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AKIB Meeting: WEB & Telbo
This past Monday, June 7th, AKIB (the Bonaire Business and Industry Association) held a "utility" forum, where senior
management from Bonaire's two utilities, WEB (Water & Electricity Bonaire) and Telbo (Telephone Bonaire), gave presentations about their companies' future plans and answered questions.
Telbo was represented by Roy Chin-on, the director, and Joyce Gregorio. Mr. Chin-on first outlined the major overhaul that Telbo is going through in terms of replacing its 11 year old switching system with a brand
new, state of the art Ericsson central phone system. The change to the new system was necessary for two key reasons. First, the existing phone system was not Y2K ready and would have likely not been functional after
the new year. Second, Bonaire phone use and demands had exceeded the capacity of the current phone system, and it made more sense to purchase a current system than upgrading an old one. The current system has a
capacity of 5,000 lines, while the new one will support 12,000 as is (and with the ability to increase that capacity with additional hardware).
The new switch will be operational in the September timeframe, and Bonaire's phone numbers will expand from the current four digits to probably six digits (there had originally been discussion about switching to five
digits, then to seven, but the Telecommunications Bureau in Curaçao is leaning towards six). The two extra prefix digits should be announced next month, and it is almost certain that the first one will be a
"3" (as there are currently no Bonairean phone numbers that start with a "3"). All existing numbers will gain the same prefix, and there will be a transition period of several months where people
can dial the old or new numbers.
As part of the new phone switch we'll also see substations set up in key areas around Bonaire, with Hato, Antriol, and Rincon being the location of the first substations, and subsequent ones appearing in Sabadeco,
Amboina, and Belnem. The substations will provide greatly increased line capacity to the various communities, and will initially connect with the central system via microwave link. Over the next year or so, fiber
optic cable will replace the microwave connections.
The new system will provide a number of new features, including Caller ID, calling cards (prepaid and other), ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network - a means to provide simultaneous voice and data, or higher
speed data, communications), and possibly even broadband Internet access. A new billing system is also being brought on-line, and it is expected that Telbo will be caught up and billing in a timely fashion (within
days of the close of a month) later this year.
Additionally, the new phone system integrates with a new cell phone central which, by December, will allow all cell phone users on Bonaire to have a Bonairean phone number instead of a Curaçao number via Setel
(Curaçao's phone company) as is now the case. Charge mechanisms (i.e. charging only for outgoing calls) are not expected to change, and there is also an effort being made to partner with international cellular
companies so that roaming will be possible, both for visitors to Bonaire as well as Bonairean residents abroad. Whether it will be possible to retain the existing Curaçao numbers many islanders have is unclear, as
Setel doesn't itself have a license for service on Bonaire (Telbo subcontracts them).
Finally, Telbo is planning on adding more pay phones around the island, specifically on the new promenade being built in Playa, and is evaluating other locations as well.
A few other interesting facts about Telbo were shared: the company, while being an N.V. (an Antillean corporation) is owned 100% by the Bonairean island government. They employ 45 people, and the new changes, other
than being used to improve service, are also a step to create greater independence for Bonaire's telecommunications infrastructure from that of Curaçao and the Central Government of the Netherlands Antilles. This
will allow Telbo to set its own course for the future. This independence will allow Telbo to act quickly in response to its own needs and those of Bonaire. Also, as Telbo is a for-profit corporation with a huge
outlay for new equipment, attendees were politely told that no significant price reductions or fee changes (upwards or downwards) were planned at this time.
Next up were Hubert de Palm, WEB's technical director, and Henny Thielman, WEB's financial director. Mr. de Palm detailed some of WEB's history as well as future plans, and then addressed several keys issues of
concern to the audience.
In terms of history, WEB, a company with 125 employees and 30 contractors, is co-owned by the Central Government and the Bonaire island government. They presently have a maximum production capacity of 20 megawatts
(MW) of power, and the island is currently only using an average of 7.5MW, peak usage being 10.5MW.
As WEB provides fresh water to the island (via salt water distillation and filtering), it was interesting to discover that WEB generates up to 4300 cubic meters of water daily, with average daily use being 3000 cubic
meters. And, the island has an eight day reserve of water in case some or all of the methods of generating water fail. One thing that's interesting is that up until last year, water usage was increasing at a rate of
5-10% per year. Then, last year, usage actually drop 1.5%, and so far this year, water usage is down 22%. Mr. de Palm attributed this to the fact that a growing number of water users are starting to produce their
own water instead of buying it from WEB.
