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From the Editors
Well, after a month off from the Bonaire E-News (during which time we still managed to produce two E-Newsflashes) we're back
at the keyboard to provide you with the latest news from Bonaire.
During our month "off", in addition to hosting nine family members on Bonaire and fighting off a bout of flu, we also reviewed our Bonaire E-News efforts, goals, and formats. A result of this
review is that you will be seeing minor changes here and there in terms of layout, categories, and information in each issue of the E-News over the next couple of months until we end up with what we think works best.
One of the first things we're doing is to add to each issue a set of statistics of how many readers get/read the E-News each week (see the section just after the Classifieds for this information. We
realized recently that many people are interested in the Bonaire E-News' reach, and what better way to provide that information than usage statistics? We will probably also be doing reader surveys during the early
part of 2000, with cool new Bonaire E-News t-shirts being a possible prize for participation.
As always, if you have any suggestions on something we could do better (keeping in mind that the E-News is still pretty much a volunteer effort), please drop us a note at mailto:editors@BonaireENews.com !
Jake & Linda Richter
Netherlands Antillean Police Under Investigation
The Commission for Police Integrity installed by the Minister of Justice, Dr. Rutsel Martha, will hold
an investigation during the next six months in search of recommendations with which to optimize the integrity of the Netherlands Antillean police corps, which covers the police stationed on and responsible for
upholding the law on each of the five Antillean islands, including Bonaire.
The Commission feels that "the entire community as well as the corps will benefit from a situation of mutual respect and confidence. Corruption is not common in the Antilles but it is possible that some
members may stray."
On the Commission are mr. Fred Wiel, ex-Police Commissioner and chairman of the commission (mr. with a lower M, is the Dutch title for someone with a Law Degree); mr. John Gorsira, former District Attorney; Prof. dr.
Rene Romer, ex-Lt. Governor of Curacao; mr. George Soliana, attorney, for Bonaire; and mr. Gaston Bell for the Windward islands. Secretary for the Commission are Mrs. mr. Lilian Suriel and drs. Gimena van der Gen.
(drs. is the Dutch title used for a Masters Degree).
The investigation is two-pronged. First, analyze all the functions within the Corps Politie in order to detect anything that might be vulnerable to irregularities. All rules and regulations will be evaluated in
search for improvement. Second, in order to clarify concrete cases, investigate where members of the corps might have committed a dishonest or criminal act.
A so-called "Meldpunt" (Info number) has been established for the use of both members of the community and the Corps itself. This number can be used to report irregularities but also to pass on
recommendations or ideas on optimizing the corps. All calls will be screened by the Commission to avoid "unfounded" accusations by people out to hurt someone's reputation. Four professional investigators
will be hired to work in the field.
A report will be presented to the Minister of Justice who in his turn will hand the report to the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles. The Commission will also provide concrete recommendations based on
the results of the investigation.
The Info number (Meldpunt) in Curaçao is 198. In Bonaire and the Windward Islands it is 09-465-1998. (Note: The Commission is making arrangements for Bonaire citizens to be able to just dial 198 directly.) You can
leave tips completely anonymously, and the phone line does not have Caller ID enabled, to further ensure anonymity.
One can also call 09-461-2200 if one wants to have a dialogue with one of the members of the Commission or wishes to send a fax. The P.O. Box is 2121 in Curaçao; P.O. Box 341 is for Bonaire and the e-mail address is mailto:polisintegro@curinfo.an .
Waves: In Retrospect
It's now been three weeks since large waves hit Bonaire's normally quiet and calm leeward side, causing a miscellany of damage to
coastal man-made structures (see our two previous E-Newsflashes on our Web site for details). It took several days for most of the surge (minor compared to the big waves that hit the coast, but large compared to
normal conditions) to go away, and almost a week longer for the wind reversal which preceded the waves to go away as well. The wind during the reversal, while quite mild, was coming from the west instead of the east
- for a record 11 days straight! This made for some great East Coast diving (normally not possible because of the waves on the east side of Bonaire). And even during the wind reversal there was some serious diving
and snorkeling going on along the west coast (including our visiting family, who spent much of their trip in the water here during their visit, snorkeling and diving).
