Bonaire reporter ( December 11, 2009 )

00012-11-2009 ( .pdf )

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P.O. Box 407, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, Phone 790-6518, 7 86-6518, www.bonairereporter.com email: reporter@bonairenews.com Since 1994 On-line every day, 24/7 Printed every fortnight Laura DeSalvo photo

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Page 2 Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 I t's the 10th Year of Celebration of the Christmas Market in Rincon on Saturday, December 19. During the traditional Christmas Market in Rincon there the 10-year anniversary will be celebrated with stand holders, Rinconeros and visitors. This marshé will replace the normal Saturday early morning market. During this Christmas Market there will be stands selling products and articles as gifts especially for the season, and visitors will be able to shop among sparking lights. There will also be music for the end of the year, krioyo music and Christmas carols. The Marshé will be open from 4 pm until 11 pm. As usual the Christmas Market will have a festive ambiance, colorful decoration and be full of lights. Ten years ago the Rinfa women’s club established a permanent marshé in the Rincon barrio square to develop Rincon socially and economically. Many area residents have been coming to the marshé on the first Saturday of every month to offer their products. If you are interested in having a stand to participate in the marshé, contact as soon as possible: Dorothy Cecilia (cel 796-9046) or Raymunda Anthonie (7173696). Maritza San Pedro, translation by Laura DeSalvo The Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association ( BONHATA) announced its new Board of Directors for the term 2010 & 2011 Executive Board: President – Ms. Sara Matera, Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino Vice President – Mr. Jack Chalk, Captain Don’s Habitat Secretary/Treasurer – Mr. Dirk Jan Methorst, Jibe City Directors at Large Mr. Serge de Groote, Divi Dive Mr. Martin van Bekkum, Kontiki Beach Bonaire Mr. Huub Groot, Restaurant It Rains Fishes Mr. Gilberto Lira, Sand Dollar Condominium Resort Mrs. Anja Romeijnders, Sunbelt Realty Mr. Bart Snelder, Wannadive. BONHATA has a membership of 76, comprising resorts, hotels, apartments, diving companies, car rentals, restaurants and other tourism related businesses on Bonaire. On Wednesday, December 3, work on the culvert under Kaya Grandi was finally completed and the road reopened to traffic. It will provide relief from street flooding in times of heavy rain and will minimize runoff into the sea. Additional upstream work is planned for next year. Bonaire’s Public Library, Biblioteka publiko, suffers every year because many of its books get “lost.” Why? The books are not returned or forgotten. After a while there is the fear of having to pay high fines or perhaps embarrassment. Since 2007 over 1,200 books have gone missing. Unfortunately, most people do not realize how precious a book is. The average price of a book is around NAƒ 50. But it’s not only the material value that is important. Knowledge is lost. The dwindling collection is detrimental to the library and ultimately affects the community. Biblioteka publiko has tried everything to recover the missing books. Reminder cards are sent, fines are cut, but nothing helped. Until now. Table of Contents This Week’s Stories Bonaire Reporter Question 2 Getting Ready For The Referendum (UN visit) 3 Guest Editorial– Cooperation Not Confrontation 6 Eat Healthy (Nature’s Way) 6 Santa Family Day/ Hamburger Contest 8 Christmas Market 8 Straw Poll -Staten and Referendum 9 Tina Woodley Returns 9 Lionfish on Bonaire 10 Reef Windows-Capt. Don’s New Book 11 Swimming World Cup in 2011? 11 Sanikolas Arrives 12 Jan Lambada Bouwman Obituary 13 Letters to the Editor— Nature Above Money, Cruise Ships, Survey Comments 14 Culture of the Indian Art Show (Booi, Dania) 14 Shelter Auction Dinner 15 Altimira Unjo Moonlight Walk 15 Affordable Homes Expo 19 CIEE Presentations 20 Klein Bonaire 10 years 20 10 Years Green Label 22 Polluted Wells 22 Plane Recovery Problems 22 Departments Flotsam & Jetsam 2 On the Island Since (Ana & Eugene Makaai) 4 Bonairean Voices (School Nutrition ) 7 Sudoku Puzzle 7 Bon Quiz #19 (Fort Oranje) 7 Pet of the Week (Oscar) 15 Picture Yourself (South Africa) 16 Classifieds 16 Tide Table 16 Reporter Masthead 17 What’s Happening 17 Shopping & Service Guides 18 BonQuiz Answer 19 Sudoku Answer 19 Bonaire On Wheels (Chevy Impala) 21 Sky Park (Geminids, find Nepttune) 23 The Stars Have It 23 How to contact us Letters to the Editor: Reporter@bonairenews.com Story tip or idea: info@bonairenews.com The Publisher: George@bonairenews.com Box 407, Bonaire, Neth. Antilles. Phone 790-8988 Phone 790-6518 / 786-6518 Available on-line at: www.bonairereporter.com Printed Every Fortnight, On-line Every day, 24/7 Next edition printing on December 22, 2009. Story and Ad deadline: December 18, 2009. SCOOTER & BIKE SALES & REPAIR Peugeot, Kymco Loekie, Giant Gazelle Brands Parts and accessories for any brand scooter or bike Bike Clothes for Everyone Kaya Grandi #61 Across from INPO Open: 8:30-12:30, 2:00-5:30 Owner Operated freewieler@flamingotv.net A Bonaire Reporter Question In the previous edition of The Reporter we asked our readers to indicate their preference for the type of information released to promote Bonaire. The table at the right shows the results to date. Choosing what information to release can be difficult. Obviously, everyone wants to report the good news. But what about crime, environmental damage, political shenanigans, or illnesses that all affect both the island’s people and their important guests, the tourists. We posed the question to our readers: What is the most effectiv e way to promote Bonaire? 1. Present only good news 2. Present all news 3. Present good news and only the not-so-good-news that has been “okayed” by island tourism authorities The results to date are indicated above and include Internet poll and other responses. The question will remain open until December 21, 2009. You can go on line to www.bonairereporter.com to click your answer, email to reporter@bonairenews.com or mail to Reporter, Box 407, Bonaire Nether lands Antilles. Phone (599) 7906518 or (599) 786-6518. For that reason, the library created DRAW BOOKS. How does it work? Anyone who brings back library books that should have been long since returned, receives a free ticket for each book. The more books that someone brings back, the more tickets that person receives and the greater the chance to win prizes of great new books. For additional information, contact Sharon Bol at 717-8944 The next mountain bike tour in Washington Slagbaai National Park is on Sunday, December 20. This tour is for riders of all levels of experience, for beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders. More advanced/ experienced riders can begin and end their tour in Kralendijk, about 80 km. There will be assistance in the Park with a pick-up truck in case participants get tired so they can catch a ride. Cost is $14.50 per person and includes a sandwich, drinks, and fruit but not the Park fee. For more information, visit www.bonairewellness.com , email info@ bonairewellness.com, or phone +599 717-4241 or 785-0767. For the holidays Chat 'n' Browse is offering 15 minutes of free Internet service when customers reference "Welcome 2009" during the holidays. This gives travelers the perfect opportunity to stay in touch with those back home. For more information, visit www.chatnbrowse.com or email info@chatnbrowse.com. What better gift for the holiday that being able to heal yourself and others? You can do it when you master the techniques of Healing Touch. The Foundation Healing Touch World-(Continued on page 8) What type of news best promotes Bonaire? All News Good News Only Good news and ONLY the notso-good-news that has been “okayed” by island tourism authorities 89% 3% 8% Real Bonairean cuisine at the Marshé

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Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Page 3 T he Bonaire Government invited several experts to provide perspective and advice on the conduct of the incoming Referendum on the future type of government that Bonaire voters will select . Despite the fact that the outcome of the Referendum is non binding, it is being taken very seriously and will be run under United Nations guidelines. On Saturday, November 28, Dr. Carlyle Corbin, the former mini ster in charge of foreign relations for the US Virgin Islands and an international advisor on political structure and UN Caribbean and Pacific treaty issues, met with Bonaire government officials to offer his expertise. He discussed alternative choices for Bonaire’s upcoming referendum. He visited at the invitation of the Executive Council. Following the closed-door meetings he was interviewed by the press in a conference in the Pasangrahan. Representatives from Papiamentu, Dutch and English language newspapers were present. Dr. Corbin talked at length about the differences and similarities between integration of a former colony with the “mother country” and a free association following the release of colonial ties. He said that integration can take several forms as could a free association which is also is a legitimate political status recognized in 1960 by th e UN under article 1541. The essence of his message was "People have a right to be consulted once again (in a referendum)... after they have been given more information." When asked if the present Dutch position of “if the past agreement to integrate ( laso direkto ) is rejected, then the only choice Holland will give Bonaire is to become independent” is legitimate, he answered, “Well, it is a good bargaining position to start with.” He went on to say that if Bonaire felt they were unreasonably treated they could appeal to the UN General Assembly—a very serious step for both parties. G.D. During the following week, Mansour Sadeghi and Peter Eicher of the UN’s Electoral Support Department held meetings with members of the Executive Council, political parties, the press and others. The UN advisors said they were NOT here to approve or disapprove but for advice. Their goal is to insure that the referendum meets minimum international standards. The UN is very interested in knowing what are the referendum questions being asked and how are they phrased. They want to be sure there are clear definitions of the options. They want to know that the process is impartial, transparent and neutral. The UN also wants to know that the public is adequately informed. The advisors feel there needs to be an unbiased informational program of at least one month but probably not more than two months to insure that the public knows all the options and what they might mean. Attendees to the stakeholder session were also very interested in unbiased education on the options before the referendum. Another UN concern is that no citizens be left out of the voting. This is a question that the UN is discussing with the local politicians and feels very strongly that there should be no disenfranchisement of Dutch citizens. The UN prefers universal voting rights and wants to see the voting with as few limits as possible. One of the voting restrictions being considered by the government is that local Dutch citizens must have five years of uninterrupted residency on the island before they can vote. “This is a ‘Red Flag” for the UN,” the experts said. The UN says it recommends against this restriction and recommends “extreme caution” on any limits of citizens. Stakeholders also pointed out that Antilleans who move to Holland do not have to wait five years to vote. On the question of whether the age limit should be 16 or 18, the UN did not have a strong position. The UN feels the community should decide at what age a person is considered an “adult” and that there is no international standard on this point. On the question of whether Bonaireans in other parts of the world should be allowed to vote, the UN said this has become a difficult question because there is no such thing as “Bonairean” citizenship. The question arises whether anyone born on Bonaire would be considered Bonairean vs. someone who moved here when he was two months old. The UN seems to feel that this particular question is too complicated to deal with for the coming election and that it would not be included in the options. (Continued on page 19) Governor Thodé with Dr. Carlyle Corbin UN Advisors Mansour Sadeghi & Peter Eicher

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Page 4 Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 “W hen I was a child, my family emigrated from Portugal to Venezuela to look for better opportunities. My father came to Bonaire first as he was working for Techno Consult, the company that built the Sonesta Hotel on Bonaire, which is now Harbor Village. In 1988 it became very dangerous in Venezuela and we moved to Bonaire. I was 14. It was a beautiful safe haven. Our upbringing was very strict, but my dad liked to go to the casino and he and his friends would take me with them for good luck! That’s how I met Eugene. He was a dealer at the casino at the Flamingo Beach Hotel and he was 19.” She smiles. “He was very congenial. When I was 15 I was working for Bonaire Trading. On weekends my sisters and I would go swimming at Flamingo Beach and one day Eugene took us home and my father called him in. That’s how it started and it became serious. We were very much in love, but in a totally innocent way. However, my parents were against it. I was 17 when my dad told me, ‘You are going to Portugal for three months and you forget about the Negro.’ I said, ‘No, I love him.’ It was the first time in my life that I didn’t obey my parents. The next day I went to see Eugene’s mother and told her we wanted to get married. Eugene was 21 and I was 17 and his mom said ‘No problem.’ So, Eugene’s parents went to see my parents to ask them if their son could marry their daughter. My parents got very angry with me. They thought I was pregnant. I didn’t say a word. Eugene and I didn’t have any physical relationship. The next day my father told me, ‘Get married before the baby comes.’ My mom flew to Portugal to get my birth certificate, but when she came back she noticed that I was as slim as I was before. Well, to make a long story short, we did get married.” She looks at Eugene and he says, “ We were happy, but it was hard, because there were many relatives in both families who didn’t agree with it.” Ana gets up to help a client and when she comes back she says, “ Eugene started working for BOPEC and one year after we got married he became ill. We went to see all the doctors on the island, but they all thought it was a stomach problem. It went rapidly; he became very thin and my mom said to me, ‘Something is really wrong – your husband is going to die…’ Then one day, Eugene and I and his parents went to the hospital and – that’s how I see it – our life is determined by God, because that particular day a Dutch doctor was visiting this trainee who was examining Eugene and while this trainee was busy with Eugene the doctor immediately told us, ‘Eugene’s kidneys are in very bad shape.’ The next morning Eugene was to be transported by ambulance plane to Curaçao. And as always in our life we barely made it because the pilot had just broken his wrist, but nevertheless he did fly the plane!’ Eugene explains : “We arrived at Hato airport in Curaçao and I was already unconscious because my blood was poisoned and my lungs were filled with fluid. Then the ambulance that was supposed to pick us up was having car trouble. When it finally arrived, the pilot and I both got in, together…!’ He laughs. “ What a situation! Ayayay!” Ana says, “The specialist in (Continued on page 5) “ ….at the Virgin of Fatima. Wh en we were at that sacred place, I crawled on my knees to the Virgin and prayed to her to fulfill our wish and help us with our situation.” ROCARGO SERVICES, N.V. International Freight (Car) BV The ONLY company offering direct weekly consolidation services from Europe/Holland to Bonaire www.ifc-consolidators.nl Jupiterweg 1A (Ecopark) 4761 RW Moerdijk, Holland Tel 31-(0) 168-40-94 94 Fax 31-(0) 168-40 94 70 Offering DAILY Express Services from and to Bonaire For shipment tracking www.fedex.com The World On Time Kaya Industria 12, KralendijkBonaire—N.A. 717-8922 FAX 717-5791 Email:info@rocargo.com Amcar Freight, Inc. The ONLY company offering direct weekly consolidation services from Miami, USA to Bonaire www.amcarfreight.com 7860 N.W. 80th Street Medley, Florida 33166 Tel. (305) 599-8866 Fax (305) 599-2808 For All Your Shipping Needs Full service door to door by air and by sea. Customs clearance, transportation, warehousing. International and local relocation. Packing material in stock. Qualified and professional personnel. Timely, accurate and reliable ISO 9001: 2000 Certified Eliana, Eugene and Ana Makaii

