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First Bonaire-Europe Flight?
"This year the first direct flight from Bonaire and a destination in Europe is going to take
place." These were the words of 'Man of the Year for 1999', Larry Gerharts, the director of Bonaire Air Services, the company responsible for all the ground handling at Flamingo International Airport, as
well as a majority of the island's ticket sales. Until now, the only trans-Atlantic traffic has been from Europe to Bonaire, and not the other way around.
"Even though I can not say too much about it yet, I can say it is going to be a historic moment. And it will probably happen somewhere in April and the flight, with a Boeing 767 or an MD-11, might go to
Amsterdam", he was willing to tell the Bonaire E-News. What he doesn't want to say yet is which airline company will be doing the flight because the negotiations are still going on.
Gerharts wants to give Curaçao a signal that extra long runways are no longer needed. "You know what bothers me? That every time the question is asked whether a plane can fly direct from Bonaire to Europe, a
simple answer is given that it is just not possible. That's why I've gathered a lot of information and statistics about the windspeed and ground temperatures on Bonaire. And let me tell you this: a Boeing 767 or an
MD-11 can easily take off from Bonaire and fly to Europe.
But what about the fuel and catering? According to Gerharts, catering nowadays is no problem anymore. The airline companies are more and more often choosing to take their own catering for the trip out as well as
back. This has to do with hygiene-risks and money. "We tried it with Canada 3000 this week. When they were on Bonaire the old catering service was transported to the bottom of the plane an the new catering
service was moved up."
"About fuel I can say this. I have a truck that can load 15 tons of fuel. But I will need 30 tons, so that means while the plane is on the ground the truck will have to go to the WEB to get new fuel. The whole
operation will take about 75 minutes. Most likely the plane will be coming in from Curaçao and will already have some fuel aboard", an enthusiastic Larry Gerharts told us.
The runway of Bonaire is 2400 meters long. According to Gerharts that is enough. "I wanted to show that it is enough and that it can happen. And I know my statistics are right. But I must say I didn't do all
this alone. I initiated it, but a whole team of senior pilots, airport experts, and airplane experts were on the case. Now what I'm trying to do is to convince the airline that we're in negotiations with. I told
them that if they make this flight happen, they will always be the first ones who did it."
Why is Larry Gerharts doing all this? "Because I have the feeling Bonaire is always low on the totem pole compared to Curaçao. We should do certain things on our own. And I'm sure we can do things on our
own."
Police Investigation - Minimal Response From Bonaire
You may recall that in our December 8, 1999 issue of the Bonaire E-News, we reported on the
Central Government's effort to cut down on police corruption in the Netherlands Antilles.
Following up with the Commission for Police Integrity this week, we've discovered that there has been hardly any response from the residents of Bonaire in the investigation. According to Fred Wiel, ex-Police
Commissioner and chairman of the Commission, he can count the responses from Bonairean residents on one hand. This could be either because there is a lack of noticeable corruption among the police force stationed on
Bonaire, or because of traditional apathy, or a combination of both.
The Commission for Police Integrity was installed last month by the Minister of Justice, Dr. Rutsel Martha, and will hold an investigation during 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.
We asked Wiel what kind of responses the commission wants: "The people can call us with all kinds of information concerning shortcomings of the police. Or when people, for example, know that the police are doing
something that is not right, or if the service lacks or if they find the way they are being treated is not correct. But we also like to hear good things about the police."
If residents in Bonaire have anything they want to share about the local police corps, they can contact the commission via phone, FAX, or E-mail. Notes are made based on every contact. Chairman Wiel says he hopes
there will be more response from Bonaire. The info number (Meldpunt) in Curaçao is 198. In Bonaire and the Windward Islands it is 09-465-1998. You can leave phone tips completely anonymously - the phone line does
not have Caller ID enabled to 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 341 for Bonaire and
the e-mail address is mailto:polisintegro@curinfo.an .
We confronted Fred Wiel with the fact that we tried to e-mail to this address last week based on a suggestion from one of our readers, but found that the e-mail address was not functional at the time - we got back a
message saying the address had 'fatal errors'. "We only found out the mail wasn't working last Friday. I must admit that we found it rather strange that we had stopped receiving e-mail. So if people have tried
to mail us, I would like to ask them to please try again. The e-mail address is working again."
This coming Friday, January 21st, the Commission is coming to Bonaire to have a session with the employees of the police and with Public Prosecutor and District Attorney for the Government, mr. Ben van der Krabbe.