Members of the audience got rather vocal at this point, commenting that if Bonaire's water and electricity weren't so expensive, then individuals and businesses wouldn't have to resort to implementing their own water
plants and power generation systems. The WEB representatives responded with an explanation of how water rates are subsidized by electrical rates, and that while households paid the lowest water rates (NAFl 6.50/m3),
construction companies and regular businesses paid much higher fees (NAFl 13/m3 and NAFl 12/m3, respectively). Hotels, depending on size, fell between the two extremes. In terms of cost of electricity, households
and businesses paid the highest rates (NAFl. 0.34 and 0.35/kW, respectively - 19.1 and 19.6 US cents, respectively), with hotels just below that, and heavy industry paying as little as NAFl. 0.21/kW.
Addressing another audience concern, Mr. de Palm explained WEB policy on reimbursing WEB customers for equipment damaged by power grid fluctuations, a phenomenon which happens all too often (at our offices, input
voltage ranges from 115 to 135 volts over the course of a full day, for example). If a power surge or brownout is the result of a generator that fails or a line that breaks, WEB assumes no responsibility for damage
as they deem such events to be beyond their control. The only time when WEB will authorize a reimbursement is when a contractor causes line damage resulting in a surge, in which case the contractor is responsible
for the reimbursement. WEB was then criticized for not doing enough to help their customers avoid problems with surges, including education and the availability of cleaner, more stable power.
One member of the audience asked how easy it would be to convert Bonaire to an electrical system compatible with much of rest of the world, such as that of the U.S. (from where many of the appliances and electronics
devices in use on Bonaire originate). In other words, could Bonaire switch from 127V, 50Hz to 120V, 60Hz? The answer was that it would be easy...
...easy provided WEB replaced all of its production units (generators), not a cheap undertaking.
When asked about reducing rates, WEB responded that their rates hadn't changed in a number of years. This led to criticism that that was because their rates couldn't get much higher than they already were. In defense
of the WEB officials, however, it should be stated that their rates are controlled by their owners, namely two different but related governments. One idea that was raised was the possibility of bypassing CurOil as
the supplier of the fuel for the generator and water purification system as their prices are quite high. Mr. de Palm approved of the idea but indicated a major obstacle was that the only fuel depot on the island
belonged to CurOil, and that another one would need to be built if WEB was to use a different supplier.
Mr. de Palm reviewed WEB's future plans, which include converting the two satellite production facilities - one at the Radio Nederlands towers in the north of the island, the other at Trans World Radio in the south -
into remotely controlled facilities in the coming year or so, as part of an on-going overhaul of all of WEB's aging generators.
Also, WEB has been running some pilot projects with alternative energy sources, such as solar cells and wind power, and the audience was told that WEB is using such test projects to determine how and if they will be
able to expand their service offerings.
Finally, with rumors flying around the island that WEB was not Y2K ready, the audience was assured that while there are still a few small issues to resolve, it was WEB's intention to be fully Y2K compliant by the end
of September, and that they had confirmed that all their suppliers were Y2K ready as well.
While utilities are not the sort of topic to get one's blood pumping in excitement, the AKIB sponsored forum was quite interesting, and a good service to the business community. After the meeting, members of the
audience commented on how they were pleasantly surprised by Telbo's efforts at working towards a better future. It was discussed that this was in stark contrast to WEB's apparent inability to provide the quality of
service its customers need, and that such problems with WEB will likely continue for as long as it is owned by two different governmental entities, since their ideologies and goals are not often the same.
WHOSE SAND? WHOSE ISLAND?
By Don M. Ricks, Courtesy of Port Call
(This is the second of a two part series on Bonaire's sand situation, entitled "The Politics of Sand". The first part appeared last week in Port Call and the Bonaire E-News)
According to Bonaireans I've talked with, fishermen's reports of localized silting are being used to justify sand removal from Lac for construction and beach building. Bonaire's experts on Lac (the fishermen who
spend their lives navigating those waters) report that in recent years the lagoon has been sanding up in places. They say that in the past, storms cleared the bay periodically and that eventually, because of
longer-term weather cycles, strong winds will probably return and do the job again. In the meantime, they believe, the excess sand has to be controlled where it is causing problems, such as around the fishermen's
dock. The problem, people say, is that sand mining might occur at Lac, or even a dredging permit might be issued someday, in the inaccurate belief that the bay needs to be protected from silting up.
Few people have ever seen a dredge in action. "Dredging," someone once said, "is not a couple of guys with shovels." Dredging is underwater strip mining. Tons of sand and water are sucked up in a
slurry. Then the water gets dumped back into the sea, thick and coffee colored with sediments. In Lac, those sediments could cloud the whole bay for months, maybe years, gradually settling to the bottom as mud.
