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Government Planning
As you've noticed in the last month's worth of Bonaire E-News issues, we've been documenting a number of the incoming government's
efforts to address Bonaire's future. With the information we've gathered on this topic, we've also been learning more about the political system of the Netherlands Antilles.
For example, one thing we've just confirmed is that in terms of the seats Bonaire holds in the Parliament of the Central Government, these remain unchanged until new elections of the Central Government take place in
July 2002. The situation in terms of Bonaire remains status quo after the recent island elections: 1 seat UPB (Green Party), which is in opposition and 2 seats PDB (Red Party), which supports the Central Government
as part of the existing coalition.
However, while the seats will continue to be held by the respective parties until the next election, the actual representatives the party selects to represent it in Parliament may change. There has been speculation
that Ramonsito Booi, current Bonaire UPB leader and member of Parliament for the UPB seat, will step down and assume the role of one of the commissioners in the Bestuurscollege on Bonaire - likely becoming the
Commissioner of Economic Development and Tourism - when the incoming Bonaire government takes office on July 2nd.
With respect to the incoming government's relationship with the Central Government, UPB's Booi, in recent reports explained that "Insular elections just took place. Up to now there is no reason to think
that this will cause a change in the Central Government. What we made clear to the Central Government is that it is of no consequence to us who is governing. However, we do feel that each island must be able to
enjoy its rights as an Insular Government. The Central Government should comply with its responsibility for Bonaire to advance."
These comments arose as the result of a meeting Booi and PABOSO (Yellow Party) leader Norwin Willem had last week with the Central Government and Netherlands Antillean Prime Minister Suzy Romer. While in Curaçao, the
pair also met with Maurice Adriaens, Minister of Communications & Transportation and Rutsel Martha, Minister of Justice.
The meeting with Mr. Martha was regarding the possibility of fighting crime with respect to both the community and tourists, while with Minister Adriaens the discussion covered airlift to Bonaire via various airlines.
Local papers reports that there had been some disapproval on Curacao of the fact that Booi and Willem bypassed Curaçao and went to Aruba first to discuss tourism. Booi stated this was a logical move in the light of
the elections that were going on in Curaçao, since the politicians there certainly had other issues on their mind. In any event, at the appropriate time, a UPB/PABOSO delegation will request a meeting with the
Bestuurscollege of Curaçao.
This week, Booi and Willem have been meeting with a number of local Bonairean organizations, including AKIB (the Association of Business and Industry on Bonaire) and BONHATA (the Bonaire Hotel and Tourism
Association), in an effort to understand the concerns of these organizations and their members as well as to share their views and positions on the future of Bonaire. After these meetings have concluded, both the
UPB and PABOSO parties making up the incoming coalition government will work together to develop a governing agreement and plan to be implemented when the government changes hands in just over a month.
AKIB Meeting Information
Two weeks ago, AKIB (Asosashon di Komersio i Industria Boneriano) held a general assembly meeting at the Plaza Resort. The full
board presided, and thirty two member companies were in attendance.
The purpose of the assembly was to provide an update to the membership, as well as raise discussion on several items affecting the Bonairean business community, including the new proposed AZV insurance plan and the
forward growth of AKIB.
The AZV is a plan offered by the national government which would apparently involve SVB's (the national social services agency) implementation and control of the following:
- Increase basis for SVB "contributions" from NAFl. 41,823 per year to NAFl. 80,000 per year. Currently, people earning over NAFl. 41,823 per year do not contribute to SVB. Under the new ruling everybody
will pay to SVB, with the maximum base of contributions set at NAFl. 80,000, even if they are earning more than NAFl. 80,000 per year.
- Maintain current total employee contribution for insurance at 3.6% (sickness ins. @ 2.1% plus AVBZ @ 1.5%)
- Increase employer contribution to 8.9% (currently 8.8%, incl. AVBZ). Thus, total suggested government premium will be 12.5%, on basis up to NAFl. 80,000.
- Include sole proprietors in the plan (currently excluded from SVB coverage).
- Include sole proprietors' real estate and other assets in the basis for their coverage.
