Bonaire reporter ( February 5, 2010 )

00002-05-2010 ( .pdf )

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P.O. Box 407, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, Phone 790-6518, 7 86-6125, www.bonairereporter.com email: reporter@bonairenews.com Since 1994 On-line every day, 24/7 Printed every fortnight Johannetta Gordijn photo

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Page 2 Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 I f you haven’t already, pass by the Island Ontvanger (Collector) to pay for 2010 auto license plate stickers. The police began checking on February 3. If you don’t have a valid sticker and insurance you will be fined and your car will be impounded on the spot. This Monday, February 1, the Democratic Party of Bonaire (PDB-red) suggested that all who favor direct ties with Holland as an association, rather than become an integral part (integration) show their feelings by flying the Bonaire flag from their home and car. The choice in the March 26 follow-up Referendum is for “integration” or “association.” Their publicity says the Dutch red, white and blue banner would replace the Bonaire flag and the Dutch national anthem “ Wilhelmus van Nassau ” will replace the Bonaire anthem which begins “ Tera i Solo, suave bientu i Patria Orguyoso sali fo’i lama ” (“Land and Sun, soft wind and proud country risen from the sea.”) The Dutch Government expects to get a report in two weeks from Governor of the Netherlands Antilles, Frits Goedgedrag, about allegations that Bonaire’s current Executive Council was bought for NAƒ. 500.000. BijleveldSchouten had asked the Governor to investigate media reports in early January that former Bonaire Commissioner Anthony Nicolaas had asked for four years’ salary in return for his support for the current ADB Executive Council. Persons in St. Maarten and Curaçao who have been granted a temporary residency permit under the Brooks Tower Accord (BTA) will not be able to live on the BES islands. That much is clear from a piece of draft Dutch legislation that regulates admittance and expulsion of persons on the BES islands, recently sent to the Dutch Parliament’s Second Chamber. The law is to control immigration because it’s expected that the BES islands will have a magnetizing effect in the region when the islands become part of the Netherlands and their social facilities and health care are improved. The Dutch Government may consider introducing the Dutch ID card on the BES islands Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, in the not too distant future. The current Antillean ID card, the sédula, is said to be sensitive to fraud. Dutch State Secretary of Kingdom Relations Ank Bijleveld -Schouten mentioned this in a meeting with members of the Dutch Parliament’s Second Chamber’s Permanent Committee for Antillean and Aruban Affairs last Monday. One of the dreams to solve Bonaire’s power generation needs is for the island to produce its own bio-diesel to run the generators at the new WEB plant near BOPEC. Putting doomsday scenarios of the fuel algae escaping and devouring Bonaire’s reefs aside, it might be a possible solution, but investigators recently find that algae, while it produces more energy is also a bigger energy hog than other biofuel sources. The new analysis suggests the need for copious fertilizer but that might fit with Bonaire’s requirements if the island’s sewage could be used. The Bonaire Reporter’s production is 100% fossil fuel independent. We’re powered by a star 93,000,000 miles away -the Sun. You may be able to do it too as the latest generation of solar panels available to the public cost only $0.98/watt which equals $.02/KwHr. There are several people on the island who can advise you about this: Alex Statie 786-4930, cr@telbonet.an and Budget Marine , 717-3710, Pam.Werdath@budgetmarine.co m at Kaya Carlos A. Nicolaas 4, next to NAPA. Table of Contents This Week’s Stories Recession Editorial 2 Referendum II 3 Election Results 3 Pianist W. Muller 6 Letters to the Editor— (Terrorist Dog?, Kudos) 6 Dust Happens 8 Election Impressions 10 Lots more Loras 11 Pro MusicianBoy Janga 11 Martin—Williams Ph. Ds 11 New Traffic Circle 12 Lionfish Update 15 BONHATA Annual Awards 18 Departments Flotsam & Jetsam 2 On the Island Since (Marlis Tiepel) 4 Bonairean Voices (Karnaval) 7 Sudoku Puzzle 7 Bon Quiz #23(Piedra di Boneiru) 7 Body Talk (Prostate) 9 Classifieds 12 Tide Table 12 Pet of the Week (Puppies) 13 Picture Yourself (Nova Scotia, Ca) 13 Find The Reporter ? 13 Reporter Masthead 14 What’s Happening 14 Shopping & Service Guides 16 BonQuiz Answer 17 Sudoku Answer 17 Bubbles-Do You Know? (Eyes) 15 Bonaire On Wheels– Hector Daal Bike 1 7 Sky Park (Valentine Red Cosmos) 19 Parker’s Horoscope 19 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 February 16, 2010. Story and Ad deadline: February 13, 2010. 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 Editorial I s Bonaire heading for a recession because of the cutoff of Dutch Government funding of continuing projects and social programs? We don’t know how the Dutch government makes decisions, but it seems unfair that a national government would cut off financial support to a small community if the community’s leaders are unresponsive to that government. During these days of transition, as the “country” of the Netherlands Antilles is dissolving, Holland has stepped in and agreed to support and enhance services in the BES Islands. By withdrawing that promised support from Bonaire at this time they are damaging the economy of the island. Suppose a community in Holland defies the county’s leaders. Are pensions blocked, public works suspended or social services blocked? We don’t think so. As Dutch citizens, aren’t Bonairean Dutch entitled to the same respect as European Dutch? Will integration with Holland make a difference