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Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Page 5 Curaçao, Dr. Engels, told me we’d barely made it. It took the doctors a lot of effort to get him stabilized and then we discussed the future with the specialist. He told us about a method called CAPD: they put a permanent catheter in the peritoneum and every four hours, 24 hours per day, you put another bag of a concentrated liquid to flush the person. We could stay home and live our ‘normal’ life with this method without having to go to Curaçao three times a week to have him hooked up to the machine.” She looks at me. “I really, really hope a kidney dialyses centre will be established on the island soon. It’s a hard life for the people suffering from kidney failure.” Ana, Eugene and Eliana are very pure and absolutely beautiful people. Their story is one about true love and about never giving up, never giving in and at the same time accepting the way life comes to you. “Ana learned how to take care of me,” Eugene recalls . “She was my nurse, my doctor, my wife… my everything. I went to the States with my sister to see if I could be a candidate for a transplant. After all the tests, they told me I would make a good candidate, but being a foreigner, there was only a small chance I could get a kidney. So I went back to Dr. Engels in Curaçao and told him I wanted to go to Holland. Dr. Engels told me I wouldn’t survive the flight and that time was running out on me. I asked another doctor for a second opinion and he told me I would make a good candidate and that I should go to Holland. Thank God I had very good insurance with BOPEC. In November 1993 we flew to Holland.” Ana looks at me quietly. “ I still have Dr. Engels’ letter in which he wrote me that Eugene wouldn’t live to be 25, that he wasn’t a good candidate for a transplant and that we never would have children…” Tears well up in her eyes and she smiles. “ It was God who decided differently. We had been trying to get pregnant for a long time, but it didn’t work out. In December 1993 we went to see my parents in Portugal and they told us to see the Virgin of Fatima. When we were at that sacred place, I crawled on my knees to the Virgin and prayed to her to fulfill our wish and help us with our situation. By the end of March 1994 I felt sick and went to see the doctor, he did a test and told me, ‘Mrs. Makaai, you are three months pregnant! It was a miracle of God.” “Our beautiful, sweet and healthy daughter Eliana was born November 10th 1994,” Eugene says . “So much happiness, it made me strong and I felt I will never give up, never, ever. I still didn’t have a new kidney, but life went on. I started to study at Nautical College in Katwijk, Holland, to become a nautical officer – something I’d dreamed of all my life and I wanted to make my dream come true. I was flushing, studying and helping Ana to take care of the baby as she was working two, sometimes even three jobs. We didn’t see much of each other, but it was always Ana who pulled us through, who pushed me to go on, and without her my wife I wouldn’t be anything, I would not be here anymore.” “May 1995,” Ana continues, “ Eugene was offered a kidney, but he couldn’t accept it, because his peritoneum was infected and his blood pressure way too high. Again I went to see the Virgin of Fatima and again I went on my knees. In the beginning of 1996 Eugene’s health was deteriorating rapidly – I was desperate and prayed to God. Then on May 27th, 1996, they called us to say they had a kidney. That same day Eugene was operated at the University Hospital in Leiden. When he came out of the operation I took his hand. It was pink and warm and I knew everything was okay. It took him three months to recover – the only time he didn’t go to school. He got his diploma in 1999 and from that time on until 2004 Eugene worked as a nautical officer, sailing around the world.” “January 2nd, 2005, I started working at Curaçao Port Authority as a captain on a bunker bars,” Eugene says . “Two months later Ana joined me and started working for an internet company. Eliana was with Aunt Ruth on Bonaire where she studied at San Bernardo elementary school, but almost every weekend she came over. We stayed for three year s on Curaçao and in 2007 we came back to Bonaire. Now we are both working at Eli Deli, Ana’s place at the traffic circle in Hato. It was her idea to open a deli. It was her long time dream and we can only fulfill one dream at a time and so we’re going to do this for Ana. On January 19th 2010, we will be married for 20 years. This May I will have had my kidney for 14 years. Now it’s Ana’s opportunity, now it’s her time…” Story & Photos by Greta Kooistra On the Island Since (Continued from page 4) Ana Makaai at the deli

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Page 6 Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 I magine the following situation: A group of distinguished men is on their small Caribbean island boarding a plane which will bring them to a far destination. Before the take-off, the pilot asks them if they really wish to fly to Amsterdam and says that he hopes that they and their families have thought thoroughly before taking this decision. The gentlemen say that they know what’s best for their families and it was therefore not necessary to involve them in the decision process. After long hours of flying across the ocean, approaching the coast of Europe, the men suddenly ask the pilot not to continue the flight to Amsterdam because they have to first ask their families if they agree with it. The surprised pilot informs the passengers that it is not possible because the plane is low on fuel and that if they don’t want to land in Amsterdam, the only possibility is to land at the first possible airport. The disappointed men react with, “You are arrogant and you cannot blackmail us!” The current political development on Bonaire is very similar to this story. In 2006, the Dutch submitted the proposal of a concrete form of a direct link with the Netherlands to the Bonaire Island Council, the option chosen by the majority of the Bonairean people in the 2004 referendum. According to this proposal, Bonaire, Sint Eustatitus and Saba could get a status of a special municipality (public body), a possibility established in the Dutch constitution. It would mean that these islands would become part of the Netherlands. Without asking the people of Bonaire their opinion, both the UPB and ADB members of the Island Council unanimously accepted this proposal. Since that moment in 2006, the government of the Dutch Kingdom worked hard during the next three years on the implementation of this new status. However, several months ago, the Island Council surprised the Dutch government with its decision to ask the people of Bonaire now, after thr ee years (!), in a referendum if they agree with the integration with the Netherland s or if they prefer another option, e.g. a free association. Although the people of Bonaire had chosen a “direct link” with the Netherlands in 2004 and not an “autonomous land in the Kingdom (in fact a free association with the Netherlands) ”, like Curaçao and Sint Maarten, the members of the Island Council were completely free, before signing the Slotverklaring (Final Accord) in 2006, to reject the proposed form of the direct link, which would mean the integration of the island with the Netherlands. They had a full right to come with another suggestion concerning the realization of the “direct link,” but they agreed unanimously with the Dutch integration proposal. For the Dutch, it does not matter if the local government was or is dominated by the red, green or any other political party. For them it is only important that the representatives of Bonaire, elected freely by the people of the island, signed a binding contract with the Netherlands in 2006, and it is not possible to change it when a new political situation has developed on the island in 2009. The Dutch were faced with a similar Antillean problem in 1990 when the government of Aruba changed its binding decision to become independent with a transition period of 10 years, beginning in 1986, and asked the Netherlands (without referendum) to have the possibility of remaining in the Kingdom. The decision about the independence has been a taboo on Aruba since then and 1986 was celebrated as the year in which the island got its “Status Aparte.” We have a similar situation now on Bonaire; nobody speaks about the 2006 Slotverklaring. Unfortunately, the Dutch have not forgotten their Aruba experience and are not prepared to repeat their mistake of 1990 and to start negotiations with the Island Council about another option for the status of Bonaire. Miguel Pourier, the Bonairean born exprime minister of the Netherlands Antilles, last week gave advice to the Island Council to cooperate with the Dutch on the transition to the new status so that it can be established on 10-10-2010, as originally planned. There is a possibility, according to the 2006 Slotverklaring , to revise the status and to execute necessary changes after a period of five years. In my opinion, the members of the Island Council must admit their responsibility for the 2006 binding Final Accord. Nevertheless, as the old Dutch proverb says, De soep wordt nooit zo heet gegeten als ze wordt opgediend “ The soup is never eaten as hot as it is served.” It is always possible to negotiate an adaptation of the agreed st atus, for instance to request the Dutch that some laws, particularly those not being in accord with the Christian values, would not be introduced on Bonaire. I cannot imagine that the Dutch government would reject this request. It fully realizes that the integration with the Netherlands cannot mean that on an island, separated by a distance of 9000 km, all Dutch regulations and laws, without exception, would be established. For instance, the decision not to use the Euro (former French colonies had to accept this new currency), but to introduce the US dollar for the BES islands, is a very important deviation from the Dutch laws, and there can be many more changes, according to the wishes of the people of Bonaire. It is therefore urgent that the current Island Council start cooperation, ending the cu rrent confrontation, and discuss the possible adaptations, exceptions and changes with the Dutch government instead of stubbornly rejecting to cooperate with the Dutch, unlike Sint Eustatitus and Saba. In my opinion, Henk Kamp, the Queen’s Commissioner and the future representative of the Kingdom on the island, will be certainly prepared to discuss all matters with the members of the Island Council. The opponents of the agreed status and the local media are feeling significantly bolstered by the advice of Judge Bob Wit and several other Dutch experts concerning the new status of Bonaire. Unfortunately, they completely forget that Wit also declared (translated from Dutch), quote: It must be also mentioned, on behalf of the integration option, that, also in case the Netherlands decides to treat the inhabitants of the BES islands, integrated with the Netherlands, less equal than the inhabitants would consider as correct, the door to more equal rights would certainly not be closed. Perhaps the Dutch inhabitants of Bonaire, as an integrated island, could force greater equality, even against the will of the Netherlands, through judicial procedures or in some other way. Just because they are part of the Netherlands, they would have a judicial basis to approach the national as well as international courts. They can appeal under the BUPO Treaty as well as European Treaty for the Rights of the People and on the principle of equality and prohibition of discrimination established in these treaties. unquote. It means that under the new status of the special municipality the people of Bonaire will have a higher possibility of receiving higher social benefits than they will be on Curaçao and Sint Maarten. During the recent meeting of Ank Bijleveld with the representatives of Statia and Saba on Curaçao, she already informed them about raising these benefits on the BES islands. Bonaire was present only as an observer because it did not want to sign any document before the results of the referendum are known. The Dutch have no problem with the advice of the experts of the United Nations invited to come to the island. The options in the 2004 Referendum were in principle the same as prescribed by the UN for choosing the status of former colonies. It is true that at that time it was not yet clear that the option “Direct link with the Netherlands” would mean the integration of Bonaire with the mother country. However, when the “Special Dutch Municipality” proposal was presented as a possible form of the direct link in 2006, it was, without any referendum, unanimously accepted by the Island Council. It is a pity that the results of the recent survey about the restructuring of the Dutch Kingdom, executed by the CURISES students, proved to be worthless because the questions violated basic rules of surveying, as stated by an expert in the previous issue of BR. This occasion could be better used, for instance, to ask the people of Bonaire if they agree or disagree with the three Dutch laws considered not being in accord with Christian values. In case the majority of the people are against the introdu ction of these laws on Bonaire, the Island Council could use this fact in negotiations with the Dutch. Jiri Lausman Opinions expressed are solely those of the author. COOPERATION, NOT CONFRONTATION THE ONLY WAY FOR BONAIRE Natural Way Health Food Store Opens G ood News: You no longer have to travel to Curaçao to find healthy and delicious food products. “We wanted to have a store that provides people who care about health with products that are usually hard to find,” says Natural Way’s owner, Glenda Pourier. She and her daughter in Curaçao both opened health food stores at the same time and order and import products together. Her daughter here on Bonaire, Suley-Mae, explained that with the prevalence of diabetes and obesity on the island, their main goal is to provide products for people to live healthy. “We have a lot of organic products that you can’t find in supermarkets,” she said, “like salt free, wheat free, things with less sugar, but products that people like, for instance, low fat-low salt snacks, bread spreads, low salt chips, organic chocolate.” Health conscious shoppers may recognize some of the brands they carry. They have natural herbal teas by Yogi and Alvita, teas to clean the blood, take care of coughs, joints and that are high in Vitamin C. They have 100% juices by R.W. Knudsen (no sugar added), Nature’s Gate Shampoo and Conditioner. Lovers of chocolate can find a tasty replacement made of carob. The shopping list is endless: whole wheat pasta, dried soy (a meat replacement, particularly for vegetarians), organic oatmeals, spices without salt, soy milk (liquid and dry), organic dressings, granolas, rice cakes, cereals, couscous, dried fruits. Glenda and Suley-Mae are particularly proud of the local healthy products they carry. Honey from Bonairean bees, a kalbas syrup for coughs and natural coconut oil Stop by and say hello. Natural Way is on the second floor at La Terassa, up the stairs from Botika Bonaire on the main street, Kaya Grandi. They’re open Monday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, non -stop. Telephone 717-3353 or 510-2318. Laura DeSalvo “In my opinion, the members of the Island Council must admit their responsibility for the 2006 binding Final Accord. “ Suley-Mae and Glenda Pourier of Nature’s Way