- Abolish the current rebate by SVB to employers for sick pay (for themselves) over 3 days @ 80%
- Class III hospital benefits coverage for all participants
- Resident participants only: i.e., no benefits abroad (for retired or traveling citizens)
- Large companies like Bopec and Isla Refinery are exempt from the bill, as is the government
Needless to say, AKIB is very concerned that this package will be just another surprise of the national government, passed without input from the private sector, and without proper understanding by government
personnel of the effects of this drastic increase in small businesses' insurance costs. Another major concern is SVB's ability to efficiently implement such a comprehensive plan, seeing as they appear to be unable
to manage the current plans they administer. Even worse, the new proposed plan dumps huge sums of money in SVB pockets with reduced benefits to those footing the bill, and in times when businesses are struggling,
the AZV could be the final nail in the coffin for many enterprises. Never mind that it creates an additional disincentive for skilled workers to work in the Netherlands Antilles - after all, who wants to pay a new
12.5% penalty for no additional and tangible benefit?
AKIB, working in conjunction with VBC (Curacao Business Association) and SMTA (St. Maarten Hotel and Trade Association), is suggesting an alternate base plan for all persons that would require a nominal value of,
say, NAFl. 1,250 annually, per adult, for medical care and Class III hospital benefits. In this plan, the insured can chose his own insurance agent from the existing companies such as ING Fatum and OHRA, or from SVB
as a competitive insurance agent.
This proposal is just the first step in an effort by these three island business associations to work together in the future to protect their members and islands' mutual interests.
Additionally, AKIB is presenting the Committee of Three (also known as "The Three Wise Men") a paper detailing some of the major economic concerns of its members, including market protection, reduction of
import duties, reduction of interest rates, combating crime, government inefficiency and red tape, government recognition of the private sector in its decisionmaking, and introduction of a realistic economic
development plan for the Antilles. The Committee of Three, Mr. I. de Windt, Mr. I, G. Wawoe, and Mr. E. Tromp, men whose opinions are respected in the Antilles and Holland, were chosen by the Prime Minister, Mrs.
Romer, to report without prejudice or political bias what factors they find to be impeding the economic progress of the Antilles. AKIB also suggests privatization of those government agencies which could be more
efficiently operated for profit by experts in the private sector. Specifically mentioned were ALM, WEB, Telbo, the government statistics department and the kadaster's office.
At the assembly, AKIB's members agreed with the Board that AKIB needs a small office with parttime help to accomplish its tasks efficiently. Functions of the office would be to receive and issue communications to and
from AKIB; to collect monies and account for all income and expenditures; telephone reception and information; to provide a venue for AKIB activities; etc. A shared office with the Kamer van Koophandel
(Chamber of Commerce) has been proposed, with an annual budget of NAFl. 25,000. AKIB will seek qualified candidates for the parttime office position. It was noted that fluency in Dutch, Papiamento and English are
essential skills for such a person.
Discussion was raised at the assembly to change the tenure of board members from one year to two years for continuity's sake, and it was determined that this would require an amendment to the AKIB constitution.
Finally, AKIB members voted to increase annual membership dues to NAFl. 250.- for the next fiscal year to support budget requirements such as the new office, and new members would not need to pay dues until July of
this year. The membership also suggested stickers or certificates of membership be issued to paid member businesses. Suggestions for an AKIB logo are being sought.
Next general assembly of AKIB will be in late June, at which time a new Board will be elected. AKIB can be reached at 5563, FAX: 8486.
Culinary Team Dinner - Recap
Last night, Tuesday May 25th, the Bonaire Culinary Team cooked to a sell out audience at the Den Laman Restaurant and got
good reviews. This was their first practice session together in preparation for the Taste of the Caribbean culinary Olympics which takes place the end of July in Miami. Guests were treated to an appetizer of fresh
wahoo topped with banana crumbs served with a thyme and lemon mojo (sauce) over refried beans. The main course was roast pork loin with lemon grass and herbs accompanied by green papaya ratatouille and yam chips.
The dessert was a rice pudding fit for an emperor with almonds served in a sweet fried tortilla.