to that attitude? In Bonaire, debts of the APNA pension fund, support of Jong Bonaire and FORMA continuing education, construction of the expanded police station and other projects were being funded by The Netherlands’ Ministries as the island evolved towards a new relationship as a special municipality (Dutch: openbaar lichaam ). Legal experts, including Bonaire’s Lt. Governor, refered to the relationship as “integration.” But in June, 2009, Bonaire’s new island government expressed dissatisfaction with the way the transition had been managed by the previous administration and stopped negotiating with The Netherlands until the wishes of the Bonairean people could heard via another Referendum. Dutch State Secretary Bijleveld-Schouten expressed the dissatisfaction of her government with this turn of events by, among other things, cutting off the flow of financing to Bonaire. When the money stopped, jobs were lost, the economy is suffering. Now the Referendum has been set for March 26, 2010. Bonaire’s people will offer their opinion, which is non-binding on Bonairean and Dutch leaders, to choose for integration or some other, yet undefined, association with The Netherlands. The economy of Bonaire will depend on Dutch actions after all the votes are counted. Will it survive? G.D. Last week MCBBonaire presented a NAƒ 2500 check to the SGB High School to help purchase history books. Orphaline Saleh, Assistant Director of MCB, presented the check to Serapio Pop, SGB Director. G./L. D. MCB photo

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Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 Page 3 D etails of the upcoming Bonaire Referendum to better define the form of the relationship of Bonaire with the Netherlands were released last week. Coincidently, the Referendum is scheduled for the same day that the new Antillean Parliament members will be appointed. In the parliamentary election the UPB party took two of Bonaire’s three seats in the 22-member body. Here are some details: The Referendum Questions The presentation of the referendum question ( to be presented only in Papiamentu and Dutch) is: “I want Bonaire to have a direct relationship with The Netherlands in the form of A: Association (Bonaire will acquire its own position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands), or B: Integration (Bonaire will become a part of the Netherlands). Who can Vote Residents of Bonaire, 50 days before the referendum date who are Dutch citizens and at least 18 years old on the referendum date. However, Dutch citizens who were not born in the Antilles, may not vote if they became a resident on Bonaire after January 1st, 2007 . Non-Dutch citizens can vote if they have resided on Bonaire for 10 consecutive years, 50 days before the referendum, and are at least 18 years old and possess a valid residence permit. The referendum is valid only if at least 50% of the voters cast a valid vote . (Blank ballot papers are valid.) New Form for the Question The question previously suggested by the referendum-committee (“shou ld the direct relationship with the Netherlands be a free association instead of integration?”) was revised following last month’s advisory report of the United Nations (UN). The UN did not suggest another question but felt that the proposed question “was not entirely clear.” The UN felt the terms “association” and “integration” should be explained to the population in an objective manner, including the consequences of the choice, or the Island Council should reformulate the question. Referendum Committee Duties The Referendum regulation states there is sufficient time to inform the public if the referendum were to be held on March 26th. That interval was recommended by the UN consultants following their recent visit. Providing independent and objective information about the referendum choices is the responsibility of the Referendum committee to be appointed by the Island Government, as advised by the UN. Council member PDBparty leader Jopie Abraham recommended constitutional law expert Douwe Boersma to be the new chairman of the Referendum committee. Boersma was the chairman of the Curaçao referendum committee last year. G.D. A ll the political parties counted a victory for themselves in the Parliamentary elections held on Friday, January 22. The UPB (green) party won because they took two seats in the Antillean Parliament, the PDB (red) party won one seat. The LdK (blue) party won because, when combined with the PDB vote, they made up 51% of the ballots which they interpreted as meaning that most of the voters supported their position on the Referendum. In actuality, Bonaire’s parliamentary elections were a repeat of past history as the Union Party Patriotiko Boneriano (UPB-green) led by Ramonsito Booi captured two of the island’s three seats. The Democratic Party (PDB -red) led by Jopie Abraham won the other seat, while the Lista di Kambio (LdK-blue) led by Anthony Nicolaas (ex-UPB) did not get sufficient votes for a seat. Some analysts see the election result as a victory for the UPB-led process for integration with Holland, now in abeyance pending a new, yet undefined Referendum. Others viewed the 51% of the voters who chose red or blue as an indication that a slim majority of Bonaire vo ters want to refine their choice for government with another Referendum. UPB ended up with 3,673 votes, PDB with 2,720 votes and LdK with 1,126 votes. There were 9,519 eligible voters in Bonaire according to the Island Registry, which meant 79% of the voters turned out, an increase from the previous parliamentary election. In Curaçao, the balance of power in the Antilles Central Government was maintained as the current coalition which supports continuing Curaçao and St. Maarten's course to b ecome separate Dutch Kingdom Countries in October 2010 was voted back in. G.D.