To add insult to injury, all of last week was rain soaked - from Sunday through Friday, with a nice day on Saturday and more rain on Sunday again. The last time this happened (solid overcast skies with lots of rain
for a week) was an unusual week at the beginning of April.
It appears to be safe to say, now that we have had more sunshine than not for several days, and satellite maps with no storms anywhere near us, that the freakish weather and waves we experienced on Bonaire are
finally gone, and we're back to normal Bonaire weather. Life on land is back to status quo as well, with, for the most part, only minor changes in some diving and dining operations.
In response to numerous inquiries we received on the topic from our readers, we polled the various waterfront resorts and dive operations here on Bonaire for an operational status after the waves. Please note that a
few resorts did not have time to get back to us.
Working our way from north to south:
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Captain Don's Habitat: No status provided, but Nick Davies, General Manager advised us that interested and/or concerned parties should contact their regular Habitat tour operator for
on-going status updates, as he has been keeping the tour operators Habitat works with informed. Individual inquiries made directly to the resort will also be responded to promptly. (And, as a footnote from us, the
Captain Don's Habitat renovation of the new entry way, lobby, and administrative offices has been completed and looks great.)
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Lions Dive Hotel Bonaire: No response, but we understand accommodations are in full operating condition, same as before the waves.
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Bon Bini Divers: "Unfortunately, we experienced rather severe damage to the premises of Bon Bini Divers. Like many other dive operations in our particular area, the dock was destroyed. The building previously housing Bon Bini Divers did sustain some damage, although it held through the strong storm surge. We are currently assessing whether or not we can repair damage, or must rebuild totally.
We were operational for shore diving as of 18 November, and began boat operations upon the Marine Park's reopening of the mooring system on 21st November. In fact, during the busy Thanksgiving week, we offered up to
six boat departures daily.
We are boarding boats from the Harbour Village Marina a short distance away from our property. Shore tanks are available through a drive-up service. Until further notice, check-in for diving or snorkeling, as well as
general information, is available at our hospitality desk at the front office of the Lions Dive Hotel Bonaire.
We are currently looking at several different options for rebuilding, which will be dependent upon the assessment of structural integrity of our building. Guests arriving within the next few months are welcome
to contact us at mailto:info@bonbinidivers.com for a more detailed update." - Susan Davis, Manager
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Buddy Dive: No direct response, but the following was posted in the InfoBonaire newsgroup recently by Carol Bradovchak, Director of Marketing: "The recent wave damage did in fact remove docks from several dive shops, and we are all anxious to begin repairs as soon as possible. In the meantime, dive operators are taking their boats out of the marina, which is a short shuttle ride south. We also have shore diving access on Buddy Reef via a ladder from our beach, and of course our Drive-Thru air fill station was not affected. So all in all, we are in pretty good shape. And although the Dock of the Bay is not open at the moment, we are serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in our Pool Bar, so no one is going hungry!
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Sand Dollar Dive & Photo: " Although the buildings were destroyed, we're still in full operation. All four boats are able to leave twice a day from the marina (guests without their own transportation are shuttled to and from the marina). In the coming weeks, boats may be departing 3 or 4 times a day from the marina. We are still offering courses and have done quite a few since the storm. The Ocean Classroom is up and going Monday thru Friday, as usual. Naturalist dives, Bonaire Guided Snorkel, and kayak trips to the mangroves are still underway. The Photo Shop and our offices are located in a container and classes and orientations are taking place at the Den Laman restaurant. So, although it doesn't look pretty, Sand Dollar Dive & Photo is up and going strong." - Caren from Sand Dollar Dive & Photo
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Sand Dollar Condominium Resort: "The storm surge in mid-November undermined the structure which housed the Green Parrot Restaurant and Sand Dollar Dive and Photo. There was no damage to the condominium resort. The dive operation is up and running with its full range of services. The Green Parrot is offering a limited lunch menu from 11 am to 3 pm at the Pool Bar. Happy hour with Green Parrot tropical drinks and swizzle sticks is available from 5 to 7 pm. The famous parrot burger is still at Sand Dollar. Sand Dollar Condominium resort is also within easy walking distance (1 block) of 6 restaurants. The condos are fully equipped with kitchen facilities and there is a grocery store on the premises." - Delno Tromp, General Manager
A few days after the waves hit, Delno also sent us the following note to pass on to our readers: "The staff and management of the Green Parrot Restaurant, Sand Dollar Dive & Photo and Sand Dollar Condominium
Resort would like to thank all the in-house guests and others for their patience, help and cooperation during the recent storm action on Bonaire. The spirit of cooperation made a difficult situation much
easier."
