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Turtle Poaching Verdict
Judge mr. J. de Vroome (mr. with a lowercase M is the Dutch title for someone with a Law Degree) gave four
Bonairean fisherman, who brought ashore a large Loggerhead turtle (Caretta Caretta) on March 25th, 1999, a conditional sentence as a result of a court hearing held this past Tuesday. Each fisherman
received a conditional fine of NAFl. 1500, with a probation period of two years. That means that if one of them is caught catching, in possession of or slaughtering a sea turtle within the next two years he has to
pay the fine.
It was the very first sea turtle case to appear in court since the Bonaire Marine Environment Ordinance was introduced in 1991. According to this ordinance it is prohibited to disturb or destroy sea turtle nests or
to remove eggs from the nests. It is also prohibited to be in possession of, to have for sale or delivery, to offer for sale, to buy or to trade in sea turtles, and to donate or to transport eggs of sea turtles.
Additionally, it is prohibited to kill, catch, or be in possession of sea turtles. The penalty for violation of the law is a maximum of NAFl. 5000 ($US 2825) and/or one month in jail.
Public Prosecutor and District Attorney (DA) for the Government mr. Ben van der Krabbe said that Bonaire can be proud of this ordinance, because it means the environment is protected. "But such an ordinance is
only of use when it is enforced. As far as we know this is the first such turtle case in the Dutch Antilles."
The judge sentenced the fishermen according to the demands of the DA. The fishermen said they won't appeal to a higher court. The DA hopes this was the first and the last turtle case he will have to try.
During the court case the youngest fisherman declared he never knew that it was against the law to catch turtles such as the loggerhead, which is an endangered species. "If I had known I would never have brought
the turtle ashore. From now on I will never catch a turtle again. I've learned my lesson", he said.
Judge De Vroome said he gave the men a conditional sentence because he didn't feel that they had caught the sea turtle to make business out of it. But he also said that everyone should know the laws. "If we
allow someone to say that he didn't know that something is illegal, a lot of people will go scot-free." According to the judge and the DA, at the time the ordinance was introduced, the ordinance was properly
published and announced. DA Van der Krabbe also discovered that there had been discussion of the ordinance in the press preceding its passing, because the drafters of the ordinance at first suggested working with
permits to allow limited harvesting of turtles. But the Island Council of Bonaire deleted that provision, as they wanted the ordinance to have no loopholes.
Seven members of Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) were in the court in Fort Oranje to hear what the fishermen, the DA, and the judge had to say. In a statement released after the verdict was issued,
STCB-president Imre Esser said he was satisfied with the sentence. However, Esser said he was convinced that at least one of them knew that it is prohibited to catch and slaughter sea turtles. "I'm glad that
the judge said that the fishermen probably know that it is illegal, but that they think nothing is being done about it. I hope with this court case that perception will disappear."
Esser also spoke with one of the fishermen afterwards. "I think this case will get a positive continuation. We exchanged telephone numbers and we are going to talk," Esser added.
Warning: Fruits And Vegetables From Venezuela
The health department of the Bonairean government advises consumers to take extra care when purchasing and
preparing fruits and vegetables that come from Venezuela. The warning has to do with the heavy floods experienced in Venezuela a few weeks ago, and the threat of disease looming in the flood ravaged areas.
According to the health department, it is important to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, as well as peel fruits before consumption. To prepare vegetables used for cooking, wash them with running
water and then cook them at least fifteen minutes. Fruits and non-cooking vegetables should be washed in lukewarm water, adding vinegar and/or lemon juice to the water in which they are being washed.
Last week the hygienic department inspected fruits and vegetables that came in from Venezuela. After test samples from fruits and vegetables were inspected in the laboratory in Curaçao they were released
for sale. Of course, the merchants from Venezuela were not too happy about this additional delay in getting their produce to market, but better safe than sorry.