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Page 4 Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 “I came here because I felt like a bit more ‘oxygen’ in my life – more freedom. I don’t know, we just went! In Holland I’d studied cultural anthropology and ended up on the marketing side. In my first job I was the boss of a development corporation foundation. That was kind of special – being a woman and the youngest person on the team. I was only 29. I did that for a couple of years, then I started working for the Ministry of Economic Affairs as an account manager in the patents field and during the same time we had a furniture shop. I didn’t see the move to Bonaire as an adventure – that sounds so silly – but it was a lot of paperwork and there were lots of boxes to pack and unpack. I began renting holiday homes here, but after a while that takes care of itself and you’re only busy with tourists. It doesn’t make you feel part of the community and everything that’s going on in it. After a year I was asked by Michelle, who was working for the Animal Shelter, if I wanted to join the team. I started immediately. When the previous manager, left I was asked by the board to take over. I was eager to make changes . I wanted to give the Shelter a friendlier face more open so that everyone – visitors, people who are looking for a pet, people who don’t want their pet anymore would feel welcome. We changed the opening hours so that people could come in the afternoon and on Saturdays as well . Publicity is another important issue. You have to keep the public informed about everything that’s going on, and we’re doing that through the local media. We also invite schools to come for a visit. We upgraded and promoted the pet boarding facility and we turned the team and the volunteers into a close-knit group of people. The Shelter depends a great deal on those volunteers. We couldn’t do without them. These people keep us going, they are very much involved and reliable and we can absolutely count on them – they are irreplaceable. We also have a very active and supportive board, loyal and generous sponsors, and one of our most appreciated co-workers is Kenneth Piar, who’s been with the Shelter for over 15 years! He’s an easy going guy, always in a good mood and has a natural talent when it comes to dealing with animals. He’s never been bitten by a dog! But I was! I feel that a civilized country should treat their animals in a civilized way… but in 2009 the Shelter had to euthanize almost 1,000 animals. That’s a horrible and sad number and it never happened before. I just can’t accept it and so a change has to come. Our primary goal is to shelter animals and to put them up for adoption, but the reality is very different. In 2009, almost 100 animals were left at the Shelter every month, 75% of them dogs. Imagine... 100 animals per month. That’s about three or four per day, seven days a week. And for a small island like Bonaire with (Continued on page 5) “I feel that a civilized co untry should treat their animals in a civilized way… but in 2009 the Shelter had to euthanize almost 1,000 animals.” 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 Shelter volunteers Kenneth, Melody, ”Charlie,” Wanda, Akkie with Marlies

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Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 Page 5 15,000 inhabitants that’s way too much! Of course we would love to be a no-kill shelter, but the circumstances won’t let us. What should we do? We can’t release the sick, mentally disturbed or wounded animals back on the streets. They would die of starvation, they would be killed by cars or by each other and people wouldn’t be safe either. The main reason that so many cats and dogs are dumped by their owners is that people don’t want to or cannot take responsibility for their pets. Sometimes it’s a matter of money, but most of the time it’s negligence; people just don’t care enough. They leave their pets when they move to another location. They let them get pregnant every time they’re in heat and they let them roam the streets by themselves. Or they lock them up in a crate for life, put them on a chain and never let them loose. Then after a year or so the animal goes mad and becomes a threat or loses all interest in life and then they don’t want it anymore. And then there’s also abuse and starvation and many diseases that will kill the animal eventually. There are a lot of prejudicial opinions as to who is to blame, but let me tell you something. People from every background or origin are capable of doing such things. It’s a personal thing; it’s about responsibility and respect for all living creatures; it’s about seeing life in a positive way. It’s not about culture! Over the last years the Shelter has worked very hard to drastically reduce the number of animals that have been left there. We started with an educational program about how to take proper care of your pets, and through various media we’re also informing people about all kinds of issues concerning animals. We started a ‘sarna’ mange project because there was an explosion of mange all over the island. For five months we went to inject dogs at people’s houses three weeks in a row for free. This year we will do it again. It takes a lot of time and effort, but it does help and people get to know us. Last year in May we began an active castration and sterilization program, ‘Bonny, the Superdog,’ through which people can have their pet sterilized for free. Since May 2009 more than 400 pets have been sterilized. And we’re trying to increase the number of adoptions by finding new owners for the Shelter animals as soon as possible. Therefore 2009 gave us another record: more than 209 adoptions! We are not doing this all by ourselves; we’re