Central Government Advisors Against Minimum Sentences
The Commission of Advice (Raad van Advies) is against some of the proposed changes in
legislation to fight increasing crime in the Dutch Antilles. In last week's Bonaire E-News we mentioned that the Antillean Council of Ministers will soon present the Parliament with some proposals in response to a
series of violent crimes in Curaçao. These include the introduction of minimum sentences; the increase of maximum sentences; the obligation to identify; and more power for the police.
The Commission of Advice is against the introduction of minimum sentences and the increase of maximum sentences. Not only because of the thoughts that lie behind it, but also because of consequences which should be
considered. The Commission doubts maximum and minimum punishments changes will curb crime. The Commission asks itself if crime increases because people think the judge gives too low punishments. The Commission would
rather see that preventive and other measures are taken by the government to fight increasing crime. They say that what has to increase is the chance to catch criminals. If that happens the number of prisoners will
grow. And with that, the speed of circulation of the prison-population will decrease and together with the introduction of minimum and maximum punishments the prisons will become even fuller, the Commission thinks.
Besides all that, the Commission thinks there is unfairness in the proposed changes. For example the government wants to sentence people who are caught with hard drugs with lifelong imprisonment. But nothing is said
about the difference between someone carrying a small quantity of hard drugs or a large quantity.
The Commission also wants to make clear that it thinks that introduction of deterrent and minimum punishments may not be seen as a magic formula against control of crime. Adequate resocialization could be of help
though.
De 'Orde van Advocaten' (Order of Lawyers), like the Commission of Advice, is very much opposed to the plans of minister Martha. They also think that the chances to catch a criminal have to increase and that there
should be enough prison cells to accommodate an increase in prisoners.
In related news, last week chief contractor Charles Simmons of Hensel Phelps International, the contractor of Wackenhut Corporation, announced that within eight to ten weeks the new building and renovation of the
prison, Koraal Specht, on Curaçao, can start. The job is expected to be finished in eighteen months. The new construction effort at Koraal Specht will feature two newly built cellblocks, an administration building,
a new kitchen and laundry, a division for prisoners with mental problems and a block for resocialization of prisoners. Besides that, all the cells, the women's wing and the sickbay will be renovated. The renovation
of the cells can't start before there is an agreement on temporary placement of 100 prisoners to prisons in the Netherlands. This is going to cost about twelve million guilders.
Booi: Travel Agents Disappointed with Bonaire
In a government press release issued this week, Bonaire's Commissioner of Tourism Ramonsito Booi, visiting
the DEMA (Dive Equipment & Marketing Assoication) show in Las Vegas this week, stated that he believes that travel agents are not very enthusiastic about selling Bonaire as a vacation destination. Apparently
they are very disappointed with the fact that they don't get any response from local government and other authorities to their complaints about the crime against tourists (mostly petty theft from unattended vehicles
and hotel rooms), as well as on-going problems with Air ALM and Air Jamaica. According to the release, Booi tried, during a partner meeting, to reassure the travel agents and tour operators that the new Bonairean
government is paying special attention to tourism, because it is Bonaire's most important industry. The agents at the meeting said they hope the government will do something about the problems. According to some of
them, it is actually too late: something should have been done about it yesterday, not today.
After a Bonaire-presentation at DEMA this past Monday (January 17th) the Commissioner was confronted by a group of reporters who wanted to talk about the perceived crime situation on Bonaire. They stated that
tourists spend a lot of money and time to get to Bonaire and all they get as a reward is that they loose their belongings. The press release says that Booi, in reaction to the statement of the reporters, committed
himself by stating the government will do its utmost to rectify the situation. The Commissioner also declared that he hopes that the residents of Bonaire will help to protect tourists against crime. It is unclear
what he meant by this statement.
To get another perspective on this issue, we tried to contact the public relations officers of the Antillean Ministry of Justice to see what they are planning to do about the rising tourism-oriented petty theft
problem in Bonaire, but were not able to get any comments prior to press time.
Letters to the Editors
A whole slew of Letters this week on a variety of topics!
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To the Editors:
I read with interest Mr. Bowker's well thought out letter pertaining to the disadvantages of cruise ships. I believe he is right. For many years I have gone to Cozumel for diving, staying there, eating at local
restaurants, etc. Now Cozumel is overrun with cruise ships. One of their reefs was "paved over" to create a new ship pier just last year. The whole feeling of the town has changed.
I am now planning my next dive trip to Bonaire.