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Sunset Beach Hotel: As this property has been closed for the last year, no response was to be had, but long time Bonaire visitors might be interested to know that both concrete piers are gone.
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Harbour Village: While we didn't actually get a statement, we were invited for a tour of the property yesterday. The net result is that Harbour Village is in full operating condition and has been since the day after the waves hit. And while the waves did wash out a wall where the original air fill station was, as well as part of the dive staff gear storage area, Harbour Village is almost finished with its renovations, which took advantage of the changes made by the waves, to improve the whole dive facility area. Among the changes and enhancements are a dedicated rinse-off/shower area, the new fill station area has a roof to provide shade, the wall where the old fill station was has had its profile changed to allow guests at the La Balandra to get a better view of the "mountains" on the northern end of Bonaire. Additionally, as Harbour Village was remodeling the dive shop area in preparation for the opening (next week) of their state of the art Great Photo Adventures photo and video center, they had already built an addition to the dive area buildings to house their new and expanded dive shop. That dive shop is now in operation. Tim Webb, General Manager of Harbour Village explained that in some ways, while the wave system was an unpleasant thing, it gave his resort the opportunity to renovate things in a better way (the wall behind the former air fill area being a prime example.
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Green Submarine: No damage, fully operational.
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Dive Inn: No damage, fully operational.
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Divi Flamingo: No response, but guests of the resort we met last night indicated everything was fine.
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Carib Inn: No damage, fully operational.
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Plaza Resort & Toucan Diving: No damage, fully operational.
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Caribbean Court & Photo Tours Dives: No damage, fully operational.
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Bel-Mar Oceanfront Apartments: "Our docks were destroyed but we were in time to take a part of the wood layers off and so have already managed to rebuild one dock. Our garden on the seaside was destroyed but is also now replanted. Only one apartment suffered any real damage, and it is now fixed and in use again, and we are now in the process of repainting the seaside side of the property. And, while all of our exterior lamps were broken, we have replaced and repaired them all. In other words, while there was quite a bit of damage, it has been repaired and we are definitely open for business, much as we were before the storm." - Wilma Frerichs, Bel-Mar
----
So, all in all, while coastal damage occurred, everyone is operating and providing all services they did before the waves hit, albeit with some minor variations. We've seen a number of posts and messages
from people congratulating Bonairean residents for their resiliency. While we think this is a nice sentiment, what Bonaire experienced was nothing compared to what our leeward sister islands of Saba, St. Maarten,
and St. Eustatius (all located far to the north of Bonaire) went through with Lenny the same week - many resorts and facilities on these and other islands in that area were very badly damaged, even inland because of
the hurricane's drenching rains and very strong winds.
It should be noted that during our wave action here on Bonaire there was no rain, and no one outside of sight of the coast knew anything was going on.
For those wanting to see a plethora pictures of the waves in action, some of what they did to buildings built in the coastal zone, and various other scenes around Bonaire at the time and after, see http://www.BonaireENews.com/19991208-Waves.html .
For people looking for specific information, many of the newsgroups have had discussions on the topic, including InfoBonaire's Bonaire newsgroup - the main thread covering the wave action from start to
present is at: http://www.infobonaire.com/newsgroup/messages/27/319.html
In closing, Bon Bini Divers reported to the E-News that the diving they've been doing has been great, and that in the last few days their diving guests have spotted sea horses at Nearest Point and
Rockpile, and even three black tip reef sharks in the shallows at Monte's Divi. So, photographers, go huntin' with your lenses! All of Bonaire's treasures and more are still to be found in her waters.