Last night's chefs were Vernon Martin from Rum Runners, Sergio Piar and Gonzalo Torres from Harbour Village and Anthony Anthony and Vladimir Castro from the Plaza. Liz Rinja of Den Laman is the team bartender. Team
Captain is Marcel Nahr of Rendez-Vous Restaurant.
The team's next dinner session is again limited to 60 lucky diners. It will be on Tuesday, June 8, 7pm, again at the Den Laman Restaurant. Tickets are priced at NAFl. 35,- which include accompanying wines are
on sale from 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). It is advised that you get your tickets soon as they sell out quickly, based on last night's feast.
Farewell to "Bonnie" Art Gallery
When Bonnie Kerr came to the island to open the Bonaire Art Gallery, she put art on the map of Bonaire. Not only
did she bring in art from around the world, she made art supplies available here to make it easier for local artists to work. She acknowledged art and artists as an economic force on Bonaire.
From her background of operating galleries in metropolitan areas she brought a professionalism and dedication to developing the art scene here. Her doors were opened to all who wanted to create, and she instructed,
inspired, encouraged and developed local talent. Artists emerged from the local community, from the high school, from the cruising boats, even from visitors to the island. Her one-man and group theme shows raised
our collective art consciousness and made many an artist a star.
She met her husband, wind surfer Sylvain Pilon, a French Canadian, on the island, and together they gathered a group of teenaged boys with artistic promise. Their paintings and beaded jewelry hang in the Gallery. But
new places and new challenges have called Bonnie and Sylvain. They're moving to the Hawaiian Islands to raise the art consciousness there. Exactly which island hasn't been decided upon yet, but whichever one is
chosen will be lucky to have such a talented and energetic pair. Our island will lose something when they go, but we want to wish them luck and all the best. (Courtesy of Port Call - And we're in full agreement at
the Bonaire E-News - Good Luck Bonnie & Sylvain!)
A footnote - the offerings of the Bonaire Art Gallery won't disappear when Bonnie and Sylvain leave us behind. Instead, Hilda Nahr, owner of the Harmony Gift Shop is moving her business into the Art Gallery space and
assuming much of the inventory of art, crafts, and jewelry, combining it with her own offerings from Harmony. Port Call reports that the newly merged shop should be open by July 1st.
Marine Park Teaches Teachers
by Don Ricks
How can we teach dozens of Bonairean kids to understand and care about the marine environment? By teaching one school teacher about the marine environment. And if we help dozens of teachers pass on environmental
information and values, the future of Bonaire¹s reefs may be assured for generations as the children grow up, leave the schools, and start making the decisions that determine the island¹s fate.
That was the thinking behind "Coral Reef Ecology and Related Ecosystems", a course the Bonaire Marine Park sponsored for local teachers last week. By educating the teachers, then letting them educate
the children, the Marine Park can stretch its limited resources and fulfill one of its key mandates: to help everyone whose actions affect the marine environment become more knowledgeable it.
The course was taught by Marine Biologist Ivan Nagelkerken, who designed it under commission by VOMIL (the Department of Public Heath and Environment) with funding from KNAP. It was developed specifically to teach
how the principles of marine ecology operate in the waters of the Netherlands Antilles, and it emphasizes the dynamic relationships between the sea grasses and mangroves of the bays and the coral reefs outside.
Earlier in the 1990s the course was offered several times for teachers on Curaçao, but no one thought to bring it to Bonaire because the island had only three teachers of marine biology. Then in 1995, as part of its
ongoing educational strategy, the Marine Park risked sponsoring the course, uncertain what turnout to expect. Twenty-five local teachers signed up.
Like those teachers, the ones who attended enjoyed an interesting and busy week. They had four afternoons of lectures, followed by hands-on projects, then films, on subjects ranging from saltwater environments to
mangrove crabs. The course ended with a field trip to Lac, and the teachers left with valuable books and other learning materials.