Bob Lishman
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To the Editors:
Bruce Bowker and Dee Scarr's letters regarding cruise ships bring up vital points that I hope all your readers really consider. Between the damage to the environment caused by cruise ships, the economic perils, and
the cultural insensitivity of many cruise ship passengers, we must ask ourselves if these are the transient visitors we really want and need in Bonaire. I do not mean to tar all ships and passengers with one brush,
but after having seen the whale that the Nieuw Amsterdam killed, my dislike of cruise ships escalated even further. Bonaire is too special to host guests whose consideration of the environment is so lax.
Sincerely
Mary E. ("Mel") McCombie
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To the Editors:
Judge mr. J. de Vroome was correct in sentencing four fishermen for the poaching of a Loggerhead turtle. All sea turtles are protected world wide by laws such as the Bonaire Marine Environment Ordinance. These
reptiles are among the oldest living creatures, and their numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate. The biggest danger to sea turtles are humans- shrimpers, disturbance of nesting beaches by building, and
those who are uninformed about the endangered status of these magnificent animals. Cases such as the one reported on Bonaire need to be made public to inform and educate people about the fragility of sea turtle
populations.
NO NO NO to cruise ships. The monies realized from tourists on these floating cities is enticing, for sure, but the long term consequences will be costly. Consider the pollution from the ships, the influx
of tourists on the infrastructure, or tourists who do not respect the environment. How sad it would be to have chain restaurants at Town Pier, or commercial venues on the beaches. Please keep your Island as charming
as it is! Save your land and beautiful ocean from the effects of hordes of cruise ship passengers.
Maureen Harvey
Chicago, Illinois
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To the Editors:
In response to last week's E-News article entitled "Warning: Fruits And Vegetables From Venezuela", first of all let's try be objective about things that maybe YOU DO NOT KNOW. The place in Venezuela that
had these terrible heavy floods is called La Guaira. Before you write such alarming thing like you just did, you MUST know that in that place they DO NOT produce any fruits, vegetables, meat or anything at all, that
means that whatever the ships bring over to Bonaire or Curaçao DO NOT COME FROM LA GUAIRA, so it makes no sense to get the people over worried for something that is incorrect. Whenever you are handling something
like news you MUST search for the whole information instead of writing something just to write something down.
Many times I went to buy some food in some supermarkets in Playa and we bought fruits that come from Holland and the U.S. already damaged, as well as some other things such as mayonnaise, ketchup, and so. If there is
any health department on this island or in Curaçao please give us the address or let us wake them up because until now we have not seem them at all.
One last thing, please, instead of writing incorrect information, write something down about 100 people leaving the island every month because the high cost of living over here, or insecurity on the street, or the
bad situation of the beaches, or small things like the rise of the price of gasoline without prior advice. Nobody cares about this, I think this is something that you should write down.
Do not take this personal, but please get informed before you write anything on papers.
Thanks in advance ...
Clara Pérez
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The Editors Respond:
Our article was based in its entirety on a release issued by the government's health service, and not simply made up based on loose facts. The government issued the advisory, and we, as a service to our readers,
republished its contents to let them know the advisory existed. And while the affected area may or may not be distant from the ports from which the produce ships, we believe in following a rule of "better safe
than sorry". The Health Service here on Bonaire can be reached at 717-5330 x529. In terms of the other issues you raise, we try to cover them and even editorialize them when we feel it's necessary or
appropriate to bring attention to them, and recent issues of the E-News have covered most if not all of the items you mention. Thank you for your comments, and please continue to keep us advised if you feel we have
reported something in error, or not thoroughly enough.
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To the Editors:
First of all, let me say that we really enjoy your newsletter - you are producing a most comprehensive and interesting document - don't know how you manage to have the time necessary to do this! [Editor's Comment: We
don't know either - a lack of sleep perhaps?]
Our first trip to Bonaire was in 1993 as novice divers - and we weren't disappointed because we thoroughly enjoyed the pristine reef, excellent visibility and abundant fish life. We've been returning each year
since and when we arrive, it's like we are "coming home." We were so sad this year to see all of the destruction caused by the "Lenny" surge in November. We always stay at Buddy Dive
and, as you know, that particular part of the west side received the most on-shore damage...from Habitat south to past the Sand Dollar... but the real sadness comes when you go underwater and see the damage to the
top reef and all of the coral heads that have been toppled as you go down to fifty or sixty feet. And all of the beaches on the south side aren't there anymore! We have developed many friendships over the years with
other divers who also spend their holidays at Buddy Dive and we are all so overwhelmed by the damage and the changes that have occurred - the real hurt being that this underwater life will take so many years to
rebuild itself.
