruba has its own base staffed with 300 people. And before December 31st, the frigate Hr. Ms. Van Speyck, with 162 people on board, will sail to the Windward Islands and will be stationed between Saba and
Sint-Eustatius. The Rescue Coordination Centre will be manned as usual and will be in touch with Citro (Civilian Rescue Organization).
The Royal Navy and the Coast Guard have had these plans in place for millennial eve since the beginning of this year.
717 Prefix - The Saga
The saga of Bonaire's new 717 phone number prefix continues. After our article last week that the 717 prefix still can't be used
from outside Bonaire, several readers contacted us to both agree and dispute that statement (and both position, it turns out, are correct), and investigation of the matter has produced an interesting tale. According
to Telbo, Antelecom (the Netherlands Antilles long distance company) last week did enable the 717 prefix for incoming calls to Bonaire. However, the problem with why some (many, actually) people still can't call
Bonaire using a 717 number (i.e. 599-717-xxxx) is because their long distance carriers haven't updated their switches to recognize and pass through the new longer number for Bonaire. Shame on them. Oddly enough,
some carriers (like one Dutch cellular company) only support the 717, and will not recognize the old island prefix of 7.
We'd therefore like to ask our readers to help out by trying to dial a Bonaire phone number, like that of the phone company (+599-717-7000 - dial "011" first in North America, "00" from most other
countries) or the Tourism Corporation Bonaire (+599-717-8322). If you get a fast busy signal or a really really long pause followed by unusual tones, contact your long distance provider (look on your phone bill to
find out who to call) and complain to them that they haven't updated their switches so that you can call Bonaire with its new numbering system.
For the technical among you (courtesy of Hans Linkels of Radio Nederlands Bonaire), the long distance companies need to update their STP's - devices which figure out how to route phone calls based on the numbers
dialed.
If any of you find you are successful in getting your long distance carrier to fix their service, drop us a note.
Also, based on the above, as of this issue of the E-News, we'll be listing all local phone numbers with the new prefix.
More Air Flight News
To follow up on last week's articles about flight changes affecting Bonaire and airlines serving Bonaire, we're pleased to
report that Air ALM has had its landing rights in Aruba reinstated. Apparently a judge told Aruba that they cannot withhold these rights in ALMs case, even though ALM still owes Aruba significant landing fees.
In other ALM news, the company published parts of its 2000-2003 business plan, which includes a goal to start flights from Curaçao to Dulles International Airport in Virginia - one of three airports which serves the
Washington DC area. The purpose of extending service to Dulles would be to provide Air ALM passengers with better access to flights offered by partner United Airlines. Dulles is a United hub. If these plans come to
fruition it should be sometime during the middle of the year 2000. Additionally, Air ALM is planning on switching their Curaçao-based check-in system to the global Apollo system. Also, Air ALM passengers should be
able to start using the frequent flyer programs of United Airlines under the new plan. The new plan also details a planned route to Amsterdam, as well as six to ten flights to Aruba and Bonaire and two to
Sint-Maarten.
Finally, today, December 15th, marked the inaugural flight of a Avior Beechcraft from Caracas to Bonaire. We reported last week that the Venezuelan airline had asked the Civil Aviation Authority in Curaçao for
permission to land on Bonaire. Well, that permission was granted, and regular service, Caracas to Bonaire and back, starts this Friday, December 17th. The 19 seat Beechcraft planes will fly to Bonaire three times a
week, on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, arriving on Bonaire at about 630pm and departing back to Caracas around 700pm. Tickets from Bonaire to Caracas and back can be booked with Bonaire Air Services (which has
locations at the airport and downtown), and are expected to run about US$120 roundtrip.
Silent Night, in Papiamentu
One of our readers (an Austrian, no less!) sent us the following Papiamentu version of Stille Nacht (Silent Night) to
sing for Christmas:
Ora Solem
Ora solem na Bethlehem
ketu drumi, tur na es tem.
Santu Esposonan so lamanta.
Mama Maria ta tene brasa
su dushi Ninjo Hesus. (2x)
Cielunan cla, streanan kla,
mira ki lus, tende kanta
himno alegre ku_angelika bos
Den di altisimo gloria na Dios,
pas na tur di bon boluntat. (2x)
Ban, wardador, miedu afor.
Hasi lihe, buska awor
den e pesebre e Ninjo buta,
Donjo di mundu, den panja lora;
ta Cristu, boso Senjor. (2x)
Ban tur lihe, mira awe
Ninjo Hesus pa nos nase.