working with several animal organizations on the island like STINAPA, the Animal Welfare committee, the local veterinarians and the island’s dog trainer. But to decrease the number of dogs and cats that end up at the Shelter and the number of animals that we have to put to sleep, we need all the help we can get from the people who live here and from the government as well. The government especially has an important role to fulfill. They are the only ones who can revive the job of the dog catcher. LVV, the agricultural department, took care of this job for years picking up stray dogs from the streets or unwanted dogs from people who didn’t have transport but they stopped doing it because of internal reorganization. We took over; we didn’t get paid; we didn’t have the car. We used our own cars, gasoline and spare time because the government had promised us the job and the car and because there was a tremendous need for it. Now, after numerous meetings with all parties involved, who all agree that we should get the job, we still need a signature from the government and so we’re waiting, and meanwhile more dogs are roaming the streets and more pets are being dumped in the sea or in rural areas. It’s awfully frustrating. Also, we would like the government to set up a registration (dog tags) for people’s pets. Well, there are many more plans, fundraisings and informative and educative projects coming up. One of them has happened already. We’ve put a cage outside our gate where people can put their unwanted pets – a much needed facility to prevent people from dumping their animals elsewhere.” Marlies Tiepel has a lust for life. She’s driven and passionate; she’s fast and she wants it ‘now!’ but she’s not blind to how the world works. She knows how to put things in perspective and she has a tremendous sense of humor. She’s the heart and soul of the Animal Shelter, a very bright and compassionate girl. She laughs: “ I don’t see this as ‘my job.’ I can’t say it’s my hobby either and at the end of the week we all have to go for a drink to get rid of the misery. But, on the other hand, we are also extremely happy with all the good things that have been accomplished. The Shelter is in spite of everything a happy place. It’s always busy and many adults and children and also tourists come to help or visit or chat. Everybody is always welcome! What we want is for every dog and cat to be a ‘Superdog’ and ‘Supercat’ and every pet owner to be a ‘Super owner.’ That’s the dream and one day it will come true…” Story & photos by Greta Kooistra On the Island Since (Continued from page 4) “Charlie” and Marlies

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Page 6 Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 Introductory Offer O n Friday, February 12, Wim Statius Muller, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, will give a piano concert on Bonaire. It is the first time in 25 years that Statius Muller, a living legend of Antillean pianists and composers, is visiting Bonaire and giving a concert. Wim Statius Muller, grew up in Curaçao, began a substantial musical education early in his life. He received piano lessons from the well known musician and composer from Curaçao, Jacobo Palm. He studied piano at Josef Raieff and attended lectures in harmony and “contrapunkt” with Bernard Wagenaar. In 1954 he earned his Masters Degree. He served as director of the Curaçao Philharmonic Orchestra and performed in Europe, the US and the Caribbean region Statius Muller also had a remarkable working career: Shell, Dutch Intelligence Service, International Secretariate Navo and many other functions. Some of the remarkable performances after his working career were the Chopin Memorial in the well known Lincoln Center in 1999. In 2008 he gave a number of recitals in Belgium and made a musical voyage through Poland with three other Antillean pianists. Concerts were given in Warschau, Wroclov and in the house where Chopin was born. The background of this musical voyage was the Dutch novelist Jan Brokken’s publication of “Why Antilleans kneel down before the heart of Chopin.” This book clarifies the essence of much Antillean classical and light music by linking it to the works of Chopin. On Bonaire Wim Statius Muller will play works of Chopin, compositions of famous Antillean musicians Padu Lampe, Rudolf Palm , Charles Maduro—and he will play some of his own compositions. All that will be accompanied by vivid talks and explanations regarding the essentials and roots of Antillean music. Tickets are available before the concert at Flamingo Bookstore, Addo’s Bookstore and Plaza Resort for NAƒ35.On the day of the concert tickets can be bought at the concert hall for NAƒ40.As we expect great interest in the concert on February 12 we advise strongly to buy tickets at the presale addresses mentioned above to avoid disappointment. The concerts organized by the Classical Music Board Bonaire are supported by Caribbean Homes, Flamingo Communications, KPMG, Rocargo, Bon FM and the Fundashon Piano Grandi. On request of Maestro Muller the revenues of the concert will be donated to Jong Bonaire to stimulate and facilitate activities with piano music for the youth of our island. Place and time of this special and unique event organized by the Classical Music Board Bonaire is Friday, February 12 at the Cacique Hall of Plaza Resort at 8 pm sharp . Guus Gerritsen Wim Statius Muller PLAYING DOG POSSIBLE BOMB THREAT TO CRUISE SHIP? Dear Editor: In the early morning hours of January 12 the ‘dispatcher’ who conducts the taxi traffic around Wilhelmina Square and blows his whistle at anything that moves in the wrong direction may have prevented Bonaire from a possible terrorist attack on the cruise ship. For those of you who have never encountered this uniformed ‘dispatcher’, think of ‘the Village People.’ From under his white sailor’s cap his sharp vision noticed a dog that morning which was fetching a ball thrown in the water. He ordered the owner of the dog to stop this activity and continue elsewhere. When his authority was disputed (he is simply a traffic warden hired by TCB) an armed SVV officer with a colleague arrived at the crime scene within 10 minutes. These officers kindly explained the swimming dog was in violation with the international ISPS code that deals with the safety of ships in international harbors. The agitated traffic warden pointed out the dog might have contained a bomb that could have been detonated near the ship. When the owner found this rather far fetched the ‘dispatcher’ further supported his argumentation by mentioning that women from Latin American countries even hid drugs in their babies, so anything was possible. R.E. KUDOS TO THE REPORTER FROM AN ANTILLEAN PUBLICATION PIONEER Thank you, DeSalvo Family, for your outstanding publication! I have been reading it faithfully for years now, and it is such a blessing to read down to earth, honest and up to date news about the Netherlands Antilles...especially Curaçao and Bonaire. Your articles on our relationship with Holland are right on! I only wish that you had more contact with Papiamento speaking Bonaireans and Curaçaoans so that they too could get on track with where we are headed. High honors go to all your writers and contributors with a Special Plum to Jiri Lausman. Also great is your Flotsam & Jetsam column as well as your environmental articles and your stories about what is going on in Bonaire and who is involved. Keep up the good work. You are a blessing for the Bonaire Community. Rudy and Jackie Dovale Threat to cruise ships?

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Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 Page 7 KARNAVAL IN BONAIRE K arnaval as well as the other holidays is a happy moment for people all over the world who celebrate this cultural festival in their respective countries. Mr. Marcelo “Chalie” Anthony (60) gave us a briefing of how he started in Karnaval, the history of Karnaval and his experience through the years. He explains. “In 1985 the foundation to organize Karnaval was no longer operational so Mr. Eddy Frans who was part of the foundation organized a working commission to re-organize Karnaval. He didn’t have too many members to do that so he approached me (Marcelo Anthony, or, as most people know him, “Chalie”). I was a member of JCI (International Junior Chamber of Commerce). In that same year JCI was planning to do a project for the community. I was asked by Eddy Frans to help. Other JCI members and I joined the commission board and helped organize Karnaval that year. Besides helping with the commission, I was part of one of the oldest Karnaval groups, ‘Aliso.’ After Eddy Frans retired from the Karnaval Commission I took it over. The Karnaval Commission kept organizing Karnaval until 1996, the year we founded FUKABO (Fundashon Karnaval BoneirianoBonaire Karnaval Foundation), the official foundation to celebrate Karnaval in Bonaire. Karnaval always had its up and downs. In 1993 we had 20 groups participating with an average of 30 people in each group. It was big and everybody enjoyed it. That year during the Karnaval parade in Kaya L.D. Gerharts the police had to bring order to some bad behaving pedestrians. A fight ensued, a policeman had to use his gun and someone was killed. Since that time the Karnaval groups in Bonaire have dropped from 20 groups to 10 to 9. Groups like ‘Sasande,’ ‘Kristal’ and ‘Happy Navigators’ are gone. The fear in the groups made them hesitant to participate. However, this year some old members from the ‘Happy Navigators’ are forming a new group and we are expecting about 15 groups to participate. Regarding the history of Karnaval, in the 1950s some elite groups organized Karnaval jump-ins with a European touch at Flamingo Beach Hotel, back then named Hotel Zeebad, and the BSF (Sport Federation Club next to the MCB bank in town). In the 70s we were influenced by the Trinidad Carnival and it got a more a Caribbean character. Rincon, the first town to celebrate Karnaval with La Sana Kids Steel band, started celebrating Karnaval in front of the post office and finished it in Playa. Some other groups began celebrating Children Karnaval going through the streets of Kralendijk. Karnaval inspired a new kind of music, some calling it town music, “Tumba.’ In 1975 the first Tumba Festival was organized at the Orange Theater in Antriol where Mr. Antonio Trenidad (deceased) was our first king of Tumba. This year we are celebrating 35 years of Karnaval and its Tumba. FUKABO stands always ready to help the community to participate in Karnaval. A lot of people like to join, but we know Karnaval is not cheap. If you want to participate you have start saving money in advance like NAf 25 or NAf 50 every month. Some groups do that. In some years they just stand along the road watching, but today they can be participating. We must also keep our international contacts. We are a member of FECC (Federation of European Carnival Cities) which holds an international convention every year in which I participate. I’ve been in Malta; Poland; Saint Petersburg, Russia; and Brazil. I represented the Netherlands Antilles. More than 250 countries participate, talking about Carnival in their countries and how to make improvements.” Bonaire Karnaval has a bright future. Young bloods are on the board and commission of FUKABO and they are very enthusiastic. Chalie will always be open to the community’s suggestions. If you’re interested in starting a group to participate in Karnaval, call the president of FUKABO Mr. Robert