One of the questions we have concerning the destruction of the "easy" entries on the south shore is whether the Marine Park is planning to replace some of the entryways or at least bring in sand or scrape
entrances through the rocks/coral so that the shore diving somewhat resembles the way it used to be. We are one couple of many who sincerely hope that something will be done to remedy this problem that is a
result of the terrible natural disaster the island suffered. It is unfortunate but we know that many of us are rethinking our next year's trip due to this change in the Bonaire experience... we hope you can
shed some light on what is being planned to alleviate the situation.
We love Bonaire and all of its people - will be looking forward to hearing what you can learn. We are also very happy that Klein Bonaire is back "home!" Congratulations!
Joyce & Ron
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The Bonaire Marine Park Responds:
We all lament the changes caused by the swells generated by Lenny. This is however a natural phenomena. We believe that we are looking at a 50 year storm. Reefs do recover well from storm damage and whilst the corals
may be looking sad, the fish life is absolutely amazing. Temperature and visibility are also back to normal for this time of year.
We have some good news for shore divers. Together with the Government Department of Planning and with the co-operation of the Salt Company, Cargill, we are planning to dramatically improve shore diving access at all
sites south. If this goes well access will be much better than before. We were hoping to start work by the second week of January but there have been some delays. Nevertheless it is at the top of our collective
"wish list".
More news will follow as we have it
Kalli De Meyer
Manager, Bonaire Marine Park
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To the Editors:
Thank you for the opportunities to learn more about your wonderful Island. We have fallen in love with it as many others have. We have visited your island twice in three years and can't wait to come back to see
the friends we have made.
I agree with Dee Scarr on the cruise ship topic. Often I read about the topics and I know what I would like to see happen as to not spoil the Island and I'm glad that things are well thought through for the
future. As divers we also have strong feelings about personal water craft on the run in the same waters. We see what a problem they can be here.
Congratulations on Bonaire's progress and on your E-News. I look forward to reading your news and viewing your photos. We learn more about Bonaire every time we read your news.
Best wishes,
Mary Monroe
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To the Editors:
From a resident of Idaho surrounded by snow, please accept my heart-felt thanks for the work you do to provide me with a weekly fix of Bonaire. We have been twice already with a third trip due in March. I was hooked
on the island and its wonderful people after about 4 days of our first trip. Again, thanks for the chance to keep up on what's going on down there.
Lew & Kay Nelson
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Letters 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.
Sailing Away Into the Sun(fish)
It appears the Sunfish 2000 World Championships won't be held on Bonaire after all, unless a sponsor comes forward who
is willing to put NAFl. 250.000 (approximately US$140,500) on the table. This was confirmed by Artie de Vries, president of Bonaire Sunfish Sailing Association World 2000 (BSSA). "We are really sorry. But it
also is a relief. Maybe a championship of this kind is beyond our abilities to support", De Vries said.
In order to successfully organize the championship, the BSSA would have had to sell 50 sunfish boats. Each sunfish costs NAFl. 5000 (approx. US$2800). The first payment has to be made by April 1st.
"Because our organization was not able to pre-sell 50 boats we sent a letter to the Dutch sponsor Postcodeloterij just before Christmas to ask if they were willing to sponsor 25 boats. But because we didn't get
a response we decided to shut things down. The bank wanted to give us a loan, but only if, for example, the Bonairean government or another institution had been willing to be a guarantor. But they are not willing to
do that. We already told the world organization we won't be able to organize the event, because they will have to let another country know in time. It's a shame, really, because it is just a matter of money. The
rest of the event was already completely in the bag."
de Vries doesn't expect that Bonaire will have another opportunity to host the Sunfish World Championships for at least the next five to ten years.
Total Lunar Eclipse On Bonaire
Thursday, January 20th, on Bonaire and Curaçao we can witness the first total lunar eclipse visible from our islands since
1996. For one full hour the moon will turn shades of orange and red. Instead of looking like a flat disc in the sky, as normal, it will actually look three-dimensional.
A total eclipse of the moon occurs when our earth passes directly between the sun and the moon. Then the earth shadows the moon's surface, thus blocking out the light of the sun. The light of the sun makes the moon
shine in the first place.
The eclipse will start at 9:03pm when the moon enters the light portion of the earth's shadow, the penumbra. For the next hour we can notice only a very slight dimming of the moon's light as it goes from brilliant
white to gray. At 10:01pm the moon will begin to enter the dark part of the earth's shadow, the umbra. And for the next hour we'll see this black inner shadow slowly creep across the face of the moon. The moon will
change from gray to reddish and orange. Totality begins at 11:05pm. Then the moon will look like a three-dimensional ball hanging in the heavens. During mid-eclipse, at 11:44pm, the moon will appear its darkest. At
12:22am totality will end and the moon will slowly exit the umbra. At 1:25am everything will be back to normal again.