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Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Page 7 Bonairean Voices is sponsored by With 4 branches and 10 ATMs located throughout the island and our Internet Banking, MCB@Home, at your service anytime, any day, anywhere. NUTRITION IN SCHOOLPART 1 A s I was researching nutrition in schools I heard some very interesting remarks. Every school is trying to do its utmost with good nutrition, but there are still some very key questions. Who will pay for it? Who will pay to continue the program? How can we make the community aware of the importance of the program? I conducted my research in three schools. At the first one, Papa Cornes Elementary School, I had the pleasure of talking with Mr. Rignald Martinus “Donny” Wout (58), Principal of the school. Principal Wout has worked for 40 years in education and has served in Holland , Curaçao and Bonaire. Mr. Wout explains, “Over the last years we have had to deal with children between four and five years of age who’ve had a lot of behavioral problems. We’ve had to help these children fit into the school environment. We are coping with children who have been badly raised, are headstrong, have high tempers and disruptive behavior. Besides helping the child to fit into school, we must teach them how to develop a habit of learning so that they are able to understand the material that is coming to them. Another problem we faced wh en I started working at Papa Cornes School more than three years ago was confronting a big gap in educatio n because of the introduction of a new teaching system for elementary schools, ‘ Ensenansa di Fundeshi’ (Foundation Education). Together with the Dutch inspector for education we saw the problems and made the changes. We had to deviate from the standards of ‘ Ensenansa di Fundeshi.’ In some classes we had children with a five to six year difference in ages. Now it’s dropped to a two-year age difference. The following year we formed groups of ages at different levels. Teachers, parents and the children were more receptive to the changes. We ’ve come up with new programs: To help the child to learn and behave. To help the child absorb the material. Kindergarten groups 1 to 2 Under building groups 1 to 4 Upper building groups 5 to 8 Recess management in groups Aggression management With the introduction of the new programs indeed we could experience a lot of changes. The after school mentors are amazed at how our children behave in a very calm way. They are distinguished from children in other schools. Still we can’t close our eyes to the social problems facing our community that aff ect the children. There is a lot of poverty in some neighborhoods. We have children who rebel against the situation that they have to face in their neighborhood, like child crime, child prostitution and a lot more. These special children need special care. We don’t have all the methods like in Holland to help these kids with their social problems. But we try to do our best to help. We’ve introduced a Care Te am in school whereby a coordinator will work as a liaison between students and parents, and more people will be trained for the team. In the meantime we are going to start with courses about this special care and recess coordinators where all teachers are involved. Other elem entary schools have also introduced this method. We have made a schedule where everyone sacrifices his or her recess time, even the principal, to take care of the children during their recess time. We are very skeptical about starting with a new program now. We have seen some programs, like Dr. Hart introduced for addicted peop le, to change their eating habits and have them quit drugs and alcohol. It was a very expensive program because most of these people don’t have any money. And the program failed. Programs like ‘Nutrition in Schools’ are very important, but it will cost the school budget a lot of money and we don’t know if it can continue. We will stay open minded. Maybe in the future things will change for education here in Bonaire.” Have you had seen the ‘Nutrition in Schools’ video yet? Go to http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3962219959398908418# Siomara Albertus . For Siomara’s next column there will be more interviews with teachers on the island for their opinions on the Nutrition program. Send your comments to The Bonaire Reporter, P.O. Box 407, Bonaire, or email reporter @bonairenews. com . To solve the puzzle, ente r the numbers 1 through 9 to the partially filled in puzzle without repeating a number in any row, column or 3 x 3 region. Answer on page 17. Supplied by Molly Bartikoski-Kearney K ralendijk’s Fort Oranje was built around the 1700s. Each Dutch Island in the Netherlands Antilles has a fort. They were built to ward off the enemy and protect Dutch civil servants. This fort housed the Commander who lived there until 1837. This official ran the island before the title was changed to Gezaghebber , which literally means “authority manager. Even though this fort was never under siege or saw any true action, it was armed to the teeth with cannons from England. Take a stroll through the grounds and inspect the cannons. One cannon was cast in 1808, two in1811 and one in 1812. They are a reminder of when the island was under British rule. The fort’s original lighthouse was made of wood and was replaced by the present one, in concrete, in 1932. Its height is 10.25 m (33½ ft). The fort has performed many jobs for the Bonaire Government: as a Government Center, a warehouse for Government property and goods, a prison, police and fire station, Marine park HQ, and now serves as the courthouse and Harbormaster’s office. Q) In which year was the original lighthouse built? Answer on page 19 BonQuiz appears regularly in The Reporter. It’s prepared by Christie Dovale of Christie Dovale Island Tours . Contact her to arrange a tour, Phone 717 -4435 or 795-3456 or email: christiedovale@hotmail.com. Christie Dovale photo Papa Cornes School students with Principal Rignald Martinus “Donny” Wout and teacher Barbara Huveneers upon receip t of study materials that were gifts from Holland Send your comments to The Bonaire Reporter, P.O. Box 407, Bonaire, or email reporter @bonairenews. com . Christie Dovale photo

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Page 8 Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 wide is a non-profit organization that demonstrated a positive impact in the health care of the global community. Healing Touch is widely respected and increasingly accepted, not only in the US, but in many countries across the world, including The Netherlands. And now Bonaire. Your instructor will be Susan Reed -DeSalvo, LVN, HTCP/I, CMT. Susan Reed is a top Wellness Coach and Nurse with over 25 years experience and an Energy Medicine Instructor. Join one or both classes 1Healing Touch (Level 1 ) Class on Dec. 19 A one-day intensive course for giving you the skills to support good health and heal yourself, loved ones and others. Cost is 25% of US price, just NAƒ 150 ($85) + NAƒ 53 $(30) for class materials 2Energetic Touch Techniques Class , Evenings, Dec. 22 and 29th for advanced practitioners. Tuition is NAƒ 150 ($85) (regular US fee is $350). Register today by emailing Susan at blueskyz@idiom.com or call 700-7416. For more information see ad on page 13 The Reporter series Kwartiermakers and Counterparts is unable to be continued as promised. The RSC has been unable to set up the necessary interviews for our reporter. Perhas it is symptomatic of the “freeze” of progress pending the outcome of the 2010 Referendum on the status of Bonaire? Marjolein Hayden of Antillean Wine Company has a request: please save your wine-bottle corks and bring them to her AWC store on Kaya Industria. STINAPA uses them to make markers for lion fish sighting spots. See the AWC ad on page 10. The Body Talk column by Stephanie Bennett is not in this issue of The Reporter . It will return in the next issue, December 25. Looking for a good professional framer for your photos and art works ? Gladys’s Art Shoppe does extremely fine work, and they’be been doing it for more than 20 years. Gladys Peereboom and Mark Roswell can solve all your framing problems – no matter what size or shape your treasure is and you may choose from a wide selection of framing materials and matting. Their work cannot be beat. They are in Hato, on Kaya Rotterdam 10. Call them at 717-8050 (Gladys) 09-5671143 (Mark). G./L . D. ( Flotsam and jetsam Continued from page 2) W hat is the Family Development Foundation? Many families on Bonaire have different problems: financial and work -related, housing, dropping out of school, lack of communication within the family and problems with the police and /or justice. Help and guidance is offered by the Family Development Foundation project to families who need assistance. An experienced family therapist guides these families towards solutions. The objective of the Project for young people and their families with problems is to make them as effective as possible to enable them to function within our society. Coach JanArnold Franken welcomes any family who is motivated to find solutions with the options av ailable. There are many options to resolve educational barriers, and the guidance will be reviewed and adjusted to the patient’s needs. For information about the Family Project: Contact JanArnold at Family Development Foundation Project Kaya Pohantan 8, Bonaire L ast Saturday there were about 200 people enjoying themselves on the grounds of Flamingo/NOS TV on Kaya Korona. For the adults there was the Tilimaster Hamburger Competition and for the children lots of games and a Cupcakes Decoration Competition with lots of fine prizes to be won. NOS. TV covered the whole event and broadcasted it live on the air. Even before the start at 3 pm people gathered and were anxious to see what was coming. And they were not disappointed! Thanks to the event sponsors, Flamingo TV, More for Less (the hamburger meat, cakes, toppings and sweets for every child), Lucky Import & Export (all the presents for the children), Eco Power, Alpha & Omega (Tshirts), Martines Import, Firgos and Flamingo party rentals, the space had a complete makeover into a fair/carnival atmosphere. A bouncer and typical Dutch games like throwing balls at cans, pulling a rope and "grabbelton" (a box filled with sawdust and hidden presents) made it a real Sinterklaas party for every child , especially because everything was for free and with every game they won a prize. The competition, "Who Makes the Best Hamburger on Bonaire?" had 13 participants five of them students at the SGB and they grilled at their best. Especially because the judging panel contained well known persons as Glenn Thodé, (Gezaghebber Bonaire), Herbert Domacassé, (former Gezaghebber Bonaire), Peter Silberie (alternate Gezaghebber Bonaire), Onnie Emerenciana (Member of parliament of the N.A.) and Ibi Martis (Economics Minister N.A.). All hamburgers were judged on seven aspects: Name of burger, Appearance, Taste, Doneness (properly cooked), Use of ingredients, Originality/Inventiveness, and Presentation. After the first round, five competitors went into the finals and surprisingly for them... they all received a wonderful prize. The first prize of NAƒ 500, sponsored by Flamingo TV/NosTV, was won by Sharlon Melaan with his "Chupa Dede Burger." How this burger looks and how to prepare it, he will soon show in a special on NOS TV The theme of the other prizes was "Be a Tourist in Your Own Country." Runner Up Jolimar Mendoza with "Joly Burger" will spend a night, including dinner and breakfast at Hotel Roomer. Third place, Arys Ventura with "Bonaire Burger," will be going underwater with the Discovery Scuba Diving at Dive Friends/Yellow Submarine. No. 4, Leonard Janga with "Loco Burger," will go Kayaking (for 2 Adults + 2 Kids) at the Mangrove Center, and last but not least No 5., Samantha Clarinda with "Queenish," will have a Windsurf Lesson and lunch at Jibe City. Compliments to the SGB because the numbers 3 to 5 are their students. That promises some more good food in the future! Fifty children participated in the free cupcake (bolo) decorating . And they really made such nice decorations that they gave judges Mechtild Thodé and Nydia Thielman a very hard time to pick out the best! In the end Sinterklaas even had to help them out to divide and give their prizes. The winners will also have their "15 minutes of Fame". NOS TV will follow each winner on the trip/adventure they won. So... during Christmas holidays, stay tuned! Wooy-Ling Choy Bonaire’s First Lady, Mechtild Thodé, describes the art of cake decoration to the contestants Sharlon Melaan, assisted by his son, won the top prize with his spicy "Chupa Dede Burger." Susan Reed Past Governors Domacassé and present Governor Thodéserved as two of the judges. Evita and Gabriella Thodé snuggle up.

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Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Page 9 Kaya Rotterdam 10 Hato Phones: 717-8050 09 567-1143 Emailgladysfrits @telbonet.an Custom Framing by experienced craftsmen/ artists Gladys Peereboom Mark Roswell Wide selection of frames for every canvas or photograph A ccording to a straw poll conducted last week by Arthur Sealy on behalf of radio station BON FM the minority party, UPB (green) would win the most votes in next month’s Central Government Parliamentary election. The results of that election do not affect the makeup of the Bonaire Government. See Chart 1. The second part of the poll tested the voter feelings about the form the Bonaire Government should take. The most votes were won by Direct Ties ( Laso Directo ), the direction Bonaire was on prior to the change in Bonaire Government earlier this year. See Chart 2. The results for Bonaire in the 2004 Referendum were quite different, (see Chart 3). Bonairean voters were not allowed to be able to choose for “Integration With Holland” as were Curaçao voters. G.D. Bonaire-Dutch Connection Parliamentary Election 2009 Straw Poll Results 2004 Referendum Results (final vote tally) Chart 1 Chart 2 Chart 3 Autonomous in Kingdom T ina Woodley, a Certified Personal Trainer on Bonaire, was the 1985 International Female Body Building Champion and the first woman to become a champion in both sports -power lifting and body building at the same time, in the same year. It took strength of character, devotion and a positive attitude to achieve that and her other numerous awards. Tina, born in St. Eustatius, actually began her working out here in Bonaire in the 70s. “I loved it,” she says. “I was doing something that no other woman did.” She became the first woman in the whole Caribbean to participate in any such championship and won the first Power Lifting Championship for Women in Elkhart, Indiana. At the same time she was raising three step daughters and her own daughter, Sasha van Duyn. In Austria she owned a fitness center and then in Wiesbaden, Germany, she owned an all ladies fitness studio. She is married to the former mayor of Wiesbaden, Achim Exner. It is with this background that Tina became a certified Pilates, yoga and physical fitness coach and a licensed NLP practitio ner (Neuro Linguistic Programming, a system to create your own powerful and prac tical approach to personal change and transformation). Tina is working at the Bon Bida Spa as a fitness trainer. Why have a personal trainer ? Tina replies, “You get one-toone advice, guidance and motivation. The whole reason for paying for your own fitness training is to get this attention and a training program that’s right for you.” And it includes nutritional advice, strength, endurance and flexibility training, weight reduction and more. “You are never too old or too sick to train,” she says. After all these years why has Tina return ed to Bonaire? “At a certain age,” she says, “some people want to find a place they can call their home, and Bonaire is the closest thing to that.” She continues, “and I want to use my 30 years of experience and training as a contri bution to the community.” Tina has a website: WWW.ActivoBonaire.com . Email: TW@ActivoBonaire. Her telephone is 700-5488. Story & photo by Laura DeSalvo Training with Tina