Sances, at 522-3099. Never say you can’t do it. If you really want to and have a group of people standing by you, you can do it to keep contributing to our Bonairean Karnaval. Story & photo by Siomara Albertus Send your comments to The Bonaire Reporter, P.O. Box 407, Bonaire, or email reporter @bonairenews. com . To solve the puzzle, enter the numbers 1 through 9 to the partially filled in puzzle wit hout repeating a number in any row, column or 3 x 3 region. Answer on page 17. PIEDRA DI BONAIRE W hat is the legend surrounding this huge rock? Where did it come from? Bonaire abounds in mythology and legend. And to find the answer to this quiz, you must venture out to the Piedra di Boneiru to find the answer. Head north from Kralendijk. To find it you must take the first right just before you enter Rincon, follow the road until you reach the wind turbines, and there, right before your eyes, is Piedra di Boneiru . You can also take the turnoff from Rincon Road into Onima, and head north towards the turbines. Legend has it that from this rock an umbilical cord from within the bowels of the earth, “Baranka Mama,” is attached to this young man. When you venture out to this miraculous area you will find a story and painting, thus revealing the answer. Q) What is the name of the young man Answer on page 17 BonQuiz appears regularly in The Reporter. It’s prepared by Christie Dovale of Christie Dovale Island Tours . Contact her to arrange a tour, Phone 7174435 or 795-3456 or email: christiedovale@hotmail.com. Christie Dovale photos Marcelo “Chalie” Anthony

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Page 8 Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 Captain Don’s Island Grower NV 103 Kaminda Lagun (Look for the blue rock and dive flag) Phone: 786-0956 A part of Plantation Guatemala Plants, Trees, Tours and More Open from Friday thru Sunday and all holidays. 10 am till 4 pm nonstop “Almost a solid hectare of growing potted plants and trees. Thirty minute tours. No, we don't specialize in palms or fruit trees, but trees we got; Bonaire born and raised, strong plants for strong Bonaire gardens. Reasonable prices starting from NAƒ 5. Landscaping designs, graphically assisted.” — captain Don Bon bini! Welcome to the captain's gardens. 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 E veryone who wants a clean house on Bonaire knows that windblown dust and dirt are a problem. To give an idea of the quantities accumulating consider a typical house in Antriol. According to the measurements taken there the 58.4 grams per m2 deposits there every week. So, in a modest house of 100 m2, if it were completely open, 6 kg of dust* per week would have to be swept up! The KibraHacha Foundation in collaboration with the University of Wageningen (Netherlands) conducted a study of Bonaire’s dust. The main goal of the research was to shed light on the sources and factors contributing to this problem, and to give recommendations on how to deal with them. To do this three type s of research were done. 1. A literature search to provide a clear picture about what factors influence dust problems. 2. A field study, where deposition and emission of dust were measured at different sites on the island. 3. A survey in order to find out how residents experience dust as a problem. From March to June 2009 scientific dust measurements were taken in Antriol, Tera Cora, and on kunukus and unpaved roads. The source of most dust problems on Bonaire are human activities. The problems are mainly caused by intensive traffic on dirt roads and by dust producing industries like stone crushers . The largest dust production factor seems to be the dirt roads. A very large proportion of roads on Bonaire are unpaved, even within neighb orhoods. For example in Antriol about half of the roads are unpaved. This, in combination with a rapidly growing number of vehicles (about 40% increase in period 20022007), contributes to large quantities of dust in the air. A very local source of dust is the stone crushing and asphalt industry. Currently there are three active stone crushers of which two are situated right next to residential areas in Antriol and Amboïna. Because of the prevailing wind direction these residential areas are covered by large quantities of dust when the crushers are in production. Besides unpaved roads and dust producing industries the agricultural sector also adds to the dust nuisance. Another factor contributing to dust problems is the overpopulation of livestock on the island . It exceeds the carrying capacity of the land and results in land degradation that in combination with high wind velocities leads to wind erosion. The natural environment on Bonaire has been under pressure since the 17th century when logging and the introduction of goats and sheep led to strong degradation of the landscape and a significant reduction of biodiversity. The original vegetation has been largely replaced by small bushes and cactuses. Because of this reduction in vegetation, wind and water erosion started to play an increasingly large role on Bonaire. These processes have led to a serious denudation of the soil that in tern has led to a poor water retention capacity. Because of this, precipitation either runs off straight into the ocean or it evaporates. As a consequence, the soils on Bonaire tend to be very dry. This dryness of the soil is one of the prerequisites for wind erosion. Nowadays land degradation is mainly caused by (1) a goat population that exceeds the carrying capacity of the island at least by a factor 4 and (2) neglect of the agricultural land. The agricultural sector on Bonaire is becoming more and more marginalized because of the low returns and better job opportunities in other sectors (e.g. tourism). Apart from the local dust Bonaire also experiences an influx of Sahara dust, especially during the hurricane season . This dust contains pollen, microbes, insects and chemicals fr om herbicides and insecticides that could potentially have an adverse effect on human health and ecosystems like coral reefs. Dust on Bonaire is composed of ground substance called “5% fine particles.” This particulate matter consists of microscopic airborne particles (less than 10 microns). It is considered as harmful as air pollution and detrimental to health. (Continued on page 9) KibraHacha Foundation photo