People wading from the beach at Cai, and surf boarders from Sorobon who take a spill, would no longer have firm, clean sand under their feet. They would sink into muck. And every living thing‹from sea grasses to
mollusks and crustaceans‹that requires a clear sand bottom would be choked out. The other sea creatures that depended upon them would disappear as well. The damage would be irreversible.
And there's a real wild card in this deck too - naturally occurring hydrogen sulfide, the deadly, noxious "rotten egg gas" kids like to cook up in the high school chemistry lab. Over the centuries the sea
creatures have gradually oxidized it out of the upper levels of sand. But the deeper, anoxic (oxygen free) levels of sand in Lac are still loaded with it. If someone starts stirring that stuff up, we will all make
other plans for the weekend. Even minor sand removal, from the shore using a backhoe, can have many of the effects of dredging unless it is carefully controlled. If sand is blocking a channel or a dock at Lac, it
should be cleared away, certainly. But when a few truck loads of sand are needed, ground or imported sand can be purchased.
We know that if we move sand, nature will move sand in response and to her own purposes. That has been proven repeatedly wherever man has decided to dig into shoreline environments. The consequences can be minor. Or
they can be devastating. Beaches have eroded away because of sand extraction nearby. Sometimes, when sand bars have been dredged, even bigger ones have formed in the same place or elsewhere. The whole bottom of a
bay can be lost - its life-sustaining sea grass beds and productive sand flats washed out to sea - when dredging changes the current flow.
The message is especially clear regarding beach building. Some shorelines are stony because wave action and currents wash away any sand that happens to get deposited. If we purposely dump sand there, without first
building a protective breakwater, that sand will wash away too, choking the adjacent corals. So we lose the beach and can end up destroying a dive site as well.
Lac has long been important in the lives of the people of Bonaire. For many, it is where they take their children to learn about the water and where their parents and grandparents took them. Lac is also a key link in
the marine ecology that makes their island such a wonderful place to live. So the majority of Bonaireans have a lot to lose, and hardly anything to gain, if the living sands of Lac are dug up and hauled away. We can
learn from the mistakes of other countries. The sea coasts of the world are marked by hundreds of dead, smelly, discolored wetlands that are monuments to convenient but ill-considered decisions made in the interest
of short-term goals.
Red Cross: Mass Casualty Management
Did you observe groups of apparently injured people being treated and moved around in the airport and harbor areas of
the island last week? If so, you may not have been aware this was only an exercise.
During the week of May 28th, in coordination with the Bonaire Red Cross, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the San Francisco Hospital and the Bonairean Health Department organized a course in mass
casualty management. The course was partly held in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the Bonaire chapter of the Red Cross. The course was aimed especially at areas with little means of taking care of a large
group of wounded.
As a result of the course, a number of island procedures appear likely to be changed. For example, the fire department will be put in charge of airport safety and accidents, as well as search and rescues at sea.
Also, an emergency hospital will be organized in the Red Cross building near the airport. PAHO representatives call this an "advance medical post".
The drills at both the airport and the harbor last week showed that a chain of security measures is just as important as the chain of medical measures.
Bonaire - Environmental Policy
Washington Park started up in 1969. During the 1970's, Bonaire banned spear fishing. In 1979 the Marine Park was
established (they'll be celebrating their 20th anniversary this November). Via international treaties other areas on Bonaire are protected as well: Goto Meer, Klein Bonaire, the Flamingo Sanctuary and Lac.
This week the environmental policy plan for Bonaire for 1999-2004 is being discussed by the island government. When this plan is approved, Bonaire will be the first island in the Netherlands Antilles to have and
implement such a plan. Important issues are the protection of the most important nature reserves, additional protective measures regarding the integration of nature and environmental aspects in other areas of policy
such as the economy and tourism.
As part of the effort to generate this policy plan, local papers report that some agreements have been reached between representatives of government, the environmental movement, the tourism organizations and the
business sector in order to be able to work together closely, but actions like the recent removal of sand from Lac for the beach at Tolo (see last week's issue of the Bonaire E-News) show that there still are some
hurdles to cross.
Meanwhile as an adjunct to the above discussions, Port Call reports that the Foundation for the Preservation of Klein Bonaire is requesting the support of the Bonaire Nature Alliance - the association of
environmentally concerned NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations) - to encourage the island government to approve pending legislation that will ultimately lead to a land use and nature protection policy. The
environmental policy plan is considered to be the keystone to the preservation of the reef, Klein Bonaire, Lac Bay and other sensitive areas on the island. Port Call also points out that under legislation passed
last year at the Central Government level, if the Island Government doesn't adopt its own policy within 2 years, it can be mandated by Willemstad.