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Page 10 Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 MAKING YOUR SPACE A BETTER PLACE USA LICENSED CONTRACTOR / 30 YEARS WORLDWIDE CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE HOURLY RATES – 7 DAYS INSTALLATIONS – RE PAIRS – REMODELS <>HOTELS <> RESTAURANTS <> <>RESIDENTIAL<> TELE 717 -3527 FAX 717-3528 CELL 701-3527 EMAIL: EQUINOXBONAIRE@AOL.COM BONAIRE VENTURES B.V. On time <> Done Right Sunbelt Realty N.V. Kaya L.D. Gerharts 8 717 65 60 info@sunbelt.an|www.sunbelt.an Al Fresco or Air Conditioned Dining Between Downtown and Hotel Row One street inland—Kaya Gob. Debrot 46 Reservations: 717-7070 info@bistrodeparis.com Open Monday -Saturday I thought it would never happen, my unhappiness to report a new species of fish for Bonairebut it happened on 26 October, 2009, when two guests of ours at Bonaire Dive and Adventure returned from a dive at Nukove and showed me a video they had just taken of Bonaire's official new species. They had been given the information during our mandatory orientation of what to do if one was spotted. They went to STINAPA headquarters and plans were made for Bonaire Marine Park Rangers, under the leadership of Ramon de Leon, to go back to Nukove and they made the capture. Jason Wright and Sean Murray are the guests that made the record books, and being advanced divers and concerned about the health of Bonaire's reefs, did the correct thing. Other opportunities were missed at other dive shops on Bonaire when the inclusion of Lionfish were not included in their orientation, but, hopefully now, everyone is on-board. As of now, 24 November, 2009, Bonaire's Marine Park Rangers have captured a total of 20 Lionfish and the sites have been from the far north, Wayaka, to the far south, Red Slave, and points in between. Measurements are taken and the captured fish are deposited with the scientists at CIEE here on Bonaire. They examine the stomach contents and preserve a sample to be sent for DNA finger printing. It is hoped that keeping this DNA data will help us to see some pattern as to where our lionfish came from. The presence of these highly trained scientists (beautiful female marine biologists with at least a Masters in Marine Biology, with most of them having earned their Ph Ds.) at CIEE has been a welcomed addition. They are ''right in the thick of it" when it comes to educating future marine biologists and collecting and intepretating data collected here concerning the environment. Watch their recently released video on YouTube concerning the sewage problem here on Bonaire. http:// www.youtube.com/watch? v=EihWrfOIj1g&feature=channel . With the capture of the first lionfish for Bonaire, I was proven wrong in my assessment of our potential for finding these fish on Bonaire. Transport of the larval form of creatures born on the coral reefs of the Caribbean is the customary mode of a species spreading itself to other islands. Mature fish are reef-bound, but their newly hatched larvae are filled with wanderlust at what the rest of the world might have in store and can be carried by currents and the direction that surface winds are blowing. We here on Bonaire are known as the Fish Capital of the Caribbean because of our consistently strong winds blowing from the east. Looking to the east is a tremendous fish producing area, the northern coast of South America, and Bonaire is perfectly situated to receive these larval fish as they pass into their settlement stages after feeding and growing bigger and stronger as they travel toward Bonaire. http://www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2005/04/050424200603.htm is an article about how some fish find a new home. With this information, I incorrectly assumed that lionfish would have to become established along the coast of Venezuela, east of us, in order for their larvae be able to "ride the winds and currents to Bonaire." But there have been no reports of lionfish found off the Venezuelan coast to our east, so the question that every biologist is now asking is, "How did these buggers get here?" Jake Montgomery and I have both seen two lionfish here in Bonaire. Both of us, as well as the other dive masters carry bright, yellow tape in our BCs in order to accurately mark the location of any that we come across as we lead divers from our boats. On Thursday, 19 November, 2009, I found my second one at Karpata, rattled my Rattle-Alert, and showed all the divers with me what a juvenile lionfish looked like. I must emphasize that these young ones are very dark, with faint stripes which will show more contrast as they mature. I describe a juvenile as looking more like a small individual Long-spined Urchin, and they are usually under an overhang, in the shadows during the day time. They feed at night and rest in dark places during the day. This particular lionfish was at 60 feet and I immediately surfaced and swam back to the boat to call Ramon on my cell. Their first attempt was unsuccessful in the (Continued on page 11) Lionfish in Bonaire-7.5 cm in length (2.9 inches) at 20 feet depth Copyright and Photo by Kathy Beil-Morgan, Keepsake dive site, 18 November, 2009

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Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Page 11 C aptain Don presents the first copy off the press of his latest book, “Reef Windows,” to Elsmarie Beukenboom, Director of STINAPA, the manager of the Bonaire National Marine Park. Captain Don has known Elsmarie since her childhood and has followed her path through Co rnell Hotel School, Hotel Manager, Tourism Training Center, and past Director of Tourism. Times change, and positions differ. Elsmarie deserves the honor of this first book because of her support and long time encouragement of Don’s environmental attitudes and writing, while she at all times persistently fights to protect the total environment and heritage of the Island of Bonaire. Story & photo by Janet Thibault afternoon, but they returned on Friday and made the capture. In closing, I must brag about us divers here on Bonaire. Of the more than 100,000 fish surveys conducted through REEF, throughout the entire Tropical Atlantic, it is quite remarkable that over 17,000 have been conducted here on Bonaire, or 17% of the total for the entire Caribbean/Atlantic. We are concerned about our Bonairean coral reefs, and our divers are probably the most informed divers anywhere, and we scrutinize the reef better than anyone, and this, hopefully will keep us on top of this horrific invasion. It is not necessary for spear guns or pole spears to be used because the current techniques th at the rangers are using are sufficient for the time being. We ask divers to remain diligent and carefully scrutinize the reefs when diving so that we can knock the stuffing out of the lionfish. The initial capture, in the Atlantic/ Caribbean, of the first lionfish through a pet store purchase and subsequent release was off Dania, Florida, in 1985. Then the release from a sea-side aquarium after the passage of Hurricane Andrew, in 1992, was a further step in setting us up for the horrific results that we are experiencing. Since then, we can only imagine many further releases from aquariums up and down the Atlantic coast by inconsiderate (read STUPID) humans who tire of their potentially harmful "pet", who have no concern about what impact we humans are having on our planet. An excellent source of information about the invasion of lionfish can be found at http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/ FactSheet.asp?speciesID=963 Stay up on the spread of lionfish by visiting the USGS website http:// nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/fish/ lionfishdistribution.asp Double clicking next to Bonaire continues to enlarge the map. LIONFISH Found on Bonaire As of 24 November, 2009 1 26 Oct, 2009 Nukove 20m 5.0cm (1.9 in) 2 27 Oct Playa Lechi 50 ft 5.7 cm (2.24 in) 3 30 Oct Red Slave 60ft 4.6cm (1.8 in) 4 31 Oct Invisibles 70ft 7.3cm (2.8 in) 5 2 Nov Invisibles (distended belly) 75ft 7.5cm (2.9 in) 6 2 Nov Salt Pier 8ft 5.7cm (2.4 in) 7 5 Nov, Jeff Davis 60 ft 7.2cm (2.8 In) 8 5 Nov, Oil Slick, 60ft 6.9cm (2.7 in) 9 9 Nov Invisibles 60ft 7.3cm (2.8 in) 10 9 Nov Bonbini Na Kas 18ft 6.2 cm (2.4in) 11 11Nov Something Special 30ft 7.3cm (2.8 in) 12 14 Nov Punt Vierkaant 60ft 6.7cm (2.6 in) 13 14Nov Andrea 1 38 ft 7.2cm (2.8 in) 14 15 Nov, Wayaka 2 30 ft 7.9cm (3.1 in) 15 17 Nov Small Wall 50 ft 8.4 cm (3.3 in) 16 18 Nov Keepsake 20ft 7.5cm (2.9 in) 17 18 Nov Punt Vierkaant 50ft 8.1cm (3.1 in) 18 18 Nov Witches Hut 35ft 7.7cm (3.0 in) 19 18Nov Bonaventure 50ft 8.5cm (3.3 in) 20 18Nov Eden Beach 60ft 8.3cm (3.2 in) 21 19 Nov North Belnam 25ft 8.4cm (3.3 in) 22 20Nov Karpata 60ft 7.2cm (2.8 in) 23 20Nov Oil Slick 80ft 8.2cm (3.2 in) 24 20Nov Margate Bay 60ft 8.9cm (3.5 in) Story by Jerry Ligon Lionfish (Continued from page 10) World Champion Swimmer Angela Maurer Checks Out Bonaire 2 009 World Champion Swimmer and four-time winner of the Marathon Swimming World Cup, Angela Maurer, will arri ve in Bonaire on December 10. She’ll be accompanied by Jennifer Boettcher, one of the best German Dolphin swimmers . They will be in training for 10 days, from December 10 to 20, sponsored by Buddy Dive Resort and Bon Bida Spa and Gym. While they’re here they’ll take a look at the training and competition conditions on the island because they’d like to support Bonaire’s bid to have a World Cup Swimming Finals here in 2011. Achim Exner Achim Exner photo

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Page 12 Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 A s has been traditional for 15 years, Sanikolas arrived in Bonaire from the sea, this time aboard the tugboat, Tahiti , which docked at the Chiku Mercelina Wharf. Hundreds of children and their parents or guardians, a record number, lined the waterside, eagerly awaiting the arrival. He was accompanied by his attendants, the black faced Swarte Pieten (Black Petes), and the soul-stirring beat of the drum corps. The Gezaghebber (Lt. Governor) Glenn Thodé welcomed him and wished him a pleasant stay on Bonaire. Obeying the law one of the Swarte Piet was seen checking in with Customs, showing the officer Sanikolas’ book of good and bad children. As Gezaghebber Thodé had to leave for an important appointment Interim Lt. Governor Peter Silberie stood in and accompanied Sanikolas to Wilhelmina Park for the festivities. Along the way the Swarte Pieten did tricks, acrobatics, teased and threw candy to the children. There were many Dutch children and their families there this year. As one of the Dutch parents said, “This is wonderful. In Holland it is so crowded that you can’t even get near enough to see St. Nicholas so instead we had to watch him on television!” Sanikolas and his Swarte Pieten return to Spain late on December 5, after having visited homes, the hospital, Kas di Sosiego (old folks’ home), Rose Inn and other places. Thanks to the hardworking members of the Foundation Ata C I Zwartpiet, who have organized this very popular event for the last 15 years . Also great appreciation to SEBIKI for setting up the games and activities at the Park. It was also an end of an era. This is the first time in 30 consecutive years that Bòi Antoin has not been Sanikolas. However, his two sons, Franklin and Danielson continue to be Swarte Piet. And the new Sanikolas did a fine job! Laura DeSalvo For the Christmas and New Year Holidays we are offering some extra special bites We are serving a variety of fresh Fine Claire Oysters Until supplies last (limited availability, reservations recommended) * Raw on the half shell * Rockefeller Gratineed with a mixture of Parmesan, anchovies & spinach * Nam Kee Steamed with a mixture of black bean sauce, sesame, soy and scallions Rum Runners Restaurant and Bar at Captain Don’s Habitat Kaya N. Debrot 103 North Hotel Row Reservations ( Highly Recommended ) 717-8290 ext 100 Two seatings available: 5:30 pm (17:30-20:00) with a free glass of bubbles and second seating at 8:30 pm (20:30– closing) Email: rumrunners@habitatbonaire.com At Rum Runners we do our utmost best to work with fresh ingredients only, However being on small remote island means that these are not alwa ys available if this is the case our chef will adjust the dish accordingly. Fo r this we ask your understanding. On the 24th and 25th We will serve our always surprising Christmas Menu (reservations are recommended) This is in addition to our regular a la carte menu The pizza temple will be open as usual New Years Eve Ends with a big bang & bubbles at The Deco Bar and Habitat When the clock strikes twelve “ We hope to see you at Rum Runners during the holidays" Sanikolas Arrives in Bonaire Georgina, one of The Reporter staff who helps her grandmother deliver the paper, poses with a Swarte Piet Sanikolas arrives and is escorted by the rousing cadence of the Drum Corps Everyone just loves the Swarte Pieten. What energy and fun—and they hand out

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Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Page 13 Bonaire's First “Personal” Self Storage Facility Storage space from closet size to garage size. Monthly, yearly and long term contracts. Mangasina di Boneiru, B.V. P.O. Box 50 Kaya Gob. Debrot 124B Behind the yellow “Rum Factory” Across from Hamlet Oasis. Call 700-1753 WWW.BONAIRESELFSTORAGE .COM E-mail: info@ bonaireselfstorage.com Secure Storage For Vehicles, Household Items, Diving And Sporting Gear, Business Files or Inventory The Perfect Christmas Present The Gift of Healing For yourself or a loved one Sign up for a one day intensive Healing Touch course at Bonaire Basics for acquiring the skills to support good health and heal yourself and others. See additional information on page 8 Register today by emailing Susan at blueskyz@idiom.com or call (USA) 001 707 928-6565 After 12/12/09 call 700-7416 in Bonaire Bonaire Basics is at Kaya Korona 47 P ainter and muralist Jan “Lambada” Bouwman passed away in the Netherlands on November 25th following a flu-type illness, perhaps H1N1 swine flu. His nickname came from the rhythms of the lambada that he loved to dance to anywhere and anytime he heard it played. Some consider him one of the Netherlands’ most gifted artists of recent times. His extreme sensitivity made his personal life difficult and he had a long battle with alcohol and even drugs for a time. He left behind many works in Holland and a few in Bonaire that will immortalize him. Jan was born in Amsterdam on January 7, 1955. He attended secondary school in Friesland and VWO, (in those days HBS). At 17 he went to Groningen, moved in with his grandmother and studied at the Art Academy ‘Minerva.’ Du ring this period he had a job in a hospital for children, and was very much loved. He attended to sick patients, played and drew with them. His parents passed away 25 years ago. His sister believes Jan had difficulty dealing with their deaths. Not long after that he and his family moved to Bonaire at the invitation of Frans Booi. Jan had a grant to teach art. Nochie Coffie was one of his students. Bonaire is where Jan got in touch with the ‘free’ lifestyle. He drank reasonably before the move to Bonaire, but the pain of a dissolving marriage and his parent’s death haunted him. The pain he couldn’t reject, but he could soothe it with alcohol, and later with drugs. But he kept painting: at the Bonaire Caribbean Club, Cultimara, on Karnaval floats and elsewhere, scenes so alive they captured you and drew you into their setting. Jan was married to artist Wine Fransen, and they had three children; the oldest, Myrddyn, his only daughter, an attorney in Amsterdam, speaks Papiamentu with her clients. Son Irin, an engineer, is married to Valerie, daughter of Roy Kort, of the Bamali shop. Valarie delivered Jan a grandson, Ilan. The youngest is Maarten, an international flight pilot, living in London. When Maarten was still a baby they moved to Bonaire. Jan left Bonaire around 1996, leaving behind many admirers of his art as well as friends. With the help of his wife, Wine, he returned to the Netherlands, to Leeuwarden. He struggled with rehabilitation, kicked the drug habit and went on with his life. The last couple of years were idyllic for him. His family was close. He worked designing furniture, painted canvases and murals that emphasized the beauties of nature: the small details of butterflies and flowers. He was a true artist in everything. When Jan was buried on December 2nd a bouquet was placed at his grave by his sister Kunna on behalf of those who cared and loved him on Bonaire. While many of his murals and wall paintings have faded away or been painted over his memory lives on in the hearts of many of us on Bonaire. This story has contributions from Christie Dovale, Wine Fransen and Jan’s sister Kunna Dijkstra Jan Lambada 1955-2009 Section of mural painted in the ‘90s at the Bonaire Caribbean Club. Additional Topics Advanced Energy Techniques Children's Techniques Chakra repair Supporting the dying process.