(Special thanks go to the Bonaire Reporter and its Bonaire Sky Park column for all the above! Contact the Bonaire Reporter at mailto:reporter@bonairenews.com for
subscription information.)
STCB Ships Turtle Disease Samples To Hawaii
Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) announced that scientists in Hawaii are going to research the tumors and
other tissues of a Green Turtle (Turtuga Blanku), which washed ashore on Bonaire last year. Hopefully this will produce valuable information on the disease Fibropapillomatosis (FP), which is making victims of sea
turtles all over the world.
STCB has had the samples for a year now, but Cites-permits were needed in order to be able to send them off-island. The Cites permits are required because sea turtles are protected animals. After several months
the required export- and import permits were granted. The export permit had to be given by the Cites-bureau of the Netherlands Antilles in Curaçao, while the American authorities took care of the import permit.
FP is a disease that causes tumors in sea turtles. The cause is believed to exist in the nourishment of sea turtles, which is mainly sea grass. The disease is mainly found in green turtles. The tumors develop on the
inside and outside of the animal. When the disease spreads, the whole body of the sea turtle can be affected and then it dies. The direct cause of death is likely that the tumors affect vital organs. But sea
turtles can also become blind and therefore become unable to search for food. Even though researchers have known about the disease over ten years, they know little about what causes FP. A team of scientists in
Hawaii and Florida have been researching FP for about five years now to try and find the definitive cause as well as a way to treat FP.
In Bonaire the disease was observed for the first time in 1998 by one of the project-assistants of STCB. That year several sea turtles washed ashore dead on the east coast. A post-mortem was performed on one of them
to find the cause of death. The sea turtle had a lot of tumors inside. From these tumors samples were taken and preserved at the Bonaire Marine Park. Last year STCB came into contact with the scientists in Hawaii,
who expressed a strong desire to analyze the samples. When the samples arrive in Hawaii within the next two weeks, they will be analyzed immediately, and STCB hopes to discover the results of that analysis in the
coming months.
Natural Energy on Bonaire
Bonaire is studying the possibilities of alternative ways to produce energy. In the meantime, a concept project under the title
"Duurzaam Bonaire" (Durable Bonaire) has been drawn up, and been offered to the Dutch members of Parliament who were on Curaçao last week for the so called mini-Contact plan (see article below).
The Durable Bonaire project is about the production of energy from alternative sources, such as wind and solar. In this region of the world we have lots of wind and more than enough sun.
The government of Bonaire wants to introduce this kind of power within the next ten years. Commissioner Ramonsito Booi expects it will offer a lot of employment opportunities and will give Bonaire an even more
significant name in eco-tourism. "Soon a delegation will travel to the Netherlands to give concrete form to the contacts that already have been made so the project can start", Booi said.
The Commissioner, who is at the DEMA dive show now will be going to El Paso, Texas after the show, where he will have a meeting about the Durable Bonaire-project with people who specialize in this sort of power
production.
Prime Minister: Netherlands Must Provide More Financial Support
The Netherlands must come up with extra, sustained support when the Antilles start to
carry out drastic house cleaning measures, as recommended by the National Recovery Plan. The Dutch delegation which visited Curaçao last week is very impressed by the steps that the new Antillian government of
prime-minister Miguel Pourier has already taken and is planning to take. The delegation was on Curaçao for the so called "mini-Contact plan". According to this plan, members of Parliament of the Antilles,
Aruba and the Netherlands have a meeting every so often to maintain contact and exchange ideas and proposals for continued cooperation.
The chairman of the Dutch delegation of the mini-Contact plan, Paul Rosenmöller, appeared satisfied with the efforts being made to resolve the financial and economical problems in the Antilles. "With every step
the Antillean government takes, the Dutch government will give compensation. So, the Antilles don't have to introduce all the measures before they get support from the Netherlands", Rosenmöller explained. But
he warned that the measures have to have results. There will have to be more economic activity so that unemployment can go down. "And we are also very worried about the problem of poverty. That really hits the
heart of the relations between the Netherlands and the Antilles."