Making the Streets Unsafe for Criminals
According to Antillean Minister of Justice Rutsel Martha, by October 1, 1999, the Netherlands Antillean
police corps will be able to function according to a new model. The Minister stated that he wants to make the streets "unsafe for criminals, and not unsafe for decent citizens" (or in Bonaire's case -
unsafe for personal possessions left unattended). This announcement is the result of legislation passed in the Parliament of the Central Government in April, which in turn was assisted by a anti-crime petition filed
by nearly 700 Bonaire residents and visitors in March.
While each island of the Netherlands Antilles will be implementing specific changes of its own, it appears that Bonaire will be able to go ahead with Chief of Police Gerold Daantje's community policing plan. As part
the plan, Bonaire will end up with three police stations: Kralendijk, Rincon and a new one in Antriol, with additional substations planned in the future. Also, more patrol cars will be scouting the streets and some
sort of mobile police station is being looked into.
Meanwhile, local papers have reported that a few police officers have threatened to quit or have asked to be transferred to other islands, complaining that current work conditions are poor - such as having to drive
older cars with non-functioning air conditioning, and that deserved promotions have not been granted. It's not clear what these officers will do once they have to start "walking a beat" to be more a part
of the community they will be responsible for.
As a footnote, this week's Port Call reports that Bonaire Police were busy this past week. In addition to other things they arrested 3 individuals for rustling goats, a problem that had been plaguing rural farmers
for months. And they apprehended a 10 year old boy for taking a dinghy belonging to the yacht Eva.
Cultural Week - June 21 - 27, 1999
In just over a week, SKAL (Sector of Culture, Art & Literature) will be coordinating Bonaire's annual
"Cultural Week". The event runs for a week, starting on Monday June 21st.
June had always been the time when seamen and people working off-island would come home to see their families, and this would be a cause for extensive celebration, featuring much food, drink, music, song, and dance.
The songs sung would reflect what had happened most recently on the island. Some examples of typical songs include "Old Man Polin Has Seven Cows" and "Grampa John's Canoe is broken". Such songs
were an embodiment of pure oral history.
One of the activities of Cultural Week is the traditional fiesta of San Juan. Traditionally the San Juan fete took place in Rincon, and it's an event with music, song & dance and food & drink, and
features a fire jumping attraction.
Bonfires are built, and men, women and children jump over them, with ample liquid libation available for the grown ups, of course. The fire ceremony was a prayer to the Supreme Being to lessen the heavy winds that
blow in June, so that after the celebrations the people can return to the kunuku and start planting crops.
Two fire jumping events you can go to are at the Centro di Bario in Noord Salinja, and the other will be held in front of the Bonaire Museum in Kralendijk (near Bon Awa), both will be held Wednesday, June 23 around
9:30-11:30 PM.
Additionally, on June 25th, there will be a special morning program at the SGB (local high school) featuring a number of cultural presentations, including an overview of the indians that lived on Bonaire prior to its
discovery by western civilization, a number of music performances, and even a poetry reading. On Sunday, June 27th, at the Bonaire Museum, there's a full day program featuring food, music, educational presentations.
There will also be books and CDs for sale.
For more information on Cultural Week, contact SKAL at 8868 or at 5330 ext. 344.
E-Commerce Impossible in Antilles?
In the opinion of the Curaçao Business Association (the VBC), the Netherlands Antilles will not profit from the
lucrative business of e-commerce via the Internet. This is because the telecommunication tariffs are too high, the local connections are unreliable and banks charge too much. The association pointed out that
telecommunications tariffs are 23 times more expensive than in Miami and 18 times more costly than the Dominican Republic. A structural decrease of tariffs is only possible if the Antillean telecommunications
companies are privatized, the VBC argues.
The association welcomed the announcement by Telecommunications Minister Maurice Adriaens that the tariffs for offshore telecommunication, sports betting and e-commerce companies will be going down by 60 percent on
June 1st. However, the tariffs for all companies and households should also be reduced, the VBC said. (Courtesy of Port Call)
Bonaire Twin Cinema News & Features - June 10 - 16, 1999
Bonaire Twin Cinema is located in the heart of Kralendijk next to the Exito Bakery and
behind the Cultimara Supermarket. Starting Thursday, June 10, Bonaire Twin Cinema will be offering the following film features (NaFl. 10.- for all normal features, special pricing for matinees on weekends):
Analyze This - New!