Pa e amor ku nos konose,
nos kurason nos ta bai ofrese,
paga amor ku amor. (2x)
(It looked okay to us, but our Papiamentu is still not very good yet. If any readers report mistakes, we'll publish them in the next issue. Thanks Gregor!)
Movies @ The Movies Bonaire
Starting Thursday, December 16th, the following movies will be shown:
Papa's Song (Dutch) - Nightly at 9:15pm, Matinee on Saturday at 3:30pm
Sixth Sense - Nightly at 6:45pm, Matinee on Saturday at 4:00pm
Blue Streak - Nightly at 9:30pm, Matinee on Sunday at 4:00pm
The Astronaut's Wife - Nightly at 7:00pm, Matinee on Sunday at 3:30pm
On December 29th, The Movies Bonaire will feature an all-new movie marathon, with six new, never-shown movies (on Bonaire) Bowfinger, Summer of Sam, The Wood, Mickey Blue Eyes, Simon Sez, and 8mm. Call box office for
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
closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
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:
If you have a new Bonaire-related Web site and want to make sure people know about it, send a message to news@BonaireENews.com with the details.
Quick Takes
- Hurricane Forecast for 2000. William Gray, an internationally renowned hurricane forecaster from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, announced that he expects the 2000 hurricane season to be
a moderate one, with 11 named storms, seven hurricanes and three intense hurricanes. His 1999 forecast of 14 named storms, nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes, was one of the more accurate in recent years,
with the June 1-Nov. 30 season featuring 12 named storms, eight hurricanes and five major hurricanes.
- Watersports & Adventure Center To Open. Bonaire Boating has announced the impending opening of their Watersports & Adventure Center, located at the Caribbean Court Resort. This new center offers a
wide range of courses and excursions like sailing charters, sailing courses, kayaking, mountain biking and guided snorkeling. New for Bonaire is their "Best Adventure Package", which includes the unlimited
use of a mountain bike and kayak and a complete excursion program (sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, 4X4 tours etc.). Bonaire Boating also offers wedding packages on Bonaire. Call them at 717-5353 x505 or see their
offerings at http://www.abc-yachting.com.
- Island Tariffs to Increase.
Norwin Willem, one of Bonaire's Commissioners, announced that the people of Bonaire will be facing a number of fundamental changes on all levels of their daily lives. The island governement is preparing changes in some tariffs that will be proposed to the Island Council (Eilandsraad) later this month, with the goal being to have the tariffs in operation by January 1, 2000. For example, the government wants to raise the airport departure tax for international flights from the current $10/person to $20 per person. There is also a proposal to raise the road tax by 25 percent - this applies to annual or semi-annual registration fees people pay to keep their vehicles on the road. The government also wants households to pay ten guilders instead of five guilders per month for trash collection.
- Residence Windsock Opened.
The first phase of Residence Windsock on the EEG Boulevard in North Belnem on Bonaire was officially opened last Wednesday by Deputy Lt. Governor Orphaline Saleh. The project consists of three phases and will be built by Mega Bouw NV. The first finished part of Windsock includes eight apartments. The rest of the buildings will have six apartments each. People who buy an apartment at Windsock can choose to live there or arrange with Windsock's property manager to rent it out as an income producing investment.
- Dive Inn Millennium Night Dive.
Dive Inn is organizing a "Last Dive of 1999" on December 31st at 8pm with a champagne-party afterwards, lasting until 11pm. The cost to join this dive party is US$20, tank included. Reservations in advance would be appreciated - call them at 717-8761 or info@diveinn-bonaire.com
- Christmas Lights Competition. This year the Sentro di Bario in Nikiboko is once again organizing a competition of Christmas Lighting on Bonaire. Participants can win prizes for the most beautiful Christmas
decorations on the exterior of their homes. There are two categories - one for big decorations and one for smaller ones. If you want to participate in this yearly competition you can sign up with one of the members
of your neighborhood community. AS of last week, the jury has been going through the various neighborhoods of Bonaire to take a closer look at all the decorations. Signing up is possible until December 18th. WEB
(Water- en Energiebedrijf Bonaire N.V.) is sponsoring the competition. For more information you can contact Wolter de Palm at 717-4177 or 717-5600 ext. 222.