Bonaire Twin Cinema News & Features - May 27 - June 2, 1999
Bonaire Twin Cinema is located in the heart of Kralendijk next to the Exito Bakery and
behind the Cultimara Supermarket. Starting Thursday, May 27, Bonaire Twin Cinema will be offering the following film features (NaFl. 10.- for all normal features, special pricing for matinees on weekends):
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Cruel Intentions
- Nightly at 7:00pm
- Matinee Sat. & Sun. at 2:15pm and 4:15pm
- Late show Fri. & Sat. at 11:15pm
Driven by a lust for each other and a fetish for corrupting innocent young lives, Kathyn and Sabastian, two wealthy, manipulative teenage stepsiblings from Manhattan's upper crust, hatch a secret plan. Sabastian 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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Abeltje
- Nightly at 7:15pm
- Matinee Sat. & Sun. at 2:00pm
Based on a popular Dutch children's book of the same name, this is the story of a young boy who ends up in a magical elevator and presses the wrong button, leading him to one adventure after another. At least, that's
what we think the plot is, based on the previews we've seen at the movie theatre. You see, our Dutch isn't very good yet, and our knowledge of Dutch children's books pales in comparison to our knowledge of the Dutch
language (i.e. we're close to clueless regarding Dutch children's books), and seeing as the movie is almost entirely in Dutch (except for one scene where a woman exclaims in English that Abeltje (the boy) is not her
son) with no discernable subtitles, this description you're reading is the best we can do. However, we suspect that families who are fluent in Dutch will get great enjoyment from this film. And heck, we even found
mention of the movie on a Dutch Web site! For more details, visit: http://www.mkbnet.nl/Nieuws/anp/CUL/990319223.shtml (Not Rated, Comedy,
Dutch Language, 105 minutes)
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She's All That
- Matinee Sat. & Sun. at 4:30pm
- Nightly at 9:15pm
- Late show Fri. & Sat. at 11:30pm
Freddie Prinze Jr. Stars as a high school stud who makes a bet with a fellow classmate that he can turn geeky Rachel Leigh Cook into a Prom queen. Problems arise when Prinze falls in love with the former geek. (Rated
PG-13, Romantic Comedy, 95 minutes). For more details, visit: http://headlines.yahoo.com/Full_Coverage/Movies/She_s_All_That/
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The Faculty
- Nightly at 9:00pm
In this movie from the writer of Scream and Scream 2, high school students discover that their teachers truly are from a different planet, when two of them witness the murder of the school nurse. (Rated R, Horror
SciFi, 104 minutes). For more details, see: http://headlines.yahoo.com/Full_Coverage/Movies/The_Faculty/
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Coming Soon (dates and releases subject to change):
- June 3 - Message in a Bottle & The Corrupter
- June 10 - Analyze This
- June 17 - Forces of Nature & The King and I
- June 24 - True Crime
- July 1 - Entrapment & Payback
- July 8 - Life
Kids Free Movie Club is scheduled for May 30th at Noon.
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
- Newsgroup Update. The new InfoBonaire Newsgroup, where discussions about Bonaire happen is hopping. In just the first ten days of operation it's had over 140 postings and nearly the same amount of registered
users. Because of this, and because the Bonaire E-News is getting longer than we'd like, we will start, with this issue of the E-News, posting additional article portions in the new InfoBonaire Newsgroup, with links
from the E-News to those external portions. If you haven't checked out the new Newsgroup yet, take a look at http://www.InfoBonaire.com/newsgroup .
- Bonaire Dive Club Meeting. On Thursday, May 27th, at 7:30pm, the recently formed Bonaire Dive Club will be holding its very first meeting at the Green Submarine dive shop at Kaya Playa Lechi 24 (located at
the water, north of Kralendijk and just south of the Harbour Village Marina entrance). For details, call Eric Groenhart at 2929.
- Hotel Expansions & Renovations. Port Call reports that the government last week gave approval for the expansion of a number of properties for more rooms and other features. Those properties include Capt.