- Nightly at 7:00pm and 8:50pm
- Matinees Sat. & Sun. at 2:15pm and 4:05pm
- Late show Fri. & Sat. at 12:00 and 1:50am
Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal star in this comedy. The mobster Paul Vitti seeks out a therapist to bolster his confidence and end his panic attacks before his big confrontation with the other Mob Leader at the
drime-family meeting. (Rated R, Dolby Surround sound, Comedy, 106 minutes) For more details see: http://headlines.yahoo.com/Full_Coverage/Movies/analyze_this/index.html
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Message in a Bottle
- Nightly at 9:15pm and 11:30pm
- Matinee Sat. & Sun. at 2:00pm and 4:15pm
Kevin Costner, Robin Wright Penn, and Paul Newman star in this romance, where Theresa Osborne (Penn) stumbles across a bottle with a moving and passionate message while walking along the beach. The message so moves
her that she sets out to find the author. You'll have to watch the film for the rest of the plot. (Rated PG, Romance, CinemaScope, 132 minutes) For more details see: http://headlines.yahoo.com/Full_Coverage/Movies/message_in_a_bottle/index.ht ml
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The Corrupter
- Nightly at 9:30pm and 11:20pm
- Matinee Sat. & Sun. at 4:45pm and 6:35pm
Oriental film and martial arts star Chow Yun Fat and actor Mark Wahlberg join up in this action movie about car chases, gun slinging, and the fast life of a corrupt New York City cop. Chow plays Nick Chan, a tainted
hero who gets one last chance at redemption. (Rated R, Action, CinemaScope, 110 minutes) For more details, see: http://headlines.yahoo.com/Full_Coverage/Movies/the_corruptor/index.html
[Bonaire E-News Rating 1.5 of out 4 stars. While the action scenes in this movie are generally quite good, and the plot manages to move along at a reasonable pace, the movie lacks real cohesion and is rather
unsatisfying.]
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Cruel Intentions
- Nightly at 7:15pm and 8:50pm
- Matinees Sat. & Sun. at 4:45pm and 6:20pm
- Late Shows Fri & Sat. at 12:15am and 1:50am
Driven by a lust for each other and a fetish for corrupting innocent young lives, Kathyn and Sebastian, two wealthy, manipulative teenage stepsiblings from Manhattan's upper crust, hatch a secret plan. Sebastian must
bed the chaste and pristine daughter of the new headmaster, and if he is able to accomplish this seemingly impossible task, he can have his way with the one woman he knows he cannot have. If he fails, he looses his
classic Jaguar. Stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Selma Blair, Reese Witherspoon. (Rated R, Drama, Dolby Surround Sound, 95 minutes) For more details see http://headlines.yahoo.com/Full_Coverage/Movies/Cruel_Intentions/
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Coming Soon (dates and releases subject to change):
June 17 - Forces of Nature & The King and I
June 24 - True Crime
July 1 - Entrapment & Payback
July 8 - Life
The Bonaire Twin Cinema Box Office opens nightly at 6:00pm, and no reservations are required. Tickets are only available at the box office. Questions about the movies? Call Bonaire Twin Cinema at 2400 (Noon to
closing everyday), FAX: 8010, or send an e-mail to mailto:TwinCinema@InfoBonaire.com (please include your phone or FAX number).
Quick Takes
- CKB Gets Director. Anthony Cecilia, the former executive director of BONHATA (the Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association), has been appointed as the director of the Small Business Enterprises Bonaire Center
(Centrum Klein Bedrijf or CKB). This project is a joint venture between the European Community, private sector, and government to help small businesses and start-ups overcome some of the hurdles and constraints they
face in staying in or even growing their businesses. According to the CKB, the most significant problems faced by small businesses include poor business and financial management skills, a lack of access to
appropriate and affordable business advise and training, an unfavorable and unstable business policy environment which results in a high cost of doing business, and high bank loan interest rates caused by the lack
of competition in the domestic banking sector. Cecilia and the CKB hope to help businesses overcome these problems with mentoring and access to government and E.C. subsidized business loans. The CKB will, in a
couple months time, be based in the Bonaire Trading building in the space currently occupied by Budget Rent-A-Car.
- Culinary Team Dinner. Last night's second Culinary Team fundraiser dinner held at Den Laman was another success with all 60 available tickets sold over a week ago. While there were still some rough edges to
iron out, the evening's menu was appreciated by many of the dining supporters of the event. The appetizer was rum and herb marinated dorado with a spicy fish mousse, filled with pinapple sticks served on a bed
of papaya relish and encircled by a wonderful cilantro garlic pesto. The main course was a lamb chop stuffed with a chicken farce with tamarind sauce, accompanied by fried plantain chips, grilled sweet potato, and
sautéed leeks and carrots. And dessert was the "Pink Beach", featuring ginger cookies with "Cos di Lechi" pearls, a yummy guava coulis, and chocolate coconut sticks. Liz Rijna, Bonaire's award
winning bartender and operator of Den Laman also had us sample a new drink concoction based on Bacardi Limon, several fruits and juice, and a few other things we can't remember (but it was very tasty). While the
next fundraising dinner is almost two weeks away, on June 22nd at 7pm, already half the tickets have been accounted for, so act quickly if you want to see how Bonaire's Culinary Team is working on improving its
efforts. Tickets, which include accompanying wines, are priced at NAFl. 35,- and available from the Bonaire E-news ( mailto:CulinaryTickets@BonaireENews.com , Port Call (phone 8988, e-mail mailto:portcall@infobonaire.com ), Sara at the Green Parrot (phone 5454), Liz at Den Laman (phone 8955), and Marcel or Martin at Rendez-Vous (phone 8454). These dinners help pay for the team's trip to compete in Miami in late July at the Caribbean culinary competition.