Virus Frenzy
In the last three weeks, we've received over a half dozen virus warnings from sources such as CNN, ZDNet, and Symantec, and all
predict that there will be even more nasty computer viruses released by the end of the year. As such, we'd like to remind our readers to follow three basic rules.
1) Back up your critical files (documents, accounting, etc.) on a regular basis. If you don't have back-up hardware such as a tape drive or ZIP drive, contact your preferred hardware provider to get such a device.
2) Don't blindly open attachments people send you, even if you know the source of the attachments, since viruses are frequently distributed by computers without the owners knowledge, and appear to come from a trusted
source - just witness the recent PrettyPark.exe virus escapade here on Bonaire. Use the latest version of an anti-virus package to scan attachments before you decide to open them.
3) Don't redistribute executable files or documents or help files (yes, there's now a help file virus) to anyone without first checking them with the latest anti-virus tools and virus data sets yourself.
If you follow the above rules, you should be pretty safe.
If you're curious as to what the latest viruses to beware of are, we think Symantec does a good job presenting this information at: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/index.html
Air Flight News
The last month has produced some interesting news in terms of air traffic as it relates to Bonaire.
First, at the beginning of November, GWV Tours, a company which offers charters and packages from Boston to all over the Caribbean, announced that it was discontinuing its weekly high season service to
Bonaire and Curaçao. The service was supposed to have run from January through April of next year. GWV cited increased fuel costs, a reduction in bookings, and their feeling that Bonaire and Curaçao were too
expensive for their clientele. While this will certainly be a loss for Bonaire in the short term, the Bonairean government's public statements that they want Bonaire to become a more upscale destination implied that
low priced charters would not be long for Bonaire in any event.
A few days later, KLM announced that as of April 2000, it would cease to service Bonaire via direct flights, currently one a week on Sundays, and that all Netherlands traffic to Bonaire would therefore
have to go through Curaçao or Aruba via a local connection. The Bonairean government and other tourism forces on Bonaire are in the process of trying to enlighten KLM on the impact of their decision, and no further
updates on these discussions have been released.
This week the local papers are reporting that Air ALM has now had its landing rights in Aruba revoked as a result of a debt of approximately NAFl. 1 million (~ US$562,000). While Air ALM has paid NAFl.
100,000 towards that debt, it's apparently not enough for the Aruban authorities to be willing to reinstate the airline's rights to land on Aruba.
On the brighter side of airline news, Bonaire may soon have regular non-stop service to and from Caracas, Venezuela. We learned this week that AVIOR, a Venezuelan regional airline which provides commuter
services between 18 cities in Venezuela has received permission from the Venezuelan government to provide air service outside the country. AVOIR has applied for permission from the Civil Aviation authority in
Curaçao for Bonairean landing rights, and is hopeful that they may be able to start operations as soon as the end of next week. If permission is granted, service will occur three times a week via one of the airlines
17 Raytheon Beechcraft 1900Ds, which has a 19 person capacity. And, as traffic and demand increase, they are prepared to add additional flights. AVIOR is a 5 year old company, with 21 planes (there are 4 Cessna
Caravan 208-Bs in their fleet, in addition to the 17 Beechcraft). Tour operators and travel agents in Venezuela have already been cautiously promoting the AVIOR Caracas-Bonaire connection, so let's hope the Civil
Aviation authority gives them approval soon.
Divi Renovation
Divi Corporation President and C.E.O. Mrs. Paula Smith, recently announced the much anticipated renovation plan for the Divi
Flamingo Resort on Bonaire. The 145 room resort, one of Bonaire's landmarks, has already begun extensive work on the first 38 rooms. The renovation also will include the famed Chibi Chibi Restaurant. Long considered
one of the Caribbean's finest dining spots, Mr. Desmond Ridderstap states "the updated and totally refurbished facility will be modern and attractive with an upscale menu and great service."