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Page 14 Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Dear Editor: We are just a couple of weeks away from the year 2010 and I understand that the general population of Bonaire still carries that same old philosophy where the economy has to be fed by nature. People still believe that tourism is the subject that values nature and makes it necessary to protect the environment. For centuries they were right: value nature for its importance for the economy. But we broke an agreement, nature would take care of the economy and the economy would take care of nature. Bonaire was an excellent example starting with its marine park, the ban on spear fishing, putting out moorings to protect the reef, the turtle foundation, no diving zones and no fishing zones, but times have changed and we are encountering a rapid decrease in the quality of our natural resources with proof of irresponsible abuse and pollution by the island’s capitalism. Still there is no waste water plant in place. Still we are excavating our coastline, cutting down trees, selling our international waters to fisheries. We still believe in cruise ship tourism and we enrich the rich. Nature was here long ago even before man. Nature was a gift. We didn’t have to do anything for it and we never had to pay for it! So why do we need all th ese funds to protect it? Who are they who believe that we need tourism to value nature? Do we need money to pay off the greedy people who otherwise will destroy it? Maybe we are just too late and we need money from tourism to heal that which is already damaged and to educate the community who even today are ignorant of the beauty and value that nature caries as a natural wonder. Hendrik Wuyts CRUISE SHIPS RULE! Dear Editor: Some may think that means cruise ships are great. But what it means is that cruise ships dictate all that happens on Bonaire. Once again, important containers for the businesses on Bonaire cannot get off the pier because cruise ships have priority above everything else. These business employ, pay taxes, pay import duties, pay OB but can't get the goods to sell because cruise ships come first. When is this going to stop? AB MAMA SMILEGETS A BLACK EYE Dear Editor: We have been coming to Bonaire for over 10 trips. I have driven all over Bonaire and never had a problem until yesterday, 30 November 2009. While driving down the seaside road adjacent to the town, I was stopped by some sort of official person who told me that I was not allowed to drive on this road. He said there was a temporary international sign that said so. (I said,) I am sorry and do apologize for not knowing all the international signs. But what made me angry enough to maybe not come back to Bonaire was that he called me an idiot. Yes, he used that word and said I should not be driving a vehicle. I was told that the road was blocked off so the cruise ship passengers would see Bonaire as a nice peaceful island I am sorry again but I pay 1000's of dollars to stay here and I am called an idiot by someone in a uniform. These passengers spend a few dollars and are worshipped? Bonaire, you better watch out where your priorities are. Gail W. COMMENTS ON THE REPORTER SURVEY IN ABOUT HOW BONAIRE NEWS SHOULD BE RELEASED Dear Editor: Bonaire has the distinction of being an island where many people come back year after year. Although they may not know the small details, they are aware of what is going on. When news is modified, censored or a positive spin is put on it, they feel they have been lied to and credibility is lost. AB Dear Editor: I agree with the option, present ALL the news. Whether you like it or not .. "truth always prevails." I have been working in the tourism sector for over 20 years. There is no point in a cover up of the facts. It is better to be up front and honest rather than have to defend the "deliberate omissions." Nothing is perfect nor should it be expected to be that way. Bonaire should be represented for exactly what it is .. not something others wish it to be. Petri Hausmann CRUISE SHIP MATH Dear Editor, I have finally found the time to read the 16-30 October issue of The Bonaire Reporter . On page 11 you note that "a total of 229,000 passengers are expected during the 2009-2010 cruise ship season." Further along you note, "This season cruise ships will have to pay a head tax of $2 per passenger, which is expected to raise between $14 to $19 million (TCB figures, Ed .) in addition to what passengers spend on the island." At $2 per head, 229,000 passengers will raise $458,000 not $14 to $19 million. Please clarify. Frederick A. Beland P.S. $2 per head is really pathetic, especially in view of the fact that the departure tax at the airport is $35 per person. Jackie Bernabela and Winfred Dania at the opening A rtworks by Winfred Dania and Frans Booi were unveiled at the opening of the “Culture of the Indian of Bonaire” Exhibition at Kas di Arte on Sunday, December 6. There are more than 30 pieces from the two artists, including paintings and other artworks. Dania is considered by many to be the Van Gogh of Bonaire. His works hang in museums in the Antilles and in the Netherlands and are owned by collectors throughout the world. Frans Booi, an artist, historian, inventor, sculptor, musician – and more – was head of the Department of Culture and Education from the 70s to the 90s. He is the expert on the myths of Bonaire. The two have combined talents before. In 2006 they presented a program, “Myths of Bonaire," with Dania’s paintings being explained by Booi. This exhibit will continue until January 3, 2010, with Kas di Arte opening daily from 10 am to noon and from 5:30 to 9 pm, and on the weekends of December 12, 13, 14, 20, 26 and 27. Laura DeSalvo Winfred with fellow artist Ronald Verhoeven Herman van Leeuwen photo Herman van Leeuwen photo What type of news best promotes Bonaire? All News Good News Only Good news and ONLY the not-sogood-news that has been “okayed” by island tourism authorities PUT NATURE ABOVE THE DOLLAR

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Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Page 15 Oscar (above and center) and cat cage mates are fascinated (and curious, of course) with what’s going on with volunteer Finn and Shelter Manager Monique who are cuddling a little puppy, Petunia. O scar’s good friend, Shelter volunteer Jane Madden, wrote his biography this week: “That handsome young gentleman is Oscar...and he truly is a gentleman. Although less than a year old he has the manners and demeanor of a mature, content cat. He gets along famously with all his roommates, young, old, male or female. No roughhousing or showing off...Oscar is willing to snuggl e up and snooze with anyone who wants to cuddle with him...including people. His coat is a soft and gorgeous deep orange/red, a very unusual color for cats on Bonaire. Oscar would make a fine addition to any home...he is comfortable with other animals an d children or would be just as happy to be an ‘only cat.’” Laura DeSalvo Petunia Wide selection of cheeses and hams from around the world, homemade salads & olives, hot & cold sandwiches, breakfasts Open M-F: 7-6; Sat. 8-4; Sun. 8-12 At the Bonaire District Shopping Mart, Traffic Circle, Kaya Gob. N. Debrot #66 info@elideli.com / 4delivery@elideli.c om Tel/Fax 717-3997 T he Shelter’s 5th Art Auction and Indonesian dinner attracted lots of supporters and animal lovers on November 27. A number of local artists donated art pi eces which were auctioned off by Rene Essing, assisted by Aniek Schouten. The Indonesian diner was prepared and served by the team of Rosita, "Bous" and Jerry of the Plaza Resort, together with chef Willem and many helpers. About 120 guests were served. The total result of the evening was over NAƒ 14.000. All the money goes to the Shelter’s sterilization project, “Bonnie Superdog." A big thank you to all artists, volunteers and sponsors , Plaza Resort and Warehouse, for their contribution to the fundraiser. Story & Photo by Paul Wichers. Shelter photos I t was a wonderful evening for story telling and poetry at Altamira UnJo last Friday, December 4, with a full moon. Twenty-one persons participated in this event organized by the Skal (Cultural Department) every month at full moon. Soldachi Tours organizes the walking tour. Maria Koecks Soldachi Tours photo

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Page 16 Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Bonaire Reporter Classifieds— Are still free Got something to buy or sell? Non-Business Classified Ads (up to 4 lines/ 20± words): FREE Commercial Ads only NA ƒ 1 per word, for each two-week issue. Call 790-6518 or 790-6125 or email info@bonairereporter.com For sale: Painting of Anton Heyboer 'Boat' in black and yellow, framed, size 1.10 x .79 cm. NAƒ 5000 .Hand embroidered antique Indian tapestry, 1.25 x 1.65 cm, NAƒ 300 .Phone 786-3117. —————————————For rent at Hato, 2 studios for 1 person. Minimum stay 4 months. no airco Incl.; gas/water/electricity/internet/linen/ selibon/furnished/garden/parking place/ terrace/ Rent per month NAƒ 650,-or 600,--Deposit NAƒ 750 or 600,-717 2529 or 796 2529 _____________________________ For rent at Hato , studio for 1 person. Minimum stay 4 months. no airco. Incl.; Gas/water/ electricity/internet/ linen/selibon/furnished/garden/parking place/terrace/ Rent per month NAƒ 600,-Deposit NAƒ 600,-Call 7172529 or 7962529 _____________________________ 1995 Nissan Sentra for sale asking price 3.500 but will negotiate! call 7953456 _____________________________ 1/2 Container to USA. Need to send something to the USA? I have half a container going to the U.S. in Dec. $1,300. Call 795-1277 —————————————— Free Packing boxes, from the 13th to 20th of December contact me at info@soundfound.com for details. ——————————————— Looking To Buy—Baby bed/Box (playpen). Call 790-6518, 786-6518 _____________________________ NexStar 8 GPS Telescope Star gazing for anyone. All accessories included tripod, 4 eye pieces, star finder, AC adapter. Almost new. Call 717-7278 for more information. NAƒ 1300 ——————————————— For sale professional high quality saw table cpl. with extra blade . Used for the building of one garage. Now it is over complete. only NAƒ 320. Call for an offer to 786-5432 ——————————————— For saleMitsubishi Pick-up L200 4 -WD double-cabin, gasoline, 200.000 km, not diving car, not ex rental. Great for towing your boat or driving in the kunuku. No rust in a good condition for 4750,USD. Call for an offer to 787-0270 _____________________________ Te koop grote collectie , meer dan 120 stuks, DVD's (Europees systeem en dus Nederlands ondertiteld.) Genoeg voor een levenlang regenachtige zondagen. Alle DVD's in 1 keer voor 160,NAF en al onze muziek cd's (350 stuks) alle genres alles voor 250,NAF bel voor een aanbod 786-5432 _____________________________ Put your ad here and get results Tel (599) 791-6272 / 785-6272 hans@outdoorbonaire.com www.outdoorbonaire.com Property Services Bonaire B.V. Taking care of your properties (while you are off island). Email for information and prices: propertyservicesbonaire@hotmail.com ———————————————— Bonaire Images Elegant greeting cards and beautiful boxed note cards are now available at Chat -N-Browse next to Lover’s Ice Cream and Sand Dollar Grocery. Photography by Shelly Craig www.bonaireimages.com ——————————————— GREAT CLEANING SERVICE For Quality House and Office Cleaning ……. CALL JRA Serving Bonaire for more than 15 years Honest, Reliable, Efficient, Thorough, Low rates, References. One time or many Phone 785-9041 … and relax. ———————————— LUNCH TO GO Starting from NAƒ6 per meal. Call CHINA NOBO 717-8981. Web site: www.chinanobobonaire.com ________________________________ KRALENDIJK TIDES (Heights in feet, FT) Remember: Winds and weather can further influence the local tide’s height and time 16 Flights a day between Bonaire and Curaçao Divi Divi Air Reservations 24 hours a day Call (5999 839-1515) Or (5999 H ere is Bonaire’s snorkeling pioneer, Renee Leach, with her twin brother, Uys van Zyl, at Boulder Beach at the southe rnmost tip of Sout h Africa, reading The Bonaire Reporter, as a flock of pushy penguins move in (at lower left). Transport of Money and Valuables Private Investigations Vehicle patrols Burglar Alarms Fire Alarm Systems In Business Over 26 years Kaya Nikiboko Nord 37A, PO Box 225 Tel: (599) 7178125 Fax (599) 7176125 E-mail sss@bonairelive.com WIN GREAT PRIZES! Take a copy of The Bonaire Reporter with you on your next trip or when you return to your home. Then take a photo of yourself with the newspaper in hand. THE BEST PHOTOS OF THE YEAR WILL WIN THE PRIZES. Mail photos to Bonaire Reporter , Box 407, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles (AN). E-mail to: info@bonairereporter.com. DATE Time Ht. Time Ht. Time Ht. Time Ht. ` COEF 12-10 1:40 1.0FT. 9:07 1.8FT. 16:32 1.1FT. 20:28 1.3FT. 54 12-11 1:07 1.1FT. 9:36 1.9FT. 17:51 1.0FT. 22:04 1.1FT. 54 12-12 0:15 1.0FT. 10:06 2.0FT. 18:54 0.9FT. 23:45 1.0FT. 60 12-13 10:38 2.1FT. 20:02 0.8FT. 68 12-14 11:17 2.1FT. 20:55 0.7FT. 75 12-15 11:52 2.1FT. 21:53 0.7FT. 80 12-16 12:25 2.1FT. 22:35 0.7FT. 83 12-17 13:04 2.0FT. 23:09 0.7FT. 83 12-18 13:38 1.9FT. 23:39 0.7FT. 80 12-19 0:02 0.8FT. 14:06 1.8FT. 76 12-20 0:32 0.8FT. 14:37 1.7FT. 70 12-21 0:49 0.9FT. 15:03 1.6FT. 63 12-22 0:55 0.9FT. 11:30 1.5FT. 56 12-23 0:42 1.0FT. 9:14 1.5FT. 48 12-24 0:10 1.0FT. 8:45 1.6FT. 41 IS YOUR HOUSE NEW TO YOU? Make it more livable from the start. FENG SHUI CONSULTATIONS Also interior or exterior design advice, clearings, blessings, energy, healing, China-trained. Experienced. Inexpensive. Call Donna at 795-9332 . A Unique Haircut experience at The Windsurf Place, Sorobon, with Desiree. Open weekdays from 12 noon, Weekends by appointment. Phone: 786-6416 info@aplaceforyoubonaire.com FELMAR Cleaning Services Apartments, Hotels, Houses, Offices & More. Efficient Work, Good References. Tel. 786-0019 *** FOR SALE *** (cleaned out our garage) Uwatec big display wrist mount bottom timer 25$ , Spare air 0 .7 ltr 100 $ secondhand BCDs medium and small 110$ (only 30 dives )secondhand 4/5mm BARE Velocity Full wetsuit Black with dark blue 100$ (only 30 dives ) older type (all steel) scubapro regset 50 $ Black TUSA older type Platina fins medium 20 $. hard plastic kayak for two. only the plastic hull no seats no paddles 50$.DVD player Panasonic 30 $a brand new high quality blender Philips 600 watt for 40$ Life vest, Secumar 16 ltr with extra co2 cartridges 45$ a medium size NEW European black motor helmet for 50 NAƒ also a rain and UV cover your motorcycle or scooter 25 NA 17 inch computer monitor 20$ small (2mtr ) house hold stairs 30$send an e-mail to marktplaatsbonaire@hotmail.com