[Editors Note: It should be noted that while some of the produce offered on Bonaire comes from Venezuela, the vast amount consumed in restaurants tends to come from either the U.S. or Europe, and not from
Venezuela.]
Carnival 2000 Season Starts
The 2000 Carnival season officially started last Saturday at Rancho Grande. The Carnival foundation of Bonaire – Fukabo
(Fundashon Karnival Boneiru) - has already set the whole program for this Carnival season.
Groups and individuals who want to participate in one of the parades in Playa and/or Rincon can sign up with one of the members of Fukabo: Chaly Anthony, Robert Sances, Sonny Kwidama, or Rudsel Coffie. Candidates for
the election of 'Prince and Pancho' or queen of Carnival can sign up with Elmosa Sances, telephone number 717-5111 or 09-5670629. The 'Prince and Pancho' every year get the key to Kralendijk from the Lt. Governor,
and the Carnival Queen title speaks for itself. For more information about the upcoming Carnival festivities you can contact Chaly Anthony at 717-4139 or 09-5684600, or Robert Sances at 717-5111 or 09-5680117.
Fukabo has decided to dedicate Carnival 2000 to Farid and Suzy Ayubi. "In the last few years they have shown that there are enough materials on Bonaire to design great Carnival costumes. With their devotion they
showed how much they care about Carnival. Not only in Bonaire, but also outside the island – their efforts have given a great reputation to our Carnival", Fukabo-president Chaly Anthony said during the
opening ceremony.
Fukabo sent us the whole schedule with all the activities for this Carnival season:
For January:
14th at 8pm. Jump-up (all the people gather behind a musical car and dance through the neighborhood) Amboina;
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.
Emigrating Young Antilleans Forced to Acclimate
The governments of the Dutch Antilles and the Netherlands last week signed a protocol requiring young
Antilleans between the ages of 16 and 24 to take acclimatization course before they emigrate to Holland. We understand that the negotiations regarding this topic were heated but the government officials finally came
to an agreement. An ordinance will need to be passed by March 15th, and that will be handled in Parliament.
The reason for this measure is because too many people, especially young people with little education and no certificates of education or accomplishment, emigrate to the Netherlands. Dutch minister Roger van Boxtel
wants people between 16 and 24 years, who don't have at least a MAVO-certificate (i.e. who have graduated from a median level of high school) to follow an acclimatizing course before they step on the plane. Those
who dosn't stick to the rules will be disappointed on arriving in the Netherlands. According to minister Van Boxtel, those who don't take this acclimatization course can expect fines and reduction of the
unemployment benefit. "This group doesn't just have rights, but they also have obligations", Van Boxtel said after the signing of the protocol.
The acclimatizing course will take up 185 hours of lessons in Dutch and society-orientation. In monetary terms, the course is worth 15,000 Dutch guilders per person. Last year a pilot project was started with eleven
young people, with very good results. A second pilot project will soon begin.
The migration from the Antilles to the Netherlands in 1999 has increased by twenty percent. And neither country thinks this is a good development. The more highly educated people leaving the Antilles are causing a
"brain drain" in the Antilles and the lower educated people cause social problems in the Netherlands."
KLM Loses Its Monopoly
Another protocol was signed last week as well. This one was about aviation between the Dutch Antilles and the Netherlands. As a
result of the new protocol, it has been agreed that KLM and Air ALM won't have a monopoly position anymore on flights between Schiphol (Amsterdam's airport) and the Antilles. But it won't take effect immediately
because at this moment 60 cabin-employees of Air ALM work for KLM. The Antillean airline, which is in serious financial trouble, is being paid by KLM for the services these employees provide to the Dutch airline,
and this source of revenue needs to be maintained for the time being. However, the Central Government and Prime Minister Pourier are looking for a solution to ALM's financial situation. Antillean Minister of
Transport Maurice Adriaens, who signed the protocol, thinks privatizing Air ALM could be a solution.