Don's Habitat, Caribbean Court, Eden Beach, Harbour Village Beach Resort, and the Plaza Resort. Harbour Village plans a 100 room hotel on the south side of the water entrance to the Marina as well as a golf course
(fore!) and waterway on the east side of Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot. However, don't get your clubs out of your closet yet. It'll probably be a while before a golf course gets put in. In related news, the Divi
Flamingo's new General Manager, Desmond Ridderstap outlined details of what is planned for the first phase of a renovation of his property on the InfoBonaire Newsgroup at
http://www.infobonaire.com/cgi-local/bbs/show.cgi?24/54
Local press reports indicate that these renovations will start mid-August, and be done
in sections so that the property can remain open and provide work for existing employees.
- New Phone for Ambulance & Fire Department. It's official! Bonaire ambulance service is now being operated by the Brandweer (Fire Department), and therefore ambulance operators are now properly trained in
emergency aid (this wasn't the case before when the ambulance was operated by the police department). With this change, the fire department and ambulance service now also have a new phone number: 191. Write it down.
It's important. 191 as in one-nine-one.
- Capt. Don's Habitat - Local Rates. In last week's Quick Takes we noted that Photo Tours Divers offers all their services to those holding legal Bonairean residency at local rates. Shortly after publication we received notice from Capt. Don's Habitat Dive Operations Manager, Jack Chalk, that Habitat has had the same policy for years, but it just hasn't publicized it. So, here for the record, Habitat provides local discounts for Bonairean residents on their services too - pay the dollar price in guilders if you have a Sedula (official ID from the Netherlands Antilles). Habitat's Web site has details on their dive services at http://www.HabitatDiveResorts.com/BonaireHome.html
- More Bicycle Races Coming Up. This past weekend's bicycle races attracted nearly a dozen cyclists, and will probably be repeated in October. Meanwhile, the Bonaire Cycle Club will be hosting its second
annual Kralendijk/Lac Bay cycle tour on Saturday, June 5th. They'll start at 8am at the Cycle Bonaire bike shop on Kaya L.D. Gerharts. The tour is open to everyone, on all sorts of bikes, and is meant to be a more
laid back family event. Cost to participate in the tour is NAFl. 10 and can be paid even as late as the morning of the ride. There will be a few stops with fruit and juice along the way, and things to eat at the
finish at Lac Bay / Cai. Transportation will be provided back to town for those who don't want to ride both ways (usually most everyone :-) ).
Those needing bicycles can rent them from Cycle Bonaire. For details contact Brad Swanson at 8814.
- Get a Domain Name. Now, a word from our sponsor... NetTech has come up with an affordable and easy way to help you get and maintain your own Internet domain name (e.g. YourName.com). For a fee of US$80 plus
registration fees (US$70 for a .com, .org, or .net domain, zero for a .an domain), NetTech will obtain and register an Internet domain of your choice for you. Additionally, it will configure the domain to handle
e-mail access, so that you can start using the domain effectively for your personal or business use almost immediately, and the cost would be only US$20/month. Additionally (this is the new part), you would get FREE
Web page hosting (i.e. no monthly fees) for Web pages located at http://www.InfoBonaire.com/YourDomain (i.e. a subsection of the popular InfoBonaire Web site). You could either design your own Web pages or have
NetTech do so for you at their normal hourly rate. And, if at some later point you wanted to have a separate Web site, the conversion is simple and straightforward (although it involves a higher monthly fee). This
offer is only open to Bonairean-based businesses and individuals. Contact Jake at mailto:jake@nettech.an or 6773 for more information.
- Dura Home Center. The folks at Casa Nena have a warehouse from which they sell furniture. Then one day, they must have overheard someone talking about the plethora of warehouse stores in the U.S., and were
struck by an idea. A warehouse store on Bonaire. What's a warehouse store? A place were you can buy things in bulk at reduced prices. Bonaire already offers such for food, in the form of Consales and Warehouse
Bonaire, but now the new Dura Home Center has taken things in a different direction by offering a wide variety of goods, including cereals, toys, sundries (stuff for the bathroom), furniture, appliances, and more.
They also sell this real cool electric bug zapper - it shoots sparks when you nail flies and mosquitoes (and kills them in the process). Anyhow, check them out, especially if you're looking for U.S. goods like
Kellogg's cereal, Charmin toilet paper, etc. They are located in the eastern end of the Casa Nena furniture warehouse.