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Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Page 17 Now until January 3— Exhibition: “ Culture of the Indian of Bonaire” by artists Winfred Dania and Frans Booi, Kas di Arte, open daily 10 am to noon, 5:30 to 9 pm, and on the weekends of December 12, 13, 14, 20, 26 and 27. More details on page 14. Until January 8 – Exhibiton by Hortence Brouwn, “Feelings,” Plaza Resort. Sponsored by Don Andres N.V. Saturday, December 12— Capt. Don presents and signs new book, “Reef Windows,” Addo’s Books & Toys, 4-6 pm. Details on page 11. Saturday, December 12— Wine Tasting at Antillean Wine Company’s warehouse on Kaya Industria. Snacks and tasting of six wines for $10 (NAƒ17,50) per person. Tel. 560-7539 Saturday, December 12 —Christmas Market at Oranje Park, to benefit Family Development Foundation, 2-8 pm. See page 8 for more details. Sunday, December 13 —Best Meteor Shower of the Year—Geminids , 10 pm until dawn, Monday. Details on page 23. Monday, December 14 —Capt. Don signs new book, “Reef Windows,” Habitat, 6-8 pm. Details on page 11. Saturday, December 19 – Rincon Special Christmas Market – 10th Anniversary Celebration – 4 pm midnight. Page 2 for more details. Saturday, December 19 —Holiday Concert , Plaza Resort, 7:30 pm. NAƒ25. See details on page 20. Sunday, December 20 —Mountain Bike Tour, Washington-Slagbaai , all levels. $14.50. Call 717-4241, 785-0767. See page 2 for details. Friday, December 25 —Christmas Saturday, January 16 – Concert: Steven ( cello) and Danielle Bourne (piano). Steven played cello solo at the Queens concert in Amsterdam. Friday, February 12 – Concert: Willem Statius Muller ( piano). This will be a historic concert of the 80-year-old Antillean pianist who was on Bonaire for the last time 25 years ago! REGULAR EVENTS By appointment – Rooi Lamoenchi Kunuku Park Tours $21 (includes tax). Discounts for residents and local people. Tel. 717-8489, 5409800. Parke Publico children’s playground open every day into the cooler evening hours. Saturdays Rincon Marshé —6 am-2 pm. Enjoy a Bonairean breakfast while you shop, fresh fruits and vegetables, gifts, local sweets, snacks, arts, handicrafts, candles, incense, drinks, music. Big Marché first Saturday of the month— www.infobonaire.com/rincon. Flea Market at Parke Publico every first Saturday of the month, 3 to 7 pm. Everyone welcome to buy and to sell. NAƒ10 per selling table.(NAƒ 5 goes to up-keep the park). NGOs can have a free table. More information and reservations for a spot call Vicky Bissessar 786-1592 . Wine Tasting at Antillean Wine Company’s warehouse on Kaya Industria, second Saturday of the month , 7-9 pm. Snacks and tasting of six wines for $10 (NAƒ17,50) per person. Tel. 5607539. Soldachi Tours— See the real Bonaire and be transported back in time. Learn about the history, culture and nature by Bonaireans from Rincon. Call Maria Koeks for more information—7967870. Mondays Soldachi Tours of Rincon, the heart of Bonaire, 9 am-noon. $20-Call Maria, 717-6435-best island tour value Fridays Harbour Village Tennis, Social Round Robin 7-10 pm. $10 per pers on. Cash bar. All invited. Call Elisabeth Vos at 565-5225 FREE SLIDE/VIDEO SHOWS Sunday– Creature Feature– John and Suzie Wall of Buddy’s Digital photo center present a multimedia slide presentation about Buddy’s House Reef pool bar Buddy Dive , 6:30-7 pm, 717-5080 Tuesday -Bonaire Land and Ocean presentation by Fish-Eye Photo staff, 7pm on the big screen inside the Sunset Bar and Grill at Den Laman Condos. Wednesday– Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire presents the Sea Turtles of Bonaire Slide Show , every 2nd & 4th Wednesday at Bruce Bowker's Carib Inn (717-8819) at 7pm. BONAIRE’S TRADITIONS Kas Krioyo Rincon— Step into Bonaire’s past in this venerable old home that has been restored and furnished so it appears the family has just stepped out. Local ladies will tell you the story. Open Monday thru Friday, 9 –12, 24. Weekends by appointment. Call 717-2445. Mangasina di Rei, Rincon . Enjoy the view from “The King’s Storehouse.” Learn about Bonaire’s culture. Visit homes from the 17th century. Daily. Call 717-4060 / 790-2018 Bonaire Museum on Kaya J. v.d. Ree, behind the Catholic Church in town. Open weekdays from 8 am-noon, 1:30-5 pm. Tel. 717-8868 Washington-Slagbaai National Park, Museum and Visitors’ Center. Open daily 8 am-5 pm. Closed on December 25th. and January 1st. Call 788 9015 or 796 5681 CLUBS and MEETINGS AA meetings every Wednesday at 7pm. Phone: 786-4651 or 786-7971 Al-Anon meetings every Monday evening at 7 pm. Call 790-7272 Weekly Bonaire Talker Gathering and Dinner at Gibi's Tuesday 6:30 pm call 567-0655 for directions. Bridge Club Wednesdays , 7:15 pm— All levels, NAƒ2,50, call Renata at 796-5591 to find out the evening’s location. Darts Club plays every other Sunday at City Café. Registration at 4, games at 5. Tel. 717-2950, 560-7539. JCI First Wednesday of the MonthJunior Chamber International Bonaire (JCI Bonaire, formerly known as Bonaire Jaycees) meets at the ABVO building, Kaminda Jato Baco 36 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Everyone is welcome. Contact: Renata Domacassé 516-4252. Kiwanis Club meets at APNA Plaza, Kaya International, every other Tuesday, 7 pm . Tel. 717-5595, Jeannette Rodriguez. Lions Club meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 8 pm at Kaya Sabana #1. All Lions welcome. For more information call 510-0710. Rotary lunch meetings Wednesdays , 12 noon-2 pm Divi Flamingo Beach Resort upstairs in Peter Hughes meeting room above the dive shop. All Rotarians welcome. Tel. 717-2066 Toastmasters Club meets every two weeks. For more information call Crusita de Palm at 786-3827 or Lucia Martinez Beck, at 786-2953. CHURCH SERVICES Protestant Congregation of Bonaire: Kralendijk, Wilhelminaplein. In Papiamentu, Dutch, English, Sundays, 10 am. Rincon, Kaya C.D. Crestian, in Papiamentu, Sundays, 8:30 am. Children’s club, Saturdays, 5 pm, in Kralendijk Sunday School, Sundays, 4 pm, in Rincon. Bible Study and Prayer meetings, Thursdays, at 8 pm, Kralendijk. New Apostolic Church: Centro di Bario Nord Saliña , Sundays, 10 am. Services in Dutch. 700-0379 . International Bible Church of Bonaire, at SGB High School auditorium (Kaya Frater Odulfinus, off Kaya Korona.) Sunday services in English at 9 am; Sunday evening prayer meeting at Pastor's home, 7 pm. Fridays, 6 to 8 pm, Light & Life Club, children 5 to 12 yrs. Tel. 717-8332. Catholic: San Bernardus in Kralendijk – Services, Sunday at 8 am and 7 pm in Papiamentu, 717-8304. Our Lady of Coromoto in Antriol , Saturday at 6 pm in English. Mass in Papiamentu on Sunday at 9 am and 6 pm. 7174211. Assembly of God (Asemblea di Dios): Kaya Triton (Den Cheffi). In English, Dutch & Papiamentu on Sunday at 10 am. Wednesday Prayer Meeting at 7:30 pm . 717-2194 Ministerio di Kristu Hesus Services Sunday mornings at 10 am at Jong Bonaire Youth Center in English, Dutch and Papiamentu. Preaching the full gospel. Contact: 786-2557. Prayer and Intercession Church, in English. A full Gospel Church l ocated temporarily at Kaya Alexandrit # 20, Santa Barbara, Republiek. Services are held on Sunday mornings from 10am until 11:30am. Bible studies in English are on Monday nights from 7 to 8 pm. Contact: 717-3322 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -day Saints : Kaya Sabana #26, Sundays: 9 am Sacrament Services (Translation to English and Papiamentu upon request) 10:20 Sunday School, 11:15 RS/YM/YW/PH Primary held from 10:20-12 noon Visitors Welcome: 701-9522 for Information Send event info to: The Bonaire Reporter Email reporter@bonairenews.com Tel:790-6518, 786-6125 or 790-8988 Who’s Who on The Bonaire Reporter Take The Reporter Home—1-year subscription: By mail to US $70; By mail to Europe $150. By Internet $35 donation. For information about subscriptions, stories or advertising in The Bonaire Reporter , PO Box 407, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles; phone (599) 790-6518, 786-6125, E-mail: info@bonairereporter.com The Bonaire Reporter, George DeSalvo, Publisher. Laura DeSalvo, Editor in Chief. Address: P. O. Box 407, Bona ire, Neth. Antilles. Available on-line at: www.bonairereporter.com Published every two weeks Reporters: Siomara E. Albertus, Bruce Bowker, J@n Brouwer, Wooy-Ling Choy, Christie Dovale, Ackim Exner, Wine Fransen, Jack Horkheimer, Molly BartikoskiKearny, Maria Koecks, Greta Kooistra, Jiri Lausman, Jerry Ligon, Jane Madden, Maritza San Pedro, Michael Thiessen, Janet Thibault, Jane Townsend, Paul Wichers Unattributed photos are by the editor or publisher. Distribution: Yuchi Molina (Rincon), Elisabeth S ilberie (Playa), Divi-Divi Airline Housekeeping: JRA. Printed by: DeStad Drukkerij, Curaçao ©2009 The Bonaire Reporter Cruise Ship Calls -Informati on provided by the TCB Crafts Markets at Wilhelmina Park on Cruise Ship Visiting Days—usually 10am until ship departure. Thursday 12/10/09 Sea Cloud II 09002400 150 Thursday 12/10/09 Ruby Princess 11001900 3100 Friday 12/11/09 Enchantment of the Seas 0700 1530 2446 Monday 12/14/09 AidaAura 08001600 1260 Tuesday 12/15/09 Sea Princess 1200 1900 2016 Tuesday 12/15/09 Ocean Dream 08001600 1422 Friday 12/18/09 Enchantment of the Seas 0700 1530 2446 Tuesday 12/22/09 Ocean Dream 08001600 1422 Thursday 12/24/09 Caribbean Princess 11001900 3100 Date Day Ship name Time PAX