During the meeting in Willemstad the Bonairean government offered the Dutch delegation their strategic plan. Commissioners Ramonsito Booi and Norwin Willem pointed out that Bonaire is trying to finance its own
government-program, but that over the short term external help is needed, also from the Netherlands. At the end of February, when the Bonairean government's budget is ready, it will also be presented to the Dutch
delegation members, so they stay informed about the developments on Bonaire.
Commissioner Booi took the opportunity to let the Dutch members know that crime is a serious problem on Bonaire. "We told them that we have the feeling that the Central Government is not capable enough to solve
the crime problem on Bonaire and that we will have to ask the Netherlands for help.
The Dutch delegation said this is a case for the Central Government. "We agree on that, but the several talks we had have not lead to results. The economy of our island stands or falls with a controlled form of
crime in which residents and visitors feel their belongings are safe. At this moment we can not guarantee that", Booi declared.
During the meeting the Commissioners of Bonaire also took the opportunity to thank the Dutch members, especially Paul Rosenmöller, for the support that was given in the purchase of Klein Bonaire.
Movies @ The Movies Bonaire
Starting Thursday, January 20th, the following movies will be shown:
Stigmata - Nightly at 6:30pm, Matinee Saturday at 4:00pm
Simon Sez - Nightly at 7:00pm
Joan of Arc - Nightly at 8:45pm, Matinees Saturday and Sunday at 3:15pm
Teaching Mrs. Tingle - Nightly at 9:00pm, Matinee Sunday at 4:00pm
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.)
Quick Takes
- Caller ID. Telbo this week finally made Caller ID services available on local lines on Bonaire. For the uninitiated, Caller ID allows people with caller ID equipment to see the number of the person calling
them before they answer the phone, letting people screen their calls as well as offering them greater protection from prank and annoying phone calls. So far we've seen that Telbo's Caller ID works properly on calls
originating in Curaçao (and via cell phones) and within Bonaire. So when you call someone locally and they answer with a personal greeting for you without you having identified yourself, you'll know they probably
have Caller ID (or really good ESP). Cost to have it switched on is NAFl. 66.15. Monthly cost is nominal, we've been told. For more information contact Telbo at 717-7000. No word yet on when or if Caller ID will
offer the name of whom a phone line is registered to in addition to the number (a service available and much desired in the U.S., where telemarketers lurk behind every ring of the phone).
- Big Phone Bills! Speaking of Telbo, some of us got a rather rude surprise when we received our latest phone bills from Telbo - a huge amount due, mostly as a result of local calls. In complaining to Telbo we
were told that the latest bills cover local and long distance calls from September 1 through October 15, 1999 (the last date of the old phone system), and, by the way, any local calls to the number 139 since January
1, 1999, which happens to be BonaireLive's dial-up number. Apparently the phone bill generation system had not been properly billing calls to BonaireLive, and Telbo finally discovered this and is rectifying the
error. Questions about extended payment plans, itemized charges, etc. should be addressed to Telbo at 717-7000.
- Swimming Classes Restart at Sunset Beach.
Indebon, the sports department of Bonaire, announced that as of Monday, January 17th, swimming school had resumed at the defunct Sunset Beach Hotel. The children from Kolegio Luis Bertran and the Papa Kornes Skol are the ones most likely to benefit from this news. After the wave system hit Bonaire last November it had not been possible to continue the swimming lessons at the hotel's beach and shallow sea side. However, even though there is still no pier, Indebon decided to resume the lessons because the children need to learn to swim. Lessons will be held under the supervision of Eddy Christiaan and assitant Jeffrey Schoop.
- Schools Get New Atlases. The Bonairean Commissioner of Education Ginia Elhage-Cicilia last Friday, January 14th, received the first 'atlas' of many for Bonaire's primary schools from Mr. F. Boedhoe.
According to a press release from the government it is a very beautiful atlas that will let the children of Bonaire get to know their island, the surrounding islands and countries, and the rest of the world.
- Video: The Nature of Bonaire.
Janice Huckaby, a resident artist and videographer, has just released a new video, "The Nature of Bonaire", which takes you on a narrated tour of the island's countryside and underwater beauty. The video shows the favorite scenic touring spots of the island, along with the famous flamingos, birds, donkeys, goats, dolphins, turtles, fish and corals. Many other favorite animals on land and underwater are also featured. The tape is available in NTSC (American System) and PAL (European System) VHS tapes for US$20. Contact JanArt by phone or fax at 717-5246, or e-mail mailto:JanArt@bonairelive.com for wholesale and retail orders. Numerous on-island stores are also offering Janice's videotape.
- Miss Curaçao Too Young.