It should be noted that Dutch minister Tineke Netelenbos put her signature under the new aviation protocol. Last year she also agreed on a same treaty with Aruba.
In any event, as of April 1, 2001 at the latest, other airlines will be able to offer flights on the Amsterdam-Antilles route. Adriaens thinks tourism will get an enormous push as soon as such flights become
available. With the liberalizing of the route and the increased competition it is expected to bring, he expects that the tickets will become cheaper. "KLM tickets are too expensive. That is why it is hard to
attract tourists to the Antilles."
The Belgian airline company Sobelair and the Portugese TAP have already shown interest in this route. Sobelair already has weekly flights from Brussels, Belgium to Bonaire and Curaçao, but an Amsterdam routing would
be more convenient for many of their passengers.
A Whale Of A Day
When the Holland America cruise ship "Nieuw Amsterdam" arrived for its scheduled stop over on Bonaire yesterday, January 11th,
the Harbour Master, Capt. Statie, discovered that they had an unexpected passenger on board.
There was a whale impaled on the bow of the boat. From the ship's log it appears that the "Nieuw Amsterdam" probably struck the whale at around 4:30am that morning while it was some 15 miles
southwest of Los Aves (east of Bonaire). The captain of the cruise ship, Capt. Edward van Zaane, said that while nothing was felt aboard the vessel they did notice that their speed had dropped off at that time and
their first thought was that this had to do with a mechanical problem with the ship.
Originally Bonaire Park Manager Kalli De Meyer believed that the whale must be a baby as it did not appear to be more than 5 meters (16 feet) long. However when it was finally towed to the Cas di Regatta
and dragged out of the water it was found to be more than 12 meters (39 feet) in length. The whale was an adult Tropical Whale (Balaenoptera edeni), also called Bryde's Whale, and known locally as "bayena
tompoes".
These whales are typically found in relatively shallow tropical waters rather than in the deep ocean around the world. There are estimated to be around 100,000 Tropical Whales worldwide. Both Tropical
Whales and Humpback Whales can occasionally be seen in the waters around Bonaire throughout the year. They belong to the baleen family, a group of whales who specialize in sifting their food out of the sea. They
feed on fish, krill, squid, and similar creatures and they can often be seen in small, loose knit groups of 10 to 15 individuals. Local fishermen report seeing them in small groups hunting tuna, when they encircle
the fish and then surface amongst the tuna fish, snapping them up out of the water. They are also known to cruise at the surface scooping shoals of fish up in their enormous mouth.
Babies are 4-5m in length and weigh in at around 5 tons. When fully grown, at about five years of age, Tropical Whales measure up to 14 meters in length and weigh in at between 12 and 20 tons. Small wonder
that loading yesterday's whale onto a flatbed truck proved somewhat troublesome!
The whale's final resting place, thanks to Cargill's manager, Jan Gielen, will be on the Salt Company property. Rather than taking the whale to the landfill, Jan Gielen was asked if the carcass could be
put on Cargill property. There it will be allowed to decompose in the open, unmolested, and allow the skeleton to be removed and preserved at a later date. It is hoped that in the future Bonaire may be able to
display the remains of this huge animal.
People are asked NOT to try to go to the Salt Company in the hopes of seeing the whale's remains. It has been placed on a part of the Salt Company property which is not accessible to the general public, in
an area where it will not cause any problems. As the crowds yesterday can testify, it smells pretty horrible!
The big question is, of course, why the whale did not move out of the way of the cruise ship. We will never know the answer for certain but according to Capt. van Zaane, it is very unusual for a cruise
boat to strike a whale even when there are dense aggregations of them such as off the Alaskan coast. In the past it has been found that only sick or injured animals have been in hit by cruise ships in this way.