- Wrong on Indians. Dr. Jay Haviser, an archeologist in Curaçao and author of the book "The First Bonaireans", recently gave a talk during a seminar in Bonaire on the original inhabitants
of the island. He finds that most people in Curaçao and Bonaire have the wrong image of the Caquetios - the indians that lived on Bonaire before it was "discovered" by Europeans. During Carnaval and other
events, people dress up looking like North American Indians, thinking they are portraying the Caquetios. Also, he says, this tribe of indians are not Arawaks, but instead their language is called Arawak, and
is a language shared with other tribes. This particular tribe of Bonaire is called Caquetio and not Caiquetio. More information on this topic will be available during Dr. Haviser's presentation on June
25th during Cultural Week (see article above).
- Yachts Should Be Charged. That was Bonaire Lt. Governor Richard Hart's opinion during a recent press conference. During this press conference, the Lt. Governor Mr. Hart provided an overview of the financial
situation of the island, and it was clear he was not much in favor of raising taxes, but was open to raising "leges" (legal fees). In terms of the yachts visiting Bonaire, when these vessels are
cleared in and out of Bonaire, the legal fees amount to 23 cents. "Everyone realizes this tariff is ridiculously low and it should be drastically raised", Hart said. He also spoke of the large amount of
yachts moored in the harbor without paying anything at all. "As I understand it, Bonaire is the only place yachts are not charged a fee. Incredible". This has been a hotly debated issue, and some cruisers
have declared that if a mooring/anchoring fee gets charged Bonaire will lose a lot of cruiser traffic, and the revenue that traffic produces for various island businesses. Other cruisers have stated that while it
was nice that Bonaire didn't charge any sort of fees, they would be willing to pay a reasonable fee. An interesting point is that the latest Bonaire Marine Park brochures indicate that a mooring fee already applies
to public yacht moorings - this is perhaps in anticipation of mooring fees which are planned. Such fees are separate from the Bonaire Marine Park tag each diver on or visiting Bonaire must purchase annually for $10.
- New Turtle Students on Bonaire. 1999's turtle research fellows landed last Saturday, ready to begin their studies of Bonaire's sea turtles. The students are completing their graduate-level education at the
Free University in Amsterdam. They are Claudia de Kort who specializes in animal ecology, animal behavior, and Nature Conservation and Minco Coenraad a specialist in Environmental Science. Minco's mother is from
Curaçao. From now until December they will work under the auspices of Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire and roam Bonaire's beaches to add to the understanding of the life cycle of the island's endangered Hawksbill and
Loggerhead sea turtles. Bonbini na Boneiru —Welcome to Bonaire! (Courtesy of Port Call)
- Celia Cruz a Hit. This past Saturday, June 5th, Celia Cruz, a long time diva of Salsa (we could not get her exact age, not even from her manager, but have excellent sources who saw her during the early 50's)
performed in the Playa Stadium to a huge crowd of salsa aficionados. Still going strong, Celia performed her old favorites as well as numbers off of her newest CD. Her performance was a good boost to our local
tourist business as rooms and cars were hard to get with TCB estimating that 1200 people made the journey from Curaçao and Aruba for this exclusive concert in the Netherlands Antilles.
- Regatta '99.
In early October, the 32nd Bonaire International Regatta, the last of the century, will be held right off the Kralendijk waterfront. Byron Tromp, Regatta Coordinator, made the decision last week, but said that it was still tentative at this time. Regatta House will serve as headquarters. For the last decade various resort hotels had served as Regatta HQ. But this year the event returns (hopefully) to its roots right in town — the venue that offers the best viewing for the hundreds of people who come to watch the races.
- Bonaire for Arubans. While Celia Cruz is a great way to get Arubans to Bonaire, she is not a frequent occurrence on Bonaire. Therefore, the Tourism Corporation Bonaire had a TV commercial made last week
aimed at enticing Aruban tourists to Bonaire during the school summer vacation. This is part of an on-going marketing campaign on Aruba for the island of Bonaire.