There will be a new look to the Resort and an "on terrain" parking area will make it easier for visitors to access the property, which will have a newly designed entrance and reception area. The main focus
of the layout for the hotel will be the garden and pool deck with modern lounge chairs and market style umbrellas. The rooms will all receive newly tiled floors, bath rooms, new a/c units and will be detailed in
modern colors and materials.
All the work is being done by a local contractor and phase one is planned for completion around March 1, 2000. The property will remain in full operation during the renovations with as little interruption in service
to visitors as possible.
Other good new from Divi is their close cooperation with local government and the TCB. They are planning to introduce a charter service to Bonaire, which will not only benefit their property, but the island as a
whole. We are looking forward to Divi's great success and are looking forward to the projects competition.
As the renovation progresses, this web page will be updated: http://www.divibonaire.com/renovplan.htm (Article courtesy of Entre Nous)
Christmas & New Year's Activities
As we wend our way to the end of the year and the end of the 20th century, we've been getting notices from a
number of area businesses about their Christmas and New Year's events and offerings.
If you're looking for a Christmas gift basket, check out Dura Home Center (Kaya Industria) - phone/FAX 2900 - ask for Jenly Freites. Bonimex Liquortique (Kaya L.D. Gerharts) is also offering gift baskets in their
shop - phone 5855.
So far we've only received notice of three special Christmas dinner menus. Zeezicht (across from Karel's) will be offering a special Christmas menu (phone 8434) with local specialities, while Kontiki (Lac Bay) will
be offering a menu consisting of Spinachsoufflee with Morieljesauce, Salad with smoked duck and a sweet dressing, Deersteak with almonds or a Saltimbocca from seadevil as a main course, Icesnowballs with coconut and
mangosauce, and Coffie, tea and bonbons for NAFl. 79,50 plus tax on December 25th and 26th (and they are closed from December 27th through January 3rd for renovations). The Hill Top restaurant at Bonaire Caribbean
Club is offering a Christmas Eve dinner featuring salmon salad, Christmas ham, and Tournedos-Trio (three different game meats), and a Christmas Day (December 25th) dinner with salmon salad, Pate & Toast, and
Reerug (don't know what this is). Both include coffee and desert. Costs are NAFl. 95 and NAFl. 90 respectively, including tax. Call 7901. Please note that reservations for special meals at Bonairean restaurants are
always recommended.
And for New Year's, we understand a fireworks display sponsored by a group of resorts and hotels is being planned, but no details yet available. Plaza Resort has also informed us that they have a big New Year's bash
planned at their property, featuring drinks, snacks, champagne toast, oliebollen (a special Dutch New Year's sweetened bread), and even a commemorative T-shirt, along with several top bands, all for US$99 ($49 for
kids under 12) plus tax. Tickets are available at the Plaza front desk starting Saturday, December 12th (phone 2500).
If any of our Bonaire business readers have additional Christmas or New Year's offerings, please drop us a note at mailto:editors@BonaireENews.com .
Underwater Clean-Up
Saturday, December 4th was the first anniversary of the monthly underwater clean-up, started last fall by Eric Groenhart of Green
Submarine and Jake Richter of NetTech N.V. (and the Bonaire E-News). In honor of the anniversary, a party was thrown, featuring a BBQ and live music from one-man Bonairean music man, Moogie.
As usual, the dive in the populous Playa area resulted in quite a bit of trash being collected, but as has been the case in recent months, there was less and less new trash, with much of that new trash being the
result of the wave system. The old trash found was also stuff uncovered by the wave system.
The Extra newspaper covered the anniversary dive and celebration and devoted it's front cover to a group photo of the participants in the Monday, December 6th issue and a full page article on the inside describing
the history of the clean-up dive activities, as well as how the Bonaire Dive Club has gotten involved.