[Editor's Note: One of our editors received a call about this extraordinary situation from a friend who noticed the commotion the whale was causing at the pier. After first checking the calendar to be sure
it was not April's Fool, our editor grabbed her camera and headed to the pier to see what could be seen. And thank you very much to the Bonaire Marine Park staff who provided a quick trip out in their boat to get a
better view of this animal. See our photos at: http://www.BonaireENews.com/20000112-whale.html ]
"Quack, Quack, Quack..."
by Donna Gassert (Hato's Resident Meteorologist & Data Collector)
"...This weather is for the ducks." "Rain, Rain, and more Rain... ...when will it end?" "This sure has been an especially rainy Rainy Season." "Do you think
the sun will shine today?"
If you live on Bonaire you have probably been experiencing a lot of rain the past three months. Fortunately it doesn't compare to the rains and flooding in Venezuela, but for Bonaire, between October 1st,s 1999 and
January 7th, 2000 a total of 22.5 inches of recorded rain in Hato. Since the 'Average Rainfall' quoted for Bonaire is '22 inches', can we expect steady sunshine soon?
For your amusement, here's some trivia about the weather the past 3 months in Hato (the area surrounding WEB, Bonaire's utility company). Note that different parts of the island will show different results (sometimes
significantly different) as it doesn't always rain everywhere the same time or day. For information below "*no rain days" ONLY signify no 'recordable' rainfall. Hope you enjoy...
OCTOBER: 8.19 inches of rain fell; there were 16 *no rain days
The 1st had the most rainfall at 3.25 inches followed by the 17th with 1.52 inches (also lowest temp of 24C - 75.2F) and the 23rd with .90
inches. Average daytime temp: 32C - 89.6F; nighttime temp: 27C - 80.6F.
NOVEMBER: 6.68 inches of rain; 18 *no rain days
Hurricane Lenny sent waves to our shores the 16th, and although he brought no rain, the three rainiest days bracketed his arrival: 15th with .86 inches; 18th
with 1.10 inches; 19th with 1.02 inches. Average daytime temps: 31C - 87.8F; nighttime temps: 25C - 77.0F. Lowest temp on 30th: 24C - 75.2F
DECEMBER: 4.97 inches of rain; 8 *no rain days
The 3rd had .90 inches of rain; the 23rd had .88 inches; and the 13th had .50 inches. Most of the month was short showers of .02 inches to .10
inches until the last three days of the month which recorded .30, .25 and .23 respectively (Nature's way of preparing herself for fireworks?). And it's not over yet (see January). Average daytime temps: 29C - 84.2F;
nighttime temps: 25C - 77.0F. Lowest temps on both Christmas Day and New Years Eve: 23C - 73.4F
JANUARY 2000 (The First 7 Days..): 2.66 inches; 1 *no rain day
Tuesday the 4th is the only day no "recordable" rainfall fell. That does not mean it didn't rain. Even so, Hato has had rain 10
out of the last 11 days. From 29 Dec and including the 8th (which at 10:00 has already dropped .40 inches of rain) we've had 3.86 inches of rainfall. Daytime temps are holding at 29C - 84.2F, but nighttime
temps have dropped to 23C - 73.4F.
BEYOND 2000: When will it end??? It's anyones guess. All I know is we've reached our quota in Hato, the laundry is piling up (the "dryer" is broken - laundry keeps getting wet on the line), and
the shower is cold (when you rely on the sun's heat to warm that water).
"...The sun will come out, tomorrow...."
[Editor's Note: See the Bonaire E-News Quick Take in the December 8, 1999 issue which gave information about the rainfall at the airport which was lower than Hato's : http://www.BonaireENews.com/html/dec99stack_3.html#19991208-quick ]
Letters to the Editors
We received a number of letters in the last week regarding the cruise ship's effects on local tourism and economy in
reply to one of our Letters to the Editor in our previous issue.
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To the Editors:
I absolutely agree with the Bruce Bowker's view on the cruise ships influence on islands! I would fight whole heartedly to keep cruise ships out of Bonaire- it would definitely take away the charm of
the island. My husband and I came to Bonaire on our honeymoon in November of 1998 and fell totally in love with the place!! We were so impressed with how friendly everyone was and that the island makes
you feel so comfortable- I really did not want to go back home! Bonaire is a well kept secret and I think it should stay that way - cruise ships would only harm the island. I can't wait to come back!!