It appears that 17 year old Miss Curaçao Jozaïne Wall is too young to participate in the elections for Miss Universe which will be held in Cyprus in September. According to pageant regulations all delegates must be at least 18 years of age as of February 1st, 2000. And Jozaïne Wall isn't going to turn that age until May. "It is imperative that Miss Curaçao meets this age requirement", writes Annette Cammer, the representative of the Miss Universe Organization in New York. The organizer of the Miss Curaçao election, Curaçao Youth Beauty Contest, says it didn't know about the regulation. A sad turn of events for Jozaïne, but we understand that she still can participate in the Miss World election.
- PMTI Announces Next PADI IDC.
Pam Teitel-Werdath and her Professional Motivations Training Institute (PMTI), the only dedicated PADI professional training operation on Bonaire, has announced the dates for its next scuba diving Instructor Development Course (IDC). The IDC will be held in Curaçao at Habitat Curaçao, starting February 23rd, with the IE (Instructor Examination) on March 4th & 5th. Additional advancement courses follow. There will also be two IDCs held on Bonaire later in the year. For more information contact Pam at mailto:pampromo@bonairenet.com .
- New Parents!: Anneke & Johan.
Bonairean residents Anneke and Johan Hager are the proud new parents of a big little girl. Floor was born Monday, January 17th, at 11:47am in the Netherlands. She weighed in at 4680 grams (10 lbs. 5 oz), and measured 54 centimeters (21.26 inches) long. Anneke and Johan already have a son, Joris, who is 3 1/2 years old and hopefully quite pleased with his new sibling. Congratulations from the Bonaire E-News team on the birth of Floor!
- Carnival Schedule. As a reminder, below is the Carnival scheduled for 2000:
For January:
22nd at 8pm. Jump-up Ranka Sali Rincon;
26th at 8pm. Sign-up for the Tumba festival (a Tumba is the winning Carnival song);
28th at 8pm. Presentation of participants for Carnival
queen and 'Prince and Pancho';
29th at 8pm. Jump-up Loko Loko Alisio;
30th at 3pm. Kabalgata.
February:
2nd at 8pm. Tumba festival;
3rd at 8pm. Tumba festival;
5th at 8pm. Tumba festival;
6th at 5pm. Tumba festival for youth;
7th at 8pm. Homage to the King of Carnival;
9th at 8pm. Jump-up Playa;
10th at 8pm. Jump-up at Tjin NV;
11th at 4pm. Jump-up Playa Pabou and 8 p.m. pantaya grandi;
12th at 5pm. Election of youth queen;
13th at 8pm. Tumba Loko Loko;
19th at 8pm. Election of Queen of Carnival;
25th at 8pm. Jump-up Playa;
26th at 3pm. Parade for the youth in Rincon;
27th at 3pm. Parade for the youth in Playa.
March:
4th at 2pm. The big parade in Rincon;
5th at 12pm. The big parade in Playa;
6th at 3pm. Last youth parade;
7th at 7pm. Light-parade in Playa.
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
MARINE PARK MANAGER SOUGHT
The FOUNDATION NATIONAL PARKS BONAIRE (STINAPA Bonaire) is looking for a replacement manager for the Bonaire Marine Park (the current manager will be leaving shortly to work for CORAL).
Main responsibilities: The manager supports the committee in the strategic and financial policy and takes part in the development and further professionalization of STINAPA Bonaire. In first instance the manager
is accountable to the executive committee and in the future development to the general manager, still to be appointed. The manager is responsible for the management and maintenance of the Marine Park as well as
the development of information material of all educational programmes for the Marine Park. The manager leads all employees of the marine park and is responsible for a qualitative and quantitative personnel
management.
Requirements: The Marine Park Manager must have an education of at least a Bachelors degree in Marine Biology but preferably a Masters degree. Experience in management in a relevant function and
excellent communicative skills required. The manager must also have a thorough command of the languages Dutch, Papiamento and English, orally and in writing. Compenstation: Salary depends on age, education and
experience. STINAPA Bonaire offers excellent primary and secondary terms of employment.
Questions? For more information about the function you may contact the chairman of the foundation by telephone: Mr. Jack
Chalk, telephone +599-717-7346, or +599-717-4163 or mailto:jack@stinapa.org .
Applications: Should you be interested, then send your letter within 14 days after publication
of this advertisement, together with your curriculum vitae to: The Board of STINAPA Bonaire, P.O.Box 368 Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles or mailto:info@stinapa.org .
CHARTERBOAT OPERATOR
Couple needed to assist in operating the charter boat Samur. Phone 717-5592, FAX 717-6677, email: mailto:samur@bonairelive.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?