Photos from the event can be found at http://www.BonaireENews.com/19991208-cleanup.html
For those planning on participating in upcoming months, please be advised that due to planned excessive partying and travel, there will not be a January clean-up dive. The next underwater clean-up dive will occur on
Saturday, February 5th, 2000.
Movies @ The Movies Bonaire
Starting Thursday, December 9th, The Movies Bonaire (the new name of the Bonaire Twin Cinema) will be:
Brokedown Palace - Nightly at 6:45pm, Matinee on Saturday at 3:30pm
Deep Blue Sea - Nightly at 9:15pm, Matinee on Saturday at 4:00pm
Papa's Song (Dutch) - Nightly at 7:00pm, Matinee on Sunday at 3:30pm
Sixth Sense - Nightly at 9:30pm, Matinee on Sunday at 4:00pm
On December 29th, The Movies Bonaire will feature an all-new movie marathon. See Web site for details.
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:
Bonaire Marine Park (Brand New!) - http://www.bmp.org
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 the details.
Quick Takes
- Stolen Items Recovered?
On Monday, December 6th, a marina employee confiscated a dive bag that was in the possession of a suspicious individual, and gave it to the staff at Buddy Dive, thinking that the bag may have been stolen from one of their vehicles, which was nearby at the time. However, even after asking around, neither the marina employee, nor the police, nor Buddy Dive's staff have found anyone with claims for the items in the bag, which, in addition to snorkel equipment, was filled with a collection of diverse goods, including jewelry, boat accessories, and electronic equipment. If you or someone you know recently had any items here on Bonaire stolen or gone missing and think they might be part of this rescued haul, please contact Buddy Dive at 5080 or mailto:info@buddydive.com .
- Jet Ski Update. As an update for our readers who sent in comments regarding the position Bonaire should take regarding the use of jet skis in Bonairean waters, we have forwarded all your comments, and the
research materials you provided us, to the government, which in turn is having several agencies review the material to provide formal advice. Both BONHATA and CURO have expressed their support for a ban on jet skis
in Bonaire's waters.
- Queen Pics. Queen Beatrix of Holland in fact did make it to Bonaire on November 17th, although her on island itinerary was altered somewhat as a result of the wave system. Photos our readers have provided us
of her visit can be found at http://www.BonaireENews.com/19991208-Queen.html .
- New Notary. Bonaire has a new notary. Last week, acting Notary, Maarten Maartense was officially installed as Bonaire's official Notary of record. In the Netherlands Antilles, the Notary is responsible for a
wide range of legal contract and document executions.
- 717 Number Still in Limbo. Last time we spoke with several Telbo officials, we were told that the new 717 prefix for Bonairean numbers would be in operation from off-island by December 1, assuming Antelecom
(the long distance carrier handling incoming traffic in Curaçao) got their act together and installed this support. This has apparently not happened yet, and Telbo has not been able to provide a firm time for when
the prefix will be functional from outside Bonaire. Same goes for Caller ID service.
- STCB Gets Grant. Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) recently received a grant of NAFl. 3500 from the Knap Fund Netherlands Antilles to protect the nesting sites of sea turtles on Bonaire and Klein
Bonaire. The money will go towards purchasing fencing materials.
- Canada 3000 Web Site. For those looking to travel from Toronto to Bonaire, Canada 3000, which starts weekly flights in a few weeks, now offers the ability to make on-line reservations via their ticket
agent's site at http://www.canada3000tickets.com .
- Central Government Reformed. During November, the Central Government was indeed re-formed, with Miguel Pourier as Prime Minister. So far, however, no major actions have been undertaken by the new government
to follow its plans of improving the government's fiscal status.
- New Dive Boat. Late last month, Bon Bini Divers announced the addition of "Bon Danki" to its dive fleet. In keeping with their Papiamentu names for their vessels, the 28' v-hulled
vessel's name, Bon Danki, means (in one of its derivations) "Good Woman". Bon Danki will hold a maximum of 12 divers with a crew of two and has a bimini top for shade.