Kristin
Florida, USA
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To the Editors:
The problem, Corine, is that cruise ship patronage is a win-win situation only if the NOW is more important than the future, and only if the sole criteria for the judgment is MONEY.
On Thursday, the 30th December, I was waiting to ride to Klein Bonaire for the ceremony marking the return of Klein Bonaire from private hands to those of the people of Bonaire. Since I was waiting near the Old
Pier, I was happy to have a chance to see what happened when a cruise ship was in.
The Government Tourist Board information kiosk, and its staff, were very impressive and a great way for the folks from the ship to learn how to learn about Bonaire. Taxis were available. A tour bus had
left just as I arrived. There were lots of people around, Bonaire residents going about their business but checking out the ship, and ship passengers.
Ah, those ship passengers. More inappropriately-dressed people seem to emerge from cruise ships than any other source: women with shorts too short, men with unbuttoned shirts, both sexes occasionally clad
only in bathing suits and shoes as they saunter through town.
Speaking of those strolls, the last time I was examined the way some cruise ship passengers were examining Bonairean residents, I was on a liveaboard dive boat off Papua New Guinea, and the people who stared
ignorantly at us were villagers who also marveled at our electric lights, running water, and scuba gear. Suddenly a piercing horn brought me back to the present. As I looked around, a passenger seated near me
explained: "That's the signal for an emergency drill for the crew," he told me. We watched crew members scurrying around the visible decks, and the ship passenger added: "They do it while we're
docked, so we can get away from the noise." How considerate they are, I thought, blowing their horn for all of Kralendijk, to ensure that their passengers are only minimally disturbed. Interesting priorities.
Since then I've heard of cruise ship tourists moving furniture around the porch of a seaside home to suit their needs for a view. Yesterday at the Pier a young man asked my husband for cigarettes. If we and
they are separate species, why should we not beg from them (we're humbling ourselves, but only to those who aren't people to us); why shouldn't they throw us non-people a few crusts? From 25 years ago I
remember children asking for money as I walked from a cruise ship into some Caribbean town; for the last five years my mother has reported the same thing. Many of her friends often choose to stay aboard the ship
rather than run the gauntlet of child beggars found in every port, to visit a town that looks like all the others, and which offers the same (read, "manufactured in the same place, sometimes actually somewhere
in the Caribbean") inexpensive (read "cheap") souvenirs for sale.
I definitely agree that the cruise lines are committed to the future of tourism but how do we define "the future of tourism"? By protecting Klein Bonaire, Bonaireans have already made it clear that the
Paradise Island way, the lowest common denominator way, is not the tourism future we want.
One of the smaller cruise lines used to visit Bonaire for a few days at a time. They began their stay with a slide presentation by a Bonaire photo pro, and they provided other hard-to-avoid opportunities for their
passengers to learn about Bonaire's history and ecology. If the larger lines could show the same responsibility toward their passengers and their ports, then maybe a win-win situation would be possible. Until then
we lose our dignity. We lose our respect for others. Our children lose us.
Until then, maybe cruise ships don't take the bread from our tables, but what they add is not butter, Corine. What they bring is more like sugar: it tastes good but has no food value and the long-term effects are
very, very bad.
Oh, by the way, this letter about cruise tourism was written before I read Bruce Bowker's reply. It's scary that I've already experienced, here on Bonaire, the very effects Bruce's sources emphasized. Cruise tourism
will change us in theory, and it's already changing us in practice.
Best regards,
Dee Scarr
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To the Editors,
Congratulations to the people of Bonaire! Klein Bonaire is now and forever a part of your wonderful Island. I was especially delighted that Klein Bonaire returned to you on my birthday...another reason to celebrate.