- Animal Shelter Fair & BBQ. Don't miss the big Bonaire Animal Shelter Fair & Barbecue on Sunday, June 6th, at Wilhelmina Park across from Town Pier. The action starts at 11am and goes until 6pm. There
will be a fabulous barbecue, a Wheel of Fortune (NAFl. 2 for 3 numbers), children's games, prizes, beer, soft drinks and a variety of sales items. Tickets for the barbecue are NAFl. 15 and can be purchased ahead of
the event from the Animal Shelter (tel. 4989) or from Barbara van Olphen (tel. 7162). A special event at 3pm will be a "fancy dress" (animal theme costume) contest for children 12 years and younger. Prizes
will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. All proceeds will benefit the Animal Shelter. (Courtesy of Port Call)
- Jiwiri Playback. The kids, aged 2-4, of the Speelschool Jiwiri, are presenting a "Playback" at the Jong Bonaire center at 4pm on Sunday, June 6th. The playback features the children singing and
presenting, and is the highlight of the preschool year for the youngsters. Tickets are NAFl. 3.50 for children, NAFL. 5.00 for adults. Contributions to the school to help make the event even more fun for the kids
are also being sought. For details and tickets, contact Esmerelda at 8052.
- ABN Amro Tennis Tourney. The 4th Annual ABN AMRO Youth Tennis Tourney will be held at the Plaza Resort during the week of June 5-12. The tourney features singles play for mini, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 year
categories, played in a round robin fashion, and doubles for the 12 and 18 year categories. You must sign up by May 29th. Cost is NAFl. 10. Contact the Tennis School Sport Bonaire at 6907 for more details.
- Sculpture Exhibit Opens. Last Friday, May 21st, Dutch artist Josephine Ebing opened an exhibit featuring a collection of mostly abstract sculpture, through an invitation of the Fundashon Historiko Kultural
Boneriano. The exhibit, which runs for a month, is being held in the gallery called El Enkuentro - "The Meeting" at Kaya Grandi 38 (across from the Botica Bonaire. Ms. Ebing came to Bonaire for the
first time 5 years ago and was deeply impressed by the island. Her works are in alabaster, marble, wood, bronze and even the trunk of a palm tree. Some pieces were created on Bonaire. Show runs through June 21, and
Ms. Ebing can be reached at 4183.
- Fish Species on Bonaire. The Bonaire E-News is trying to compile a list of all fish seen on Bonaire. See
http://www.infobonaire.com/cgi-local/bbs/show.cgi?30/77
for details.
- Dr. Lont Has Moved. The Island Government announced last week that Dr. Lont's offices in Nort Salinja will be closed for renovations from Monday, May 24, 1999 for an indefinite period of time. During the
period her offices are closed, Dr. Lont will see patients in the Sentro di Bario (Community Center) in Nort Salinja, from 10 a.m. on each weekday.
- Porch Sale. Don and Ditta Balstra are holding a porch sale the weekend of May 29 and 30. Featured will be furniture, a waterbed, tools, generators, kitchen items, books, and adult's clothes. The porch sale
runs from 8am to 5pm each day, and will be held at Kaya Alkmaar 5 in Hato.
- Alexandra Rey. A dear friend of ours and many others on Bonaire is leaving the island for Belgium on June 9th. Alexandra and her son Dylan are well known throughout Bonaire. Alexandra works (until this
Friday, May 28th) at Sunbelt Realty, where she has handled real estate sales, rentals, and just generally taking great care of Sunbelt's clients, many of whom (including us) have evolved into being good friends. So
if, Alexandra's departure to Europe is news to you, please be sure to stop in and see her this week and wish her well, or drop her a note at mailto:alexandra@sunbelt.an .
- Phoenix Jazz Project. The Dock of the Bay restaurant and poolbar at Buddy Dive Resort will feature a "unique Jazz event" this Sunday, May 30th, starting at 4pm until late. The event features The
Phoenix Jazz Project, a local band first heard (under a different name) at the Wine & Cheese Fundraiser in late March. There is no admission charge. The band will be playing at the pool bar, which features a
happy hour from 5pm to 6pm, and a light and inexpensive BBQ will also be offered. Call 5211 for more information.