- Volunteers Clean Sunset Beach. On Saturday, November 20th, the Bonaire E-News organized a beach clean-up at the defunct Sunset Beach Hotel - which features a beach used by many Bonairean
residents. Over 15 pick-up truck loads of debris resulting from the wave system earlier that week were removed from the beach. Participants were treated to ice cream at Lover's Ice Cream after all the hard work was
done. Photos at http://www.BonaireENews.com/19991208-sunset.html .
- Police HQ Moving Again. Once again a problem with leakage has caused the police headquarters to move, this time to the Bonaire Trading Company building where the Budget Car Rental office used to
be. This was confirmed by Gerold Daantje, Chief of Police, to the Extra newspaper in its December 2nd issue. However, in the December 7th issue of Extra, Fichi Bernabela, spokesman for the police, said the
move had not yet taken place and therefore the Amboina station (Tel 8000) will be open 24 hrs a day until the new temporary office space is ready. It should be noted that the 133 emergency number is not functioning
at this time - all emergencies or police business should go through the 8000 only.
- New Travel Agency. On Friday, December 3rd, Bonaire Travel & Tours opened its doors as Bonaire's newest full service travel agency. The new agency, run by Natasja Statie-Gerharts, is located
in the Lourdes Mall, between Mundo Musikal and Harmony Gift Shop/Bonaire Art. They can be reached at 4343, FAX 5060.
- Year End Sailboat Race. On Sunday, December 19th, the traditional year end sailboat race will be held. Competitions include those for windsurfing, sunfish, centaur, and fishing boats. Races are
organized by Aquaspeed and will all start in front of the Regatta House in Playa. For more information please call Elvis Martinus at 2288.
- Government Fixing Roads. In a release issued last week, Ramoncito Booi, Commissioner of Transport, announced that improvement of public roads and creating new roads as stipulated in the new
government's program will start in January. In the meantime, the government committed to filling pot holes created by the latest rains.
- Cyndany Lodge Offer Vacation Plan. Cyndany Lodge, located at Kaya Inglaterra 12, announced a special longer term vacation plan. Those paying in advance for 5 weeks of lodging over 5 years will be
able to do so at a rate of $350/week. A written agreement is part of the deal. For more information contact Cyndany Lodge at 4047 or mailto:cyndanylodge@bonairelive.com .
- Shrimp Farm Grand Opening. Sea Hatch Bonaire, which is the shrimp farm business which started operation at the former Marcultura project near Sorobon, is holding an open house on Thursday,
December 9th, starting at 2pm. Tours will be offered, and samples of the farms wares (farm raised shrimp, that is) will also be on hand.
- Lots of Rain in November. There were 102 millimeters (4.02 inches) of rain registered at the Flamingo International Airport over the course of the month of November, with the highest daily
downpour amounting to 18.4mm (.72 inches) on November 30th. Half of the days in the month had rain and half had none. That's Bonaire's rainy season for you.
- CellularOne Franchise To Open. People passing along Kaya Grandi downtown may have noticed signs for CellularOne, a well known and respected cellular systems and phone provider in the U.S. Starting
in mid-January or so, a CellularOne franchise will be opening here on Bonaire, offering a variety of phones and calling plans, with roaming on other islands and in the U.S. as one option. For those too anxious to
wait until then, contact Harrold Vaseur at mailto:sales.pcs@curinfo.an for more information.
- Bonaire Pro Moves. The Bonaire Pro accountancy has moved from their offices in Hato to new space at Kaya Amsterdam 23, at the other end of the building containing Akkerman's Auto Supplies. Phone
8143, FAX: 5160, e-mail mailto:bonairepro@bonairelive.com .
- Sand Dollar Wins Award. The editors of Travel Holiday magazine have selected Sand Dollar Resort to receive one of their 1999 Travel Holiday Caribbean Insider Awards, which recognize the 25 best
ways to get wet in the Caribbean. The award recipients were featured in the October issue of Travel Holiday.
- Courthouse Moves. The Bonairean court of justice has moved from the Pasangrahan building to the newly renovated Fort Oranje. The new court room is smaller, but completely renovated and modern. The
first court cases were held there on December 7th.