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Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 Page 9 I f you have been following my articles, you would have noticed that I have been talking about the adrenal glands for a while now. If you have been unlucky to have had prostate problems, I can almost guarantee you (there is the occasional exception!) that no-one has ever mentioned your adrenal gland. Most men, even though ‘cured’ still live in fear, and rightly so. So what has your adrenal glands got to do with your prostate? What follows is a simplified version of a complex organ in your reproductive system. The prostate is clam-shaped and consists of three lobes which surround the neck of the bladder and urethra. It is partly muscular tissue and partly glandular tissue. The prostate gland secretes a thin, semi-clear, alkaline fluid, which makes up 30% of the seminal fluid. This fluid is used primarily for lubrication, but also stimulates active sperm movement. Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland) occurs from acidosis. The most common contributing factor, however, is hypo-active (underactive) adrenal glands (due to over -acidity). This creates low steroid production needed to counterbalance aggressive (acidic) male hormones which lead to prostate overstimulation and inflammation. Whether you have had or are currently suffering from prostatitis, enlargement or cancer of the prostate, your past and current diet is mostly to blame. Since most men eat a predominantly acid-forming diet meat, refined sugars, dairy products and alcohol and some lead a stressful life (yes, sometimes the wife is to blame), overacidic conditions of the body (both systemic and cellular) begin to take place. With time, over-acidity causes hormonal imbalances that are known to clog the tiny blood vessels of the prostate and could cause cancer. When your doctor gives you a diagnoses of prostate cancer, he or she will also tell you that treatment should begin immediately, or else ……………….. ! Often surgery is suggested with, in more cases than not, dire consequences! Radiation is another popular therapy, which could possibly work only if the cancer has not spread. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, but the drug don’t specifically target cancer cells. Instead they look for any rapidly growing cell. Cancer cells grow rapidly, but so do hair cells, cells lining the stomach, cells of the immune system, and cells in the bones. They too are killed by chemotherapy, causing a host of terrible side effects. Traditional surgery, radiation and chemotherapy in my opinion, all miss the boat. None of them cleanse the body of toxins and blockages, or strengthen the body to heal itself. A good detoxification program, followed by herbal supplements and an improved nutritional diet is your best option in restoring your health, not just for the immediate future, but long-term. Besides, you can always fall back on your medical treatment of choice, if necessary. Firstly, listen to your body. Do not ignore or put off all those small warning signals that you are being given. Secondly, being diagnosed with a prostate problem is not a death sentence, although far too often it is because of the treatment chosen! Thirdly, explore all your options! Next issue – The Yeast Epidemic. Stephanie Bennett Author Stephanie Bennett was born in Cape Town, South Africa, where she studied herbs, minerals and nutrition. Before moving to Bonaire she continued her studies in UK, and now researches health issues that particularly affect people on Bonaire and other Caribbean Islands. HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR PROSTATE? 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 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 Very little legislation and policy regarding emission of dust and especia lly particulate matter is in place. In the Dutch Antilles only Curaçao has some legislation concerning air quality (emission norms); daily averages of total suspended particles (TSP) levels may not exceed 150 g/m3. Concerning dust emission there is no legislation at all for the Dutch Antilles; this means that companies that generate dust (mineral or other) are not limited. For emission of dust from heavy industry and power plants (mainly SO2 and NOx) legislation can be implemented that already exists in the Netherlands. This, however, is not applicable for the stone crushing industry as the type of emission and type of dust are very different. The investigation report by the KibraHacha Foundation showed that various places on Bonaire have more dust in th e air than is allowed by the Antillean standards: primarily along dirt roads with heavy traffic and up to 5 times more in the near stone crushers to 11 times more. As well as during the hurricane season (MayOctober) due to Saharan dust driven towards the Caribbean these are disturbing findings for public health. RecommendationsOpportunities need to be created to get people back on the kunukus , otherwise the terrain will keep degrading. Examples are new irrigated agriculture, agro tourism and environmental schemes where land owners are paid to take care of their land and an approach aimed at restoring