- Maritime Conference. The maritime sector of Bonaire took center stage at the Plaza Hotel for 3 days last week. The second annual Bonaire Maritime Congress brought together government leaders, marine
officers, industry representatives, educators and businessmen for an update on maritime affairs in the region and a retrospective on the nautical legacy of Bonaire. The Congress' theme was the 500 year anniversary
of the European discovery of Bonaire by Amerigo Vespucci. Keynote speakers, Governor of the Netherlands Antilles Jaime Saleh and Bonaire Lt. Governor Richard Hart, set the theme with their talks focusing on the
importance of maritime activities on the economics and culture of the area. Many interesting talks, slide shows, and videos filled the sessions. Presenters included the Antillean and U.S. Coast Guards, the Royal
Dutch Navy, REMPETIC-CARIB (pollution control), shipbuilders, BOPEC (who operate Bonaire's oil storage facilities) and many others. The program also included a brief tour of the coastline aboard the new Antillean
Coast Guard cutter, Jaguar. The Congress represented an important opportunity for Bonaire to present itself to the maritime world. (Courtesy of Port Call) A copy of Lt. Governor Richard Hart's keynote speech can be
found at:
http://www.infobonaire.com/cgi-local/bbs/show.cgi?36/80
- More Grand Prix Races. This Sunday, May 30th, The Dome will be featuring, via satellite, big screen racing action in the form of the Grand Prix of Spain. The race starts at 8am. Those interested in seeing
the qualifying races can stop in on Saturday the 29th at 8am.
- Underwater Clean-up. Mark your calendars. The next monthly underwater clean-up dive, co-sponsored by NetTech and Green Submarine, is scheduled for Saturday, June 5th at 10am at the Green Submarine dive shop.
The dive is followed by a pot-luck barbecue. Free tanks provided to participating divers, courtesy of several local dive operators. For details or to RSVP call Eric at 2929 or mailto:dive@greensubmarine.com or Jake at mailto:jake@nettech.an or 6773.
- Celia Cruz. Do not miss the famous Celia Cruz, who will be performing on June 5th in the Stadium. The Cuban born star, presently living in Florida, has maintained her reputation for the last 40 plus years. Bonaire
is proud to be hosting such a world famous star. A special thanks goes to Bon FM which initiated the project. Tickets are sold for US $ 20 at Antilles Banking. (Courtesy of Entre Nous)
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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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 .
PERSON WITH RM/COBOL-85
Need ASAP help with converting a big data file currently in RM/COBOL-85 VER 5.01 format. Someone with RM/COBOL-85 program please contact me at: mailto:marlon95@hotmail.com
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Real Estate:
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:
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
PALM TREES
Our 3 palm trees need a new home. In 3 concrete ornamented pots, heavy. Cash and carry NAFl. 925.
Call Henk at 5399
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
CARS FOR SALE
AVIS Car Rental is selling fleet. All cars are in excellent condition and are usually 36 months old. Offering pick-ups, trucks, double cabin Toyota and Nissan, Toyota Tercels, Nissan Salons, Kia 12
passenger vans, Toyota Corollas and three Suzuki Jeeps which are 1995. Prices start at NAFl 10000,-. Serious offers only please. Call for Appointment to view, Monday - Friday, 7am - 3pm, Phone: 5795.
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.
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:
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
WANT FOR SWAP
American Street Legal Vehicle (any type) to swap for diesel, truck in very good running condition.
Call 7120 or mailto:bonart@bonairenet.com
HIGH CHAIR
Need high chair for infant. Contact Enit at mailto:escholtens@bonairenet.com
SHELVES
Looking for sturdy wooden or metal shelves to be used in a living room. Contact Linda at mailto:linda@nettech.an or 6773.
OFFICE CHAIR
Looking for a good second hand office chair.
Call Donald Paula at 2773
SED CAR
Toyota, Nissan or Mitsubishi, 1993 or younger, under 8000 NAFl.
Respond to Carol at mailto:sunfishworlds@bonairelive.com
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