- Archeological Exhibit. Fort Oranje also houses a permanent archeological collection, featuring items found during excavating the site for renovation. Last week Dr. Jay Havisar was on the island
preparing the exhibit. Dr. Havisar was in charge of investigating the site before the restoration. Among the items found were clay shards from pots and old imported artifacts.
- Yoga Classes Coming Up. For more information call Rudy Domacasse at 8482 (Extra - work) or 4439 (home).
- Maria Hoppner Needs Sponsors. In a letter we received after donating children's furniture and toys, the Maria Hoppner Foundation which supports orphans and underprivileged children asked for
assistance with funding the on-going operation of three mini-busses they operate to get the children in their care to and from school and other activities, such as sports. Maintenance of the busses is not included
in the grants they receive from other sources, so they are asking for private individuals and companies to help provide financial funding. For more information, contact Mrs. Joke Kramer at 4181, FAX: 2488, or via
their Chairman, Delno Tromp at mailto:delno@sanddollarbonaire.com .
- 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.
- Second CD for Piedra di Boneiru. The popular local music group, "Piedra di Boneiru" (the Rocks of Bonaire), which plays on local, native instruments had released a new CD with a varied
repertoire of Bonairean and Antillean songs. Stop in at your local Bonaire music store for a copy.
- Fuel Prices Increase Drastically. According to the government, because of a marked increase in the cost of crude oil, the price of combustible fuels in the Antilles must also increase. As of
December 1st, prices for gasoline, kerosine and propane increased at retail by over 25%. Gasoline purchased today (the 8th), for example, was NAFl. 1.38 a liter, up from about NAFl. 1.10 just over a week ago.
- Food Expiration Dates. Fundashon Tienda pa Konsumido (Foundation for Consumers), founded some months ago, will in December start performing strict checks on the sale of items with expired dates
still on shelves in local stores. The practice of putting up expired goods at reduced prices will be brought to the attention of the consumer and the Foundation will also give workshops in the neighborhoods on
reading labels, putting together a family budget and health & nutrition. The Foundation's office is on Kaya Gobernador Nicolaas Debrot next to the Harbour Village Marina.
- 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 Grandi. 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 mailto:info@bonhata.org .
- Ballet Classes. Starting on Saturdays, ballet classes will be offered to kids and adults at Jong Bonaire. The classes are being organized by Irene Kort of Mundo Musikal (Phone 8174). For children
ages 7 & 8, classes will be held between 2 and 3pm; children 5 & 6 - 3pm to 3:45pm; pre-teens 9 & up - 3:45pm to 4:45pm; for teens & adults - from 4:45pm to 6pm. Cost is NAFl. 40 per month.
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
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 5353 ext. 328 and ask for Bert van Gent or send e-mail to mailto: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: +599-7-8290, Fax:
+599-7-8240, 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"
For more information, please call tel. 8550 / 6144 / 4781, fax 8706, or mailto:spec-olym-bon@bonairelive.com
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Personals?
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 7270 (evenings) or 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)
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
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 2727 (daytime) or 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:
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 7709 (daytime)
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 .
CAR
1995 Mitsubishi GLX in perfect condition. Asking NAFl. 12000,-
Contact Vincent Morris at mailto:vam@bonairenet.com or call 5472 (office hours), 8592
(evenings), FAX 6842.
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 6773 or mailto:jake@nettech.an
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Want to Buy/Swap/Rent/Find:
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 8130 (office) or mailto:coenvos@hotmail.com
VAN OR TRUCK
We are looking for a van or 4 door truck, preferably with airco, to purchase while we are in Bonaire arriving December 15, 1999. It must be in good shape and reasonably priced. Contact us at mailto:joan@remax-absolute.com if you have anything like this.
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
DINGHY
Do you have a dinghy for sale? Please call Theo at 5539 (office) or mailto:info@harbourtownbonaire.com .
NEED ENGLISH TUTOR
Desperately seeking... an English speaking tutor for 5th grader in English grammar & spelling. 1-2 times per week for one hour private lessons. Please call 5592.
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