I visit your island often and it has always been a most pleasant experience.
The last visit was the day Sunset Beach was closed. Pleased to hear this great site will be renewed.
PJ Ryan
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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.
Measures to Curb Crime
The Antillean Council of Ministers very soon will present the Parliament with some proposed changes in
legislation to fight increasing crime in the Antilles. This was announced last week after an emergency meeting. Minister of Justice Rutsel Martha will spearhead the proposals to curb crime, including the
introduction of minimum sentences; the increase of maximum sentences; the obligation to identify; and more power for the police.
The emergency meeting was set after a series of serious crimes on the island of Curaçao which were unprecedented according to Martha. Only last week a 56-year old woman was raped; two days later a
businessman was killed; and a day after that a 20 year old woman was kidnapped and robbed in broad daylight. The frequency and the cruelty of the recent crimes in Curaçao concern the Antillean governors. Besides
all the aforementioned measures, the ministers also want more attention paid to prevention. Minister Martha said already 33 million guilders has been reserved for a bridge-project for the resocialization of young
derailed people. But he also wants to set aside another 12 million guilders for this project.
Movies @ The Movies Bonaire
Starting Thursday, January 13th, the following movies will be shown:
Stigmata - Nightly at 7:00pm, Matinee Saturday at 4:00pm
Simon Sez - Nightly at 9:30pm, Matinee Sunday at 4:00pm
Double Jeopardy - Nightly at 9:15pm, Matinee Sunday at 3:30pm
Random Hearts - Nightly at 6:45pm, Matinee Saturday at 3:30pm
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.)
Web Site of the Week
Each week (when we have material), we'll list one address of a new Bonaire Web site that we come across.
Web site of this week:
If you have a new Bonaire-related Web site and want to make sure people know about it, send a message to mailto:news@BonaireENews.com with the details.
Quick Takes
- Phone lines converted in Hato. Hato and the surrounding area are now switched over to the new telephone system. The process appeared to have been handled well with very few complaints from the
residents.
- Part of Pier at Karels Beach Bar Collapses. A part of the pier at Karels Beach Bar in Playa collapsed last Saturday night. The part that collapsed is at the end of the pier, where the small bar is situated.
Thanks to the fast reaction of the staff there were no personal injuries and the stock of drinks from the small pier bar was saved as well. The collapsing of the end of the pier probably has to do with the damage
from the waves which hit Bonaire a couple of months ago. See photos at: http://www.bonaireenews.com/photos/20000112-karels.jpg
- Norwin Willem Second Acting Lt. Governor. Commissioner Norwin Conception Willem has been appointed by Antillean Governor Jaime Saleh as second acting Lt. Governor of Bonaire. Monday morning he took the oath
in front of Lt. Governor Richard Hart and island secretary Nancy Gonzalez. Present at this ceremony were also Willem's relatives, Commissioner Ginia Elhage-Cicilia, portfolio-secretary Eveline Cicilia-Anthony and
coordinator Aljano Emerencia. Commissioner Willem will act as Lt. Governor in case Richard Hart and first acting Lt. Governor Orphaline Saleh are not on the island or are not able to act as such. This counts for as
long as Willem is Commissioner.
- Protest Against Fast Driving. A few people who live in Playa Pabou last week symbolically put wooden thresholds on the Kaya Cachi Craane (the road along the renovated promenade) because they are concerned
about the irresponsible and fast driving on the road along the shore. Already a dog has been killed by a car. The residents decided to take action before a person gets hit.
- Strauss Wants Stricter Rules for Fireworks. A Bonairean member of Parliament of the Dutch Antilles, Edith Strauss-Marcera), wants stricter rules for letting off fireworks. "The last few weeks
the letting off of fireworks has been done unorganized and in an irresponsible way", she writes in a letter to Minister of Justice Rutsel Martha. Strauss thinks letting off fireworks during the turn of the year
is certainly an Antillean tradition that has to stay, but the last few years it has gotten out of hand. Not only in Bonaire, but also on the other Antillean islands letting off fireworks has become such a burden
that the Central Government has to take measures against it, Strauss thinks. The loud noises produced by the fireworks are especially bad for elderly people, heart patients, little children and animals. Strauss
noticed that the period in which it is allowed to let off fireworks has become very long.