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Page 18 Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Hair Affair We do our best to make your hair and makeup wishes come true!! You can also come in for facials and facial waxing . We use and sell L’Oreal products Is your plan to marry on the island? We can make you beautiful and stay beautiful for your happiest day. Personal attention by Janneke Appointment by tel: 717-5990 or just walk in. Downtown, near the waterfront next to Little Havana Tues-Fri: 9-12, 2-6 Sat: 9-2 non stop AIRLINES Divi Divi Air. Bonaire’s “on time airline” with 16 flights a day between Bonaire and Curaçao. Your first choice for inter-isla nd travel. Now flying to Aruba. APPLIANCES /TV/ ELECTRONICS and COMPUTERS City Shop , the mega store, has the island’s widest selection of large and small home appliances, furniture, TV, computers, cell phones and more. Fast service and in-store financing too. BANKS Maduro and Curiel’s Bank provides the greatest number of services, branches and ATMs of any Bonaire bank. They also o ffer investments and insurance. BEAUTY PARLOR Hair Affair . Expert hair cutting, styling, facials and facial waxing. BICYCLE / SCOOTER/ QUADS De Freewieler sells bikes and all kinds of bike accessories. They do professional repairs on almost anything on two wheels. Have your keys made here too. CONTRACTOR Equinox Bonaire— A USA licensed contractor for hotels, restaurant s, residential. On Time—Done Right. DELICATESSEN/DINING Eli Deli – World Class delicatessen with 23 kinds of cheeses, hams and salamis from around the world. Have a sandwich or salad there or take it home. Breakfast too. At the traffic circle at hotel row. 717-3997. DINING Bistro di Paris A real French restaurant with affordable prices and friendly Bonairean ambiance Owned and operated by a French Chef On Kaya Gob. Debrot ½ mile north of town Pasa Bon Pizza is Bonaire’s best. Freshly prepared pizzas made with the finest ingredients. Salads, desserts. Eat in or take away. Nice bar too. 780-1111 Call ahead to eat-in or take out, Next to Bistro (above) Lunchroom de Bonairiaan— Breakfast & lunch prepared and served by Stichting Project students under professional guidance. Monday-Friday, 9-2. Kaya Gob. N.Debrot, opposite Divi Flamingo. DIVING Carib Inn is the popular 10-room inn with top-notch dive shop and well stocked retail store. Best book trade on Bonaire. Good pric es on regulator repair, dive computer H.Q. ScubaVision Document your Bonaire vacation above and below the water with a custom DVD by Bonaire’s top videographer, Hendrik Wuyts FITNESS TRAINER Tina Woodley is a certified personal trainer, including Pilates, Yoga and is an NLP practitioner. She’ll help you improve your body and life! Tel. 700-5488 FRAMING Gladys’s Art Shoppe Fine framing by experienced craftsmen/artists. Outstanding selection of framing materials for your treasu res. Kaya Rotterdam 10, Hato. GARDEN SUPPLIES AND SERVICES Green Label has everything you need to start or maintain your garden. They can design, install and maintain it and offer plants, irrigation supplies and garden chemicals. Now in new expanded location off Kaya Industria. HEALTH Harmony House— The herb and mineral center. Help your body heal itself. Natural Way Health Store— The place where all the hard to find natural and healthy products are. Upstairs from Botika Bonaire, on Kaya Grandi. HOME CARE Bonaire Second Home Care can handle all the needs of second home owners on Bonaire including inspection, management and cleaning. INTERNET AND CELLULAR SERVICE Digicel has the most subscribers, widest choice of calling plans and interesting phones. Visit their office on downtown Kaya Grandi and see for yourself. MIO offers by far the clearest, most reliable phone signal on the island PLUS WIRELESS HIGHSPEED INTERNET almost ever ywhere on Bonaire. PEST CONTROL Professional Pest Control . Call Peter to get rid of all those nasty pets like termites, fleas, ticks and ants that want to invade your home. Call now and save your investment in your home. PHOTO FINISHING Paradise Photo in the Galeries Shopping Center downtown offers fast, fine processing for prints, slides, items and services. Full digital services . REAL ESTATE / RENTAL AGENTS Bonaire Sunshine Homes is the realtor with a local touch. Ask them to show you the good value homes they list. Call them if you are thinking of selling your home. Caribbean Homes, “the Refreshing Realtor,” specializing in luxury homes, condos, lots, rentals and property management. 4 Sale By Owner – Assistance for selling your house on your own. Sunbelt Realty offers full real es tate, rental, and insurance services. If you want a home or to invest in Bonaire, stop in and see them. RETAIL Benetton, world famous designer clothes available now in Bonaire at prices less than those in US. For men, women and children. Best Buddies and Pearls —Stunning fresh water pearl jewelry, fashion, gifts, t shirts. Wonderful service, free gift wrap. STORAGE The Storehouse ( Mangazina in Papiamentu ) offers Secure Storage For Vehicles, Household Items, Diving And Sporting Gear, Business Files or Inventory. Across from the northern hotel row. SECURITY Special Security Services will provide that extra measure of protection when you need it. Always reliable. SHIPPING Rocargo Freight Air and sea shipments in/out of Bonaire. Customs agents. Pr ofessional and efficient. FedEx agent. What would we do without their superb services? SUPERMARKETS Warehouse Supermarket on Kaya Industria— Biggest air conditioned market with the, largest selection and lowest prices on the island. WATER TAXI Get to Klein Bonaire by Ferry. Ride the Kantika di Amor or Skiffy . Hotel pickup. Easiest landing on Klein Bonaire with built-in ramp WINES Antillean Wine Company. You’ve tried the rest; now try the best: best prices, highest quality wines from around the world, kept in a cooled warehouse. Free delivery. Kaya Industria 23, Mon.-Sat. 9 amnoon. To learn more about these businesses check their ad in this issue of The Reporter Fortnightly Advertisers in The Bonaire Reporter are included in the guides. Free! Call 790-6518, 786-6518 Or email Reporter@BonaireNews.com Check CARIB INN First. Great Prices –Great Stock Scuba Sales Repair Replacement New Gear Accessories Always Great Values Dive gear specials CARIB INN Since 1980 PADI 5 STAR GOLD PALM 717-8819 8 am to 5 pm daily (next to Divi Flamingo Hotel) AFFORDABLE NetTech N.V.info@NetTech.an www.NetTech.an Tel:717-6773 Fax:717-7854Bonaire’s Official Web Site Developer!Domain Registrations E-mail Hosting Anti-Spam & Anti-Virus Web Site Design Web Site Hosting Marketing Consulting Internet Consulting Photographic Services Graphic Design Bonaire’s Official Web Site Developer

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Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Page 19 B e pampered for breakfast or lunch by youngsters in training for the world of the professional restaurant business by the Stichting Project. Delicious menu, Good prices On Kaya Gob. N. Debrot – opposite the Divi Flamingo Hotel Open: Weekdays 9.00-14.00 FULL DIGITAL SERVICES FUJI MINI-LAB KODAK & FUJI FILM SLIDES E-6 PROCESSING PASSPORT PHOTOS BATTERIES CAMERAS FRAMES PHOTO ALBUMS GREETING CARDS DIGITAL AND MORE... Les Galeries Shopping Center (Bordering the parking lot) Tel. 717-5890 Open M-F 8:30-12, 2-6 pm, Sat. 9-12 From Bonaire Nautico Marina BONAIRE NAUTICO MARINA At It Rains Fishes Restaurant Call Henk at 560-7254 / Bob 786-5399 www.bonairenauticomarina /VHF 68 info@bonairenauticomarina.com THE ONLY WALKON / WALKOFF Catamaran Kantika di Amor Up to 27 people and supported by a brand new larger sister Catamaran Kantika Too Up to 50 people TRIPS Every Day (max 1.90 meter draft), Dinghy tie up at north-inside dock at US$10 weekly up from Monday till Monday. Water and 115/220 v. Daily trips via resorts 10 am, 12 , 2 pm Except Sundays at 10 am only Also available for group trips Question ( from page 7 ): Q) In which year was the original light house built? Answer: 1868 B onaire Sunshine Homes opened their Affordable Homes Expo Friday, November 27, with guests from the press, the government, the construction industry, potential buyers and friends. On hand to answer questions about building these affordable homes was Kayam Babooloa, the director of Tiahco of Trinidad, the company that supplies the prefabricated materials to build a home for under NAƒ 100.000. At the Expo there were one-on-one meetings with buyers and personnel from Tiahco Trinidad, product workshops on the building system and a Product in Depth discussion with stakeholders in the industry, including RBTT and Banco di Caribe. Bonaire Sunshine Homes Director Vicky Bissessar declared the Expo a success with the first home to begin in January 2010. Laura DeSalvo 982 473 561 413 625 978 765 981 432 278 549 613 159 836 247 634 217 859 396 758 124 841 362 795 527 194 386 Puzzle on page 7 Commissioner Pancho Cicilia cuts the ribbon while Sunshine Homes partners, Vicky Bissessar and James Fines, approve! At the opening: Kayam Babooloa, Director of Tiahco; James Fines; Commisioner Pancho Cicilia; Vicky and Tulsie Bissessar Asked if they could help with negotiations between Bonaire and Holland, the UN representatives said they had not been invited to join in the negotiation process and that they must be invited to do so. Several in the stakeholder group thought that this might be a productive way to end the impasse that seems to be in place now. UN visitors mentioned that while this referendum is not “legally binding” all the political parties they have talked with have agreed to follow th e vote of the community on this referendum. Several members from the tourism industry were present and said they had great concern that the primary industry of the island, which provides most of the jobs, could be severely injured in future, specifically if the airport runway is not repaired soon. When discussing possible independence for the island, concern was voiced because of the proximity of Bonaire to Venezuela and also the lack of resources since the primary industry is tourism. Questions UN asked the stakeholders: 1. Does the public have sufficient knowledge to make an informed decision? Answer from stakeholders was a clear “No.” Recent student research supports this position. In a separate meeting the Bonaire press corps ag reed with the stakeholders on this point, emphasizing that unbiased information was simply not available to them. 2. Is voting process on the island clean? Most of the stakeholders said “Yes. They thought there were no problems like the UN sees in other countries where there is intimidation, stuffing of ballot boxes, etc. 3. Is news media on the island impartial? Stakeholders reported that most of the print media supported a particular political party and one of the radio stations seems to have a clear bias . It was also noted that most media do not have full time reporter staff to provide indepth reporting, a point agreed on by the press. 4. What is the public’s view of this UN visit? Stakeholders were glad to see the UN on Bonaire and also asked for further involvement by the UN in phrasing of the referendum question(s) as well as help in developing and monitoring the educational process. 5. The UN wanted to know if the January election for Staten (Parliament in Curacao) might have an effect on referendum. Most stakeholders thought it probably would, for several different reasons. Jane Townsend Referendum Preparation (Continued from page 3)

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Page 20 Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 C IEE provides Bonaire with something it’s always needed– a professional academic research facility and personnel who can carry out re search. On November 24, 10 of the students at the CIEE offered very interesting public presentations of their recent work in Bonaire. It was a valuable contribution to our knowledge of the land and sea environment. Alison Masyr (Oberlin College, Ohio) " Traditional Datu cactus (Ritterocereus griseus ) fences reduce run-off rates and transport of sediment and nutrients on hillsides in Bonaire" Showed the importance of the Yatu cact us in the prevention of water runoff and subsequent reef damage. Alyssa Adler (Oregon State University) "Habitat use, nocturnal behavior, and differences between phases of five common parrotfish species in Bonaire" Described parrotfish assemblages on a coral reef near Playa Lechi. Aurora Schramm (Eckerd College, Florida) "The effects of the lunar cycle on plankton abundance, diversity, and daily migration in the coastal waters of Bonaire" Checked whether densities of zooplankton are influenced by the phases of the moon. Carolina “Lina” Yanson (Indiana University) "Determining how coral reef habitat structure correlates with fish species richness at 6 dive sites in Bonaire" Was a survey of many dive sites on the leeward side of Bonaire to test whether the diversity of fish on those reefs is influenced by habitat diversity or complexity. Chelsey Weathersbee (Wofford College, South Carolina) "Sleeping in a bubble: unraveling the secrets of parrotfish at night" Investigated the nighttime mucus cocoon -making behavior of parrotfish. Her findings show that parrotfish in cocoons are found on the reef slope more often than the reef flat. Grant Frank (Colorado College) "Habitat choice, size distribution, color variance, and feeding behavior of Gymnothorax moringa , in coastal waters of Bonaire" Was an in-depth study on the spotted moray eel ( Gymnothorax moringa ) between Playa Lechi and the Something Special dive site. Maggie Thomas (Trinity College, Connecticut) "A comparative study of benthic community composition and habitat utilization by coral reef fish on artificial reefs versus natural reefs of Bonaire" Described how artificial and na tural reef areas affect fish diversity and number. Mollie Sinnott (Wake Forest University, North Carolina) " How does water quality correlate with coral disease, bleaching, and macroalgal growth on reefs? A comparative study of various threats from human activities on Bonaire " Expanded upon the CIEE faculty and staff monitoring of water quality. A few of her results showed that at times water quality approached levels almost too polluted for safe swimming. Noelle Hawthorne (Bucknell University, Pennsylvania) "Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) nests: nutrient sources and drivers of community structure in a tropical marine system" worked with Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire monitoring hawksbill nest sites on Klein Bonaire. Pamela Williams (University of Colorado at Boulder) "Christmas tree worms ( Spirobranchus giganteus) and their role as bio-indicators of environmental stress on coral reefs of Bonaire" was interested in determining whether there was a marine equivalent to “bioindicators” in the waters of Bonaire. She showed that the Christmas tree worms have promise to do just that. G.D. The CIEE students who presented their research I t has been 10 years since Klein Bonaire was purchased back from a private owner who wanted to develop it. Luckily this did not happen, because any development would damage the reefs surrounding this unique island. Through the effort of the Foundation for the Preservation of Klein Bonaire (FPKB), the island was purchased for the people of Bonaire in 1999. Most of the money came from a grant from the Netherlands and the World Wildlife Fund. Money was also donated by individuals through FPKB. Very strict conditions were placed on what could and could not be done on Klein Bonaire. Since those 10 years many new faces have arrived on Bonaire with new ideas and perhaps they are not aware of the conditions for Klein. According to the agreement signed between the island government and WNF/FPKB, Klein Bonaire was to be designated as a protected area by the island government, which happened when it was made a part of the National Park. It is to be kept in a pristine and uninhabited condition with no buildings allowed. No docks or piers plus many other restrictions, all designed to keep this unique island natural so everyone can enjoy it for decades to come. There are monetary fines if any of these conditions are violated. The tranquility of Klein Bonaire is being threatened by overuse, especially during cruise ship season. Most do not realize it but Klein Bonaire is the largest uninhabited and undeveloped island in the Caribbean. Those are really big bragging rights that no one else can claim. As more and more areas get over developed, more and more problems are created. Let’s keep Klein Bonaire natural as so many of us have known it for so many years. You won’t find another place like it! That in itself is priceless. Bruce Bowker Bruce Bowker FPKB President . Klein Bonaire as seen by approaching planes