- Washington Park Video. The Bonaire Park Authority STINAPA has produced an hour long video tape telling of the history of Washington Park. The video captures scenes of past and present Bonaire. If you would
like a copy of the tape or would like to sponsor a copy to be shown in area schools, contact Kerenza Frans at STINAPA, tel. 8444 or mailto:stinapa@bonairelive.com . The cost is NAFl. 50, and while the tape is currently only available in Papiamentu, an English version is in the works.
- Runner Service Update. A few weeks ago we reported on a local entrepreneur that wanted to start a runner service on Bonaire (per a suggestion we made in an earlier Bonaire E-News). Well, Otmar Martha has
gotten his business together and has now officially started the "On-Time Administration and Runner Service". Otmar says he can take care of all of a company's deliveries, payments, post office pick-ups,
and more. His service is available Monday through Friday from 8AM to 6PM, and Saturdays from 9AM to 4PM. This could be worthwhile unless you really _like_ standing in line at the Ontvanger's or the SVB or the bank.
The phone number for On-Time Admin. and Runner Service is 5851.
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 in our Classifieds is fee based and 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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Needs a New Home:
DOG
We are moving and Inca, our female half-breed rottweiler/retriever, is looking for a new home too. Inca is 2 yrs old, sterilized and has had all her shots. She is very sweet and obedient to 'her' people, and a
good watchdog as well. Phone: 7622 (daytime) or e-mail mailto:komakia@infobonaire.com
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Help Wanted:
SUNBELT REALTY
Sunbelt Realty is looking for help in the area of real estate sales and rentals. Computer skills and American English fluency in speaking and writing are mandatory. Contact Ben van Zutphen at 6560
or mailto:ben@sunbelt.an .
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Real Estate:
HOUSE
Kaya Raspa 4, South Nikiboko Freehold - 3 bedrooms, living/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, separate laundry room. In good condition, recently renovated. Price NAFl 135.000. Please call during the daytime at
7474.
KUNUKU FOR SALE
1.6 hectares (3.952 acres) of land fenced in with cactus. Two (2) small houses and a big porch. Electricity by wind and solar energy. Satellite TV. Wonderful view to Lagoon and surrounding hills.
Photos on-line at http://www.infobonaire.com/html/classifieds.html . Price to be discussed. Contact mailto:darido@infobonaire.com
HOUSE
Situated on Kaya Simon Bolivar 13 (in front of Jeugdhuis Jong Bonaire) - 3 Bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, living room also 'Regenbak' separate apartment with one bedroom. Price NAFl. 250,000. Could also be
used as warehouse or office space. Please call daytime tel. 7474
LOTS AT LUGA ALEHA
Two (2) lots in Bonaire's only "Green" development. Build your home or holiday retreat in one of Bonaire's most beautiful, natural areas: a large area of private, virgin parkland, most
of which will be protected against development forever.
secluded, quiet, untouched area
property land (not rented or leased)
restrictions in deed to protect the environment and your privacy
maximum of 50 homes on 750 acres
water lines to be available
First lot - "small" lot: 9.1 to 10.5 acres. US$6826 per acre.
Second lot - "big" lot with oceanview: 27.8 acres. US$5064 per acre.
For details, contact Luga Aleha (a "remote place" in Papiamentu) at 8073, 6513, or 6733; FAX 7826 or 6733.
RENTAL - NIKIBOKO AREA
2 Bedroom Apartment in the Nikiboko area. Includes 2 bathrooms, furnished living room, a large equipped kitchen and garden. Only NAFl. 600.- per month including water and electricity.
Requires one month's deposit.
For information call 8761 or mailto:diveinn@bonairenet.com
CONDO/APARTMENT COMPLEX FOR SALE
Visit http://www.infobonaire.com/html/classifieds.html#apartments for details
RENTAL - BEACH FRONT
Attractive 2-bedroom beach house for rent on a weekly or monthly basis. Fully furnished. Aircos in bedrooms. Ceiling fans in
bedrooms and living room & dining room. Solar hot water heater. Wash machine. Beautiful garden. Very secure location with gated entrance. Convenient
location, near restaurants, marina, resorts, tennis & spa. Attractive rates to responsible parties. Contact for brochure, photos and availability.
Phone: 570-586-0098; Fax: 570-586-4013; e-mail: larryt49@alumni.princeton.edu
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For Sale:
SELL OR SWAP - COMPUTER PROCESSOR
An AMD-K6-2 333Mhz processor (a socket 7 device), new and not used before. For somebody who wants to upgrade. My motherboard can only support up to a 266Mhz CPU, so I like to swap
for another processor like Pentium 266? or AMD. Otherwise will sell for NAFl. 180,-.