- Captain Don's Habitat Video Earns Award. Boy Genius Productions has earned a Communicator Award for a promotional video that the company created for a well known Caribbean SCUBA diving resort.
"Come. Explore. Captain Don's Habitat" is a 10-minute production designed as a promotional piece. The Communicator Awards is a national awards program that recognizes outstanding work in the communications
field. There were 3,275 entries from 49 states and seven other countries in The Communicator Awards 1999 Video Competition.
- New Menu at Kontiki.
Kontiki Beachclub at Lac Bay has changed their lunch and dinner menus as of January the 4th. New dishes include: Smoked Chicken salad with grapes and almonds, Crab cakes with dill mayonnaise and fresh salad, Cajun chicken with spicy sauce, Beer-batter Catch (better known as Dutch "Kibbeling"), and Shrimp "Wigwam". But they are also still serving steaks, fresh fish, homemade desserts, fresh fruit shakes, soups, sandwiches, homemade hamburgers and salads. Kontiki is open from Tuesday - Sunday from noon until 3pm for lunch and from 6pm to 10pm for dinner.
- It's a Girl!
Congratulations to Frederick, Marlies and of course big brother, Oliver, on the birth of Alice Victoria Henderson. Alice was born on January 7, 2000 at 9:15 A.M and weighs 8 lbs. 6 oz and is 20.5 inches long. And congratulations to Oliver, who celebrated his 2nd birthday on January 7th as well.
- Out & About Article Features Ocean View Villas. The article offered a comprehensive write-up about Bonaire and featured Bonaire's Ocean View Villas with their own side bar article. The writer explored
the island focusing on things to do other than just diving and he found lots to write about. Ocean View Villas has three units and is located in Belnem. http://www.oceanviewvillas.com
- Sand Dollar Dive and Photo's New Location. Everyone keeps asking "How is Andre?" (Andre Nahr is the operator of Sand Dollar Dive & Photo which suffered damage from the waves in October). Well,
Andre and his staff have built a new dive shop adjacent to Sand Dollar Condominium Resort, right by the Den Laman restaurant. Here are a few photos to see what their new digs look like. http://www.BonaireENews.com/photos/20000112-sanddollardive.jpg
-BonaireLive Mailing List. BonaireLive sent out an email to advise its customers about a scheduled service outage before it happened last week - the outage lasted just over a day, and many had not seen the
advisory message and were therefore frustrated. If you are a BonaireLive customer and did not receive an advisory message entitled "Equipments installation on Bonaire" then you should send an email to mailto:ray@bonairelive.com and ask to be added to the appropriate list.
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
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?
GEMMA - WHERE ARE YOU?
Looking for Gemma Geluk! We have been receiving mail for Gemma addressed to Kaya Rotterdam II (and/or 11) starting around Christmas time. If anybody knows where this person is
please have her contact us at tel. 6773. (I hate sending the letters to the Post Office since I just get them back again.)
DOG FOUND
We found the dog at the beginning of the tourist road. She is a small female dog, possibly a terrier of some sort - black, half long hair, white at the end of her curly tail and her feet are
also white. We think she is still young because she is very playful and if you look at her teeth you can also tell she is young! She has small hanging ears. When we found her she was wearing a brown leather collar
without a tag. Her collar was too big and because of that she was eating it....! She must be somebody's dog because she is super friendly and obedient. I hope we can find her owner!!!! If you are missing your dog or
know a dog which matches this description (likely from the Sabadeco or Hato area), please contact Femke at mailto:doswinkel@bonairelive.com .