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Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Page 21 Why get just half an ad? All Bonaire Reporter Ads are in the printed paper and on the Internet too. Your advertisement can be here and reach thousands of people who are buyers. 3,000 copies every issue, 2 x per month! Call Laura at 790-6518 Email: info@bonairereporter.com Noord-Saliña/Playa Pabou Kralendijk – S o it was on one of those lazy days back in July that I drove the reliable black 1987 Jeep Wrangler six-cylinder 4.0 liter over those unpaved small roads of Antriol, Den Tera, Mentor, Nawati and Noord-Saliña. It was siesta time and hot. Nobody around. All dogs too sleepy to bark. It was easy to avoid crushing, flattening and squashing a bunch of baby chickens unexpectedly crossing the road. Second gear, a thousand revs and the miles countable on the fingers of two hands. Clouds of dust, waving curtains, the sound of a remote radio, weeds, trunks, little piles of garbage and piled up old iron, cars waiting for repair or restoration… Then I noticed some nice metal curves and chrome shining in the sun. It was hard to reach the location but finally I was able to find the entrance and to park the Jeep. No fence. No living creatures except two dogs. A humble house, doors and windows shut. Yelling: “Bon tardi!” did not help. Honking was useless. There was the car, but this was not my property. I yelled again and again to be sure that nobody was there. The dogs did not bother me. No neighbors, no nothing. Then I grabbed my camera and with all the courage I could find I entered the terrain. There she was: an all American vehicle, sprayed metallic blue. Not the original color for sure. Brand: Chevrolet. Wrap around windows in the rear and in front. A coupé model. Late 50s. Checkered flags on the side. Six round tail lights. And a very special and good looking original air vent on the roof, above the window. The license plate read: RCJ – 123. I shot some pictures and later stored them in my computer. About half a year later I got in touch with the owner of a Cadillac Eldorado and we got to know each other better and better. Not in the least case because of our love for the metal on wheels. So I informed him about the Chevrolet and I sent him the pictures. The guy was sure this was a very rare Chevrolet Biscayne! So on one hot Sunday we jumped in the car and went to the hard-tofind location. In the end we found out that we had found the right location but that the vehicle had disappeared. Some marks were left in the grass so the car had probably just recently been removed. Now the car really started to intrigue us. For nights I checked my books and the internet. Finally I came to the conclusion that the suspect car was a Chevrolet Belair Impala, built in 1958. Quite a rarity! After a few weeks a guy led me to another location. The car was found again! The new location was: Playa Pabou. The owner was Pierre A. Rigaud, director of Mr. Bug Pest control services. And the car had a little sign behind one of the side windows: “For sale 510 – 5562.” Mister Rigaud really loved the car but this car was one among others. On Curaçao Pierre Rigaud also had some special cars and finally he had to decide to sell this Impala which is believed to be unique on the islands of the Netherlands Antilles. The car came all the way from Colombia. The license plate reads: “RCJ – 123 Barranquilla” and a sticker on one of the windows tells us that the last time a Colombian owner paid his pesos for road tax was in April 1995: “ Certificado de movilizacion. ” The body of this Impala is designed very well. The curves are sleek. Some enthusiasts like the front. I like her rear. Especially the hips and the air vent. The car is in running condition. Those days, back in the late 50s, the muscle car was equipped with a high output V-8 big block. Unfortunately someone converted it to a six-cylinder with so called “headers.” So the sound of music under the bonnet is all right! The engine is connected to a threespeed automatic gearbox. The cockpit is impressive. Loads of gauges and hardly any plastic or vinyl. Wrap-around windows in the front and in the rear. A coupé version. Four side windows to roll down completely. No window sills. Real and look-alike air scoops on the sides, in the bonnet and on the roof. Lots of chrome. A huge rear end. Four head lamps and six rear lights. And again: nice curves. Quite a lot of work to do. Hard to get the car back to the original or concourse condition. It takes a lot of “elbow grease” but for sure this Belair Impala is a nice project. Story & photos by J@n Brouwer The 59th of a series of Bonaire Reporter articles by J@n Brouwer, featuring some of Bonaire’s interesting vehicles that are “on wheels.” Will he reach 100 articles? Two pictures of the blue mystery car. The picture of the attractive and tempting rear of the vehicle wa s taken on the 14 of July 2009. Those days the car was parked on a very hard to find location somewhere in Noord Saliña. Then the vehicle had vanished to appear later in Playa Pabou. This was the first time the Impala showed her face to me.

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Page 22 Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Celebrating 10 years of Green Label—So me of the Green Label Staff and children. Agnes (green dress) and Ap (white shirt) in front of the logo on the new building Presentation of a NAƒ 5.000 check to STINAPA. Adults: Jeannette, Johan, Agnes, Ap and Elsmarie I t was a festive celebration, November 27, to commemorate 10 years of a company helping to make the island a more beautiful place with trees, plants and flowers. Agnes and Ap of Green Label just opened their new shop on Kaya Industria and invited their colleagues in the agricultural department (LVV) and their faithful clientele to help celebrate as a family. Green Label has made a difference on Bonaire. Gardens are flourishing and more and more people are learning how to grow things in this sometimes harsh environment. And the company has been a fine friend to their staff, guiding their young employees in the business. Here’s to many, many more years of your “greening” Bonaire, Green Label! Thanks for being here. Laura DeSalvo T wo wells near LVV in Amboina tested as seriously polluted by bacteria from human sewage. The pollution come from enterococci bacteria, which originates in the human intestinal tract. The values measured were well above safe drinking water standards,. Environmental activist Sean Paton commissioned the study as part of his efforts to stop Scientology Church ship Freewinds from discharging its wastewater in Bonaire. Paton had the water from nearby sources analyzed by a competent laboratory. He believes the pollution comes from the trenches at LVV where wastewater from the island’s sewage tankers is dumped. Water from the two wells at Flor di Cuba and Mi Pasa Kontra are mostly used for livestock, but no signs are posted saying it is unfit for human (or animal) consumption. Paradoxically the tests show that the Mi Pasa Kontra well is the most polluted even though it’s further away from LVV. Paton blamed the pollution on the Freewinds and called for the closure of the two wells. The Church of Scientology-owned cruise ship Freewinds is a frequent caller to Bonaire. Its visits are controversial, not only because of its ownership, but because the ship’s sewage is pumped into trucks that deposit untreated waste into trenches at LVV. In its favor the Freewinds supports numerous Bonaire activities and provides a free venue for several charitable activities during its times in port. Many Bonaire residents are friends with the ship’s permanent personnel and feel the Freewinds is a good friend to the island. G.D. Tanker loading wastewater from Freewinds A s we go to press the Divi-Divi commuter plane that crashed in October has yet to be raised. A broken robot control cable and strong currents in the area have hindered the operation. The robot made a successful observation of the aircraft and was able to view the pilot Robert Mansell still strapped in his seat. When he ditched the plane he was knocked unconscious and couldn’t be released. All nine passengers were safely rescued. When the new cable is installed another attempt will be made to raise the plane. The embargo against on-site news coverage was lifted after a complaint by the Bonaire press corps. We will report progress on The Reporter website. G.D. Underwater robot dangling from Smit salvage tug Bonaire government photo

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Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Page 23 Don't Miss the Best Meteor Showe r of the Year Next Week! and How to Find Neptune Using Jupiter as a Finder B oy oh boy, have we ever got two cosmic goodies for you. On Sunday night, December 13th, and early Monday morning, December 14 th, you will have an opportunity to see the best meteor shower of the entire year, the Geminids . So named because they appear to come from the constellation Gemini the Twins . Plus the following weekend, the 19th, 20th and 21st, Jupiter will be so close to Neptune to find Neptune just find Jupiter. On this Sunday night about 10 pm face east wh ere you'll see winter's most famous constellation, Orion the Hunter, renowned for the three equally spaced stars, lined up in a row, which mark his belt. If you shoot an arrow down through those stars you'll land on the brightest star we can see, Sirius , which marks the eye of Orion's bigger dog. And close to Sirius is the bright star, Procyon, which marks the eye of Orion's smalle r dog. Plus just to his left two not-quite-as-bright stars, Castor and Pollux , the two brightest stars of the Gemini Twins. And it is from this constellation that the Gemini d meteor shower will appear to originate. And this year it should be supe r good because there will be no moonlight whatsoever to wipe out even the faintest meteors. In fact when it is at its peak some may actually see up to 75 meteors per hour. Now the Geminid shower is one of those rare showers, which is frequently good before midnight as well as after. But this year I'd suggest you watch from about 10 o'clock in the evening until dawn Monday if you can. It will be better if you get far away from lights, lie back in a lawn chair or sleeping bag and slow ly scan the sky, no binoculars or telescope needed. And if you stay out for a couple of hours you should be able to see several dozen. As time goes by Gemini will rise higher and higher in the sky so that by 2 or 3 am it will be super high above the horizon. Now although we know that almost all meteor showers occur when our Earth rides through a stream of comet debris left in the orbit of a comet, the Geminids are actually asteroid debris and appear every December when our Earth rides through the stream of debris from asteroid Phaethon 3200 . So we could call the Geminids an asteroid shower. And now for you planet aficionados who have ne ver seen the 8th planet, Neptune. Get out your small telescope on the 19th, 20th and 21st an hour after sunset, face southwest and aim your telescope directly at s uper bright, 88,000-mile-wide Jupite r. And right beside it about half a degree away you'll see a tiny bluish gr een spot of light and that is 31,000-mile-wide Neptune. And the reason it appears so tiny is because while Jupiter is only half a billion miles away, Neptune is six times farther, almost three billion miles away. Jack Horkheimer *to find it... just look up ARIES (Mar. 21April 20) Don't hesitate to go ahead with any plans for entertainment. Your honesty will not only win you points but also respect. Compromise may be necessary. You will gain knowledge through your adventure. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday. TAURUS (Apr. 21May 21) You might not be as reserved on an emotional level as you'd like. Try looking into new ways to make extra money. Dinner, theater, or a comedy club may be just the place. You w ill tend to overeat this month. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Gambling will be a waste of time and money. Sit back and observe, regardless of how hard th at might be. Don't be disappointed if you don't get your way emotionally. You may find yourself in an opportune position if you are willing to take a bit of a risk. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Think hard before going into business with friends or family. You will be a bit of a spendthrif t this month. Do not let them in on your plans if you want things to run smoothl y. You may find yourself in an opportune position if you are willing to take a bit of a risk. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don't try to deal w ith important issues or make changes that will upset the apple cart. Opportunities for romance may develop through dealing with groups that have a purpose. You will be able to communicate well this month. Take a second look; difficulties with appliances, water, or electricity in your home may be evident. Your luckiest even ts this month will occur on a Tuesday. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Changes in your residence may be financially favorable. Risks will not be profitable. Don't be too pushy or demanding, or you may find yourself all alone. You may have a hard ti me relating to children this month. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Avoid lending or borrowing. Uncertainty regarding your mate may emerge; reevaluate what you see in each other. You have a real need to be vocal. You can make money if you put your savings into conservative investments. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 Nov. 22) Avoid getting too close to coworkers or employers. Mishaps due to preoccupation will be upsetting. Catch up on correspondence. Don't overspend on luxury items. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Try not to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. You will get out of shape easily if you don't keep on top of things. Trips will be exciting. Be cautious who you deal with financially. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.Jan. 20) Overindulgence could cause problems for you with your loved ones. Property deals look good. Self-improvement projects will payoff in more ways than one. It's time to get yourself back on track.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Arguments with relatives may lead to a split in the family. Someone you least expect may not ha ve your best interests at heart. Make creative changes to your living quarters. You may have a problem with coworkers if you try to tell them what to do. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don't overindulge in eating. A romantic dinner, followed by a quiet evening with the one who is enticing you, should be most satisfying. You hard work and dedication will payo ff, so stick to your guns and do your job well. Do a little investigating if there is someone at work you don't trust. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. By Astrologer Michael Thiessen For December 2009 N e w DV D A v a i l a b l e B o n a i r e T a Du s h i E.M. Rijswijk Denturist ARE YOUR DENTURES: Loose? Cracked? Missing Teeth? In Your Pocket? Worn? Causing Gum Pain? Call For An Appointmen t 717-2248 or 786-3714 Kaya J.G. Hernandez z/n (Near Botika Korona) New hours: 9 am-12 pm, 2 pm—4 pm Monday-Friday Repairs while you wait.

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Page 24 Bonaire ReporterDecember 11-25, 2009 Wishing you a happy & healthy Holiday season ~ Open for evening shopping on WEDNESDAY 23 DECEMBER ~ OPEN TIL 9pm ~ ~ Peace ~ Love ~ Freedom ~ Located at Kaya Amsterdam #25, Tel: (+599) 717 5449 Fax (+599) 717 4649 From Kralendijk center, take Kaya Grandi north towards Hato and Sabadeco. At the traffic circle turn right on Kaya Amsterdam. After AkkermanÂ’s To yota showroom you will find us on the left hand side.