Contact Robert at phone 5455 (office) daytime or mailto:architect@bonairelive.net
TRUCK
1992 Toyoto Hilux 4x4 Double Cab Truck, A/C, tinted windows, radio, bucket seats, 5 speed trans, 89,000 km, oversized tires.
NAFl 15,000 - Firm. Photo at:
http://www.bonaireenews.com/photos/19990609-truck.jpg
Call 5592 or mailto:info@samursailing.com
CAR
Mitsubishi Lancer station wagon '95, 23000 km old, AC, power-steering, 5-speed,am/fm radio-casette. All of this for one easy payment of NAFl. 15,000
People who are interested can mail to: bertus-janny@bonairelive.com
BED and BIKE
Bed, 140x190 (cm), wood, like new incl. mattress NAFl. 200,-
City Bike 15 gears, good shape NAFl. 200,-
Call John at 5472 or mailto:jhoedemakers@rnbtech.com
SAILBOAT
1984 Morgan (US-mfd) with modifications, 4 berths, aft cockpit, 6 sails (mainsail, genoa 1 and 3, foresail and stormsails), Yanmar inboard diesel engine 15KW, shower and (manual) pump toilet, freezer,
gas-stove, 25 Watt shipping traffic radiophone, depth sounder, two solar panels of 50 Watts each, One wind generator of 75 Watts. US$15,000
Photo at: http://www.bonaireenews.com/photos/19990609-sailboat.jpg
Call John 5472 or mailto:jhoedemakers@rnbtech.com
CAR
Nissan 180 SX with a revised motor and in good condition. NAFl. 4000,-.
Call Floor at 8080
GAS CLOTHES DRYER
Almost new (used only five times) American-made gas dryer. Will sell at best reasonable offer.
Call Anne after June9 to June 23 at 4878 or e-mail to mailto:anniejul@juno.com
FUTON MATTRESSES
4 futons, full/queen size, 4 years old. NAFl. 100 each.
Contact mailto:tim@oceanviewvillas.com
CARS
1995 Mitsubishi Lancer standard transmission for NAFl. 14,250.
1995 Mitsubishi Lancer automatic transmission for NAFl. 14,750.
Contact National Car Rental at 7907 or 7940.
MOTOR BIKE
New Yamaha Motor Bike, type: Dragster. 750cc, 500km
Contact Ronny at mailto:reonald@bonairenet.com or by phone at 6774
FINS
Never used TUSA diving fins, fits woman's size 7-8 bootie (booties also available). Will accept best offer.
Contact mailto:anniejul@juno.com or by phone in
Bonaire 4878 (will on-island June 9-23)
DUNE BUGGY
1972 Volkswagen Buggy, revised and okay, but old. Real eye-catcher, nice 2nd car for exposure-drivers. Asking NAFl. 4950. Photo at: http://www.BonaireENews.com/photos/19990519-dunebuggy.jpg
Call John 5472 or mailto:jhoedemakers@rnbtech.com
PICKUP TRUCK
1986 Nissan Double cab pick-up. NAFl. 6000
Call Terry at 6951
MINIVAN
1993 Suzuki Minivan. Asking NAFl. 4500.
Call Mirjam at 5080 for more information.
WET SUIT
Full Henderson wet suit - small. Only used four times. NAFl 100.
Call Diana at 5225 evenings
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Paint Shop Pro 5.0 for Windows 95/98 - Professional paint and graphics software for preparing images for brochures, Web site, at reduced price of US$80 - only two 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 6773 or mailto:jake@nettech.an
NEW KITCHEN FAUCET
Deluxe Kitchen Faucet, single control, never used, includes all parts, documentation is NAFl. 76.80 at General Store. Asking NAFl. 50/OBO. Contact Jake at 6773 or mailto:jake@nettech.an .
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Want to Buy/Swap:
DOG KENNEL
For airplane use, measurements : 61 cm wide,91 cm long,66 cm high.
Contact us at: mailto:bertus-janny@bonairelive.com
DOOR BELL TRANSFORMER
Need 125V 50Hz -> 16V AC transformer for American doorbell system.
Contact Jake at 6773 or mailto:jake@nettech.an
USED CAR
Station Wagon or Hatchback 4-door car, less than 50000 km, preferably automatic.
Call 2209 or mailto:p.e.schmid@infobonaire.com
PLASTIC BARRELS
Wanted: plastic barrels, new or used, for water storage.
E-mail mailto:fhenders@twr.org or call 4592.
MODEM
Looking for external fax modem - 28,800 bps or faster.
Call Diana at 5225 evenings
SHELVES
Looking for sturdy wooden or metal shelves to be used in a living room. Contact Linda at mailto:linda@nettech.an or 6773.
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