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 FOR RENT
From November 2, 1999 to December 24, 1999. Offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished. Located in Belnem. NAFl. 150/day plus extra NAFl. 25,- laundry costs. Contact Desiree at mailto:aplaceforyou@bonairelive.com .
ONE BEDROOM HOUSE
One bedroom house for rent from November 2, 1999 until December 31, 1999. Fully furnished, located in Belnem. NAFl. 85,- per day plus extra NAFl. 25,- laundry costs. Contact Desiree at mailto:aplaceforyou@bonairelive.com .
HOUSE ON THE BEACH
Available for weekly rental, in front of great diving and snorkeling, minutes from dive shop, stores and restaurants, reasonably priced. More information available at
http://www.homestead.com/bonairebeachhouse/index.html or at mailto:anniejul@juno.com . Phone/FAX: 516-694-3430
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
Tenants sought for long term apartment rental. Offering two different apartments on same street: First is a one bedroom apartment, second is a two bedroom apartment. Both are located on Kaya
Caribe, Nord Salina, and have recently been completely refinished and are fully furnished with air conditioning, kitchen & appliances, washing machine, and more. Affordably priced. Pets okay. Contact Alda Dirskz
at 717-2727 (daytime) or 717-7270 (evenings) for more details.
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Real Estate
(Advertising Section)
SAND DOLLAR CONDO
Sand Dollar Unit C-9. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Located on ground level with ocean view. Nicely decorated and great rental opportunity. Call owners Art or Anna Kleimer at (U.S. toll free)
1-800-303-7355 or email mailto:kleimer@kleimer.com .
LAND FOR SALE
1538 square meter corner plot for sale with a large sea view frontage, known as lot 116, on Santa Barbara hill (the street below Kaya Aquamarine), with a view over Klein Bonaire. Plot
shape, dimensions, survey map can be provided by FAX for interested parties. Will sell for NAFl. 69,000. Replies to mailto:dawn@bonairelive.com
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For Sale:
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
AIRCO
General brand air conditioner, 2400 BTUs. One year old, asking NAFl. 1500,-. Contact Desiree at mailto:aplaceforyou@bonairelive.com .
BCD & REGULATOR
A.P. Valves Buddy Commando BC orange/black, w/emergency inflation system, 1100 Denier Cordura, 2 bladder system, lots of lift, professional quality; Beuchat VS10 Regulator, Diaphragm
system, high performance, w Octopus, NO console/SPG. Both items for only NAFl. 400,- Contact Benji at mailto:benji@bonairelive.com .
SUNFISH SAILBOAT
Selling a SUNFISH sailboat in very good condition. Price including trailer NAFl. 2995 or best offer. Contact Richard at mailto:cwinkel@bonairelive.com .
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Protect yourself from nasty computer viruses with Norton Anti-Virus 2000 - US$39.90 including NAOB. Several left.
Eudora Pro 4.0 for Windows 95/98 - Professional E-mail software for people
who live by e-mail - only one copy left - US$45. Contact Jake @ NetTech at 717-6773 or mailto:jake@nettech.an
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Want to Buy/Swap/Rent/Find:
NEED ROOMMATE
Female roomate wanted (non-smoker, please!) to share waterfront townhouse. Private furnished bedroom and bath. Utilities included. NAFl. 850,-
Please call 717-7071 or e-mail mailto:islandfashions@bonairenet.com .
WINDSURFING SAIL
I'm looking for a (modern) used sail for windsurfing. Approx. 6 m2. Also looking for complete set: board, sail, mast, etc. (not beginners). Call Coen at 717-8130 (office) or mailto:coenvos@hotmail.com
HOUSE RENTAL(S)
Looking to rent one or two homes (should be near to each other) for two weeks, starting July 15, 2000 for former Bonaire residents and their family & friends (up to 10 people total). If you
have such homes available for rent, contact Gerdien van den Brand in Holland at mailto:vdbrand@tref.nl
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