- Antilleans Flock to Holland. In the first eleven months of this year almost 6300 Antilleans moved to the Netherlands. If non-Antillean residents of the Antilles are added, it comes to a total of 7820. These
numbers come from the Burgerlijke Stand in Curaçao. Interesting to note is that more women than men decided to leave the Netherlands Antilles and move to the other side of the ocean.
- Owner of Stolen Items Found. In last week's issue we reported that Buddy Dive had come into possession of items they believed to have been stolen by a local youth. Buddy Dive just informed us that the owner
of the goods, which included life jackets, a Game Boy, and snorkel equipment, has been located (a local business owner, by the way), and he has been reunited with his goods.
- AKIB Christmas Party. AKIB, Bonaire's Business and Industry Association, has announced it will be holding a Christmas dinner party for its members and other interested parties on Friday, December 17th, at
the La Bella Fontana Square at Harbour Village. Cost is NAFl. 100 per person, and festivities start at 8:00pm. Live music will also be present. Call 8977 for more information or tickets.
- BONHATA General Assembly. Due to the wave system and resulting demand on its members' time, BONHATA (the Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association) has moved the date of its General Assembly from November 30th
to Wednesday, December 22nd at 7pm at Harbour Village's Sala Aruba. Up on the agenda are approval of new bylaws for the organization and the election of the next Board of Directors. BONHATA can be reached at 5134,
FAX 8534, e-mail info@bonhata.org.
- High Season Starts. December 15th (or 16th, depending on whose calendar you use) marks the official start of High Season, that time when hotel and resort prices go up in parallel with the demand for such
lodging and in parallel with higher visitation to Bonaire. High season ends in the middle of April for most properties.
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 classifieds@BonaireENews.com for details.
Help Wanted
FULL TIME DIVE INSTRUCTOR
Photo Tours Divers is a young, dynamic dive organization. We are a fully equipped dive school with a dive shop, photo shop, compressor and a boat - the Photo Frenzy. We are situated at
the Caribbean Court Bonaire, next to Plaza Resort. We are looking for an enthusiastic PADI instructor with underwater photography teaching experience, and who is able to work independently and accept responsibility.
If there are any PADI instructors looking for a good, independent job in this organization please call 717-5353 ext. 328 and ask for Bert van Gent or send e-mail to info@bonphototours.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 jack@habitatdiveresorts.com.
VOLUNTEERS
Special Olympics Bonaire is looking for volunteers for transportation and unified sports and personal guidance with the "Athlete, Leadership Program". For more information, please call tel. 717-8550 /
717-6144 / 717-4781, fax 717-8706, or spec-olym-bon@bonairelive.com
Personals?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
My "Blue Moon" girl,
Happy,happy, happy birthday
You have truly made me the happiest boy in the world
May all your wishes and dreams come true
Love,
Tenta Boka
PS. Last clue to the warm hearth of your favorite tavern!
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 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 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!
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]
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. For Discount rental contact owners David or Lynn Colvard at U.S.A.
(919) 782-1761 or email 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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 dawn@bonairelive.com
For Sale
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 chall@twr.org.
SUNFISH SAILBOAT
Used, but in good condition. NAFl. 650. If interested, please contact Keith or Carla at 717-8908 or 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 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 judydiaz@bonairelive.com
AIRCO
General brand air conditioner, 2400 BTUs. One year old, asking NAFl. 1500,-. Contact Desiree at 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 benji@bonairelive.com
SUNFISH SAILBOAT
Selling a SUNFISH sailboat in very good condition. Price including trailer NAFl. 2995 or best offer. Contact Richard at 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 jake@nettech.an
Want to Buy/Swap/Rent/Find
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, 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 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 vdbrand@tref.nl
Bonaire E-News Reader Statistics
For this issue of the Bonaire E-News, there are 1523 direct e-mail subscribers, from 28 countries (based on domain name analysis). Last week there were an additional 372
readers of the E-News via the Bonaire E-News Web site, representing an additional 6 countries, for a total of at least 1895 readers from 34 countries, plus an indeterminate number of pass-around readers (readers who
receive their E-News indirectly via existing subscribers). Also, through midnight Saturday, December 11th, 718 people viewed pictures of the wave damage.
Do You Have Special News To Share?
The Bonaire E-News is a free news service intended to help Bonaire residents and visitors learn about weekly events happening on our island.
If you have special news about your organization or business or self that you would like to share via our E-News mailing, please drop us a note at news@BonaireENews.com, or FAX it to us at 717-7854, and we'll
review it to see if it's appropriate to include in a future issue. There is no charge for this service, but we reserve the right to select and edit what information we include.
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