FREE CAT
"Squeaky" the free cat is looking for a nice home, especially one in which she can be the only pet. Spayed female. Cute, lovely black and white shiny coat with white paws. Good inside or out;
may be shy at first, but will be fine once she learns her way around. Comes with litter box. Reply to Bill and Lois at mailto:bearly@twr.an or phone 717-8509.
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)
ULTIMO CAS
Offering for the first time, "Ultimo Cas", a gracious beachfront property in the quiet neighborhood of Hato. While very convenient to 5 star diving operations, its location offers its own
excellent snorkeling and diving. Contact mailto:ultimocas@hotmail.com or call 2447 for information on short term/long term rental opportunities.
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 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 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:
BIKES, COMPUTER HARDWARE, AND MORE
We're running out of room for our new toys and so need to get rid of some of the old ones:
- Used Compaq LTE 5200 Notebook Computer - 72MB of RAM, 3GB Hard Disk, Pentium
120Mhz, 12.6" TFT LCD 800x600 display, stereo sound, docking station (has extra ports, external keyboard), modem card, carrying case, extra NiMH batteries - all in full working condition. US$950.
- Used
Hewlett Packard ScanJet IIcx Color Flatbed Scanner with SCSI Board and Transparency Adapter in great condition (currently in use but being replaced next week with a more advanced model). 600dpi optical, 24 bit
color, fast scans, comes with DeskScan software - US$520.
- Brand new, unopened Norton Anti-Virus 2000 software - US$38
- Brand new Eudora 4.0 Professional E-Mail Software - US$45
- Used Pioneer Cell Phone (identical to Motorola MicroTac) - US$100.
- Used Motorola MicroTAC Elite (needs new case, electronics work fine) - US$100.
- New HP PhotoSmart 35mm slide & print scanner with
SCSI-2 board - US$450
- Several computer programming books - US$10/each
- DVD Movie (viewed once) - Event Horizon - US$20
- Used Mountain Bike - Men's - Need's Tune Up & Lube - US$75
- Used Touring Bike - 12 speed Motobecane - Women's or Child's - US$60
- 16MB SIMMs - 70ns - $25 each (have 3)
Contact Jake Richter at 717-6773 or mailto:jake@BonaireENews.com
(Reasonable counter offers for used items above will be considered.)
ELECTRICAL RANGE
Because of a wrong order. we have for sale two brand new(in the box)electrical ranges(stove incl.burners) very cheap !!!!
Brand : RCA 220 V Color : white with black top. Price : NAFl. 650
per range !! E-mail Richard at mailto:ic@bonairelive.com
REFRIGERATOR
Amana refrigerator: freezer top, 18 cubic feet, 5 yrs old. It works very well, but the door has spots and needs to be repainted, US$150. Call Ena at 717-4787 (there is a machine, if no one is home
leave message in English or Papiamento) for further details email owner at mailto:anniejul@juno.com
CD-ROM DRIVE
High Speed CD-ROM Drive, 32Xmax, Vintech, internal unit. New. Never used - still in closed plastic casing. Complete with installation pkg. Asking: NAFl. 100. Contact Walt at mailto:chaoscentral@bonairelive.com .
MEN'S WETSUIT
Men's Sea Quest Wetsuit - New, Never Used! It was ordered, it arrived, it was too big so it has never been in the water! Size: XL (Men's caribbean jumpsuit; long sleeves & legs, back zip).
Color: Black body & sleeves, blue inserts on body & sleeves. This is a 5 mm suit with 3mm inserts for better ease of motion. Asking NAFl. 200. Contact Walt at mailto:chaoscentral@bonairelive.com .
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.
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
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Want to Buy/Swap/Rent/Find:
CHILDREN'S BED AND -CHAIR
Wanted for sale or rent CHILDREN'S BED and CHILDREN's CHAIR for our son of one year. We will spend our holiday in Bonaire from the 24th of January to the 7th of February at relatives. You
can contact us by email at mailto:leonsanders@pi.be or mailto:marlie@bonairenet.com .
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
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.co
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
Bonaire E-News Reader Statistics
For this issue of the Bonaire E-News, there are 1753 direct e-mail subscribers, from 29 countries (based on domain name analysis). Last week there
were an additional 559 readers of the E-News via the Bonaire E-News Web site, representing an additional 4 countries, for a total of at least 2312 readers from 31 countries, plus an indeterminate number of
pass-around readers (readers who receive their E-News indirectly via existing subscribers).
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