biodiversity. Dust emission as a result of traffic can be greatly reduced by paving more streets in residential areas. Another measure could be implementing legislation concerning industrial t raffic (trucks with building materials etc.). For instance set up special routes avoiding certain residential areas, better speed control, and covering up of dust sensitive materials like plaster sand and ground diabase. Other recommendations include: • Move stone crushers to isolated areas. • Cover dust producing ma terial on construction sites and during their transportation. • Develop sustainable agriculture. The project was made possible by the generous assistance of the following sponsors: Hertz Car Rental, Total Car Rental, Budget Rent a Car, IFC Consolidators, Rocargo, Curoil, Goalkeeper Hoeve BV, Meyer Moving, Achie Tours. More information can be obtained at Foundation KibraHacha, Jan Jaap van Almenkerk and Maarten Schuit, phone 700-9630, http://www.stichting-kibrahacha.blogspot.com This article addresses in particular the causes of dust pollution and the impact of dust on health and environment. Other detailed information about the study can be obtained by downloading from this study site: http://www.stichtingkibrahacha.blogspot.com . *The type of dust examined in this report is mineral dust, or soil dust. This dust consists of the smallest particles that can be found within the soil. The soils on Bonaire are mostly a mixture of sand and silt, with a low fraction of clay. As a rule of thumb, the smaller the particles, the more dangerous they are. When these particles enter the lungs they can cause all kinds of respiratory complaints, ranging from asthma up to lung cancer. Report provided by Jan Jaap van Almenkerk Dust Happens (Continued from page 8)

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Page 10 Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 Johannetta Gordijn photo Marian Walthie photo Bart Landheer photography A vote for everybody Young supporters of the blue LdiK Party Ramonsito Booi came out of retirement to win big for the PDB Surprise second biggest UPB Winner, Elvis Tjin Asjoe Motorcades raised voter interest Election results at the Passengrahn Take the DemocratsÂ’ bus Another example of the Blues helping the Reds

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Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 Page 11 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 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 T he number of Loras counted during last Saturday’s annual Lora (Bonaire Amazon parrotAmazona barbadensis ) reached a new high. Preliminary results indicates approximately 800 Loras. This number can still change through a detailed analysis of the collected data. Up until now the number of native parrots on Bonaire estimated was 650 to 700. The cause of the increase is probably due to better protection and more public information . The 15th census since 1980 was organized by Fundashon Salba Nos Lora and STINAPA in collaboration with Bonaire’s Department of Environment and Nature (DROB). In the early morning last Saturday dozens of volunteers fanned out over the island and counted simultaneously at 27 different places. After the count many of the participants enjoyed a good breakfast provided STINAPA Bonaire at the entrance to WashingtonSlagbaai Park. In the past two years, the annual count was hampered because of rain and fewer were seen. This year it was much drier. Bonaire’s Loras have been actively protected since 2002 when all Loras in captivity, more than 620 of them, were government-ringed and registered. This was accompanied by a major information campaign. Since then the Fundashon Salba Nos Lora conducts annual information campaigns on the protected Loras. As a result, fewer Loras have been captured, poached or slain. Although many Bonaireans are proud their Loras, not all are happy with more parrots because they are a pest to agriculture. Loras do not differentiate between wild fruitbearing trees and planted fruit trees. But they are driven by hunger. In the distant past many Bonaire trees were indiscriminately felled. The predation of stray goats and donkeys has not allowed the food-bearing trees to return. Trees like the Wabi (Kossi) with their many thorns can thrive in these cond itions, but they don’t provide food for these birds. The Fundashon Salba Nos Lora Foundation is looking for solutions to this problem. Last year, to celebrate Arbor Day, the Foundation planted more than 130 native fruitbearing trees in nature. Salba Nos Lora Foundation T wo individuals who have been working on Bonaire since 2003 to protect the Lora, Sam Williams and Rowan Martin have been granted PhD. Degrees for their work by the University of Sheffield in England. They received congratulations from the World Parrot Trust which supported their field work on the Yellow-shouldered Amazon ( Amazona barbadensis ) on Bonaire. Rowan Martin studied the species’ strong monogamous pair-bonding and is already on a Post Doc in South Africa. Sam Williams focused on the key limiting factors that include the Amazon’s survival. He is back on Bonaire to continue his conservation and research work. L.D. Some of the Lora Count Volunteers at Washington Park SNL photo C omposer-musician Boy Janga has been “artist in residence” at Jong Bonaire for the last few months. “I see a lot of musical talent here on Bonaire,” Janga says, “And it’s nice to work with Jong Bonaire because they really care for the kids.” About 12 lucky kids, between the ages of 13 and 16, get to study with Janga for a period of three months. “We start with percussion (bongos, congas, maracas, cow bells) then they go on to drums. The students learn to read music and how to count beats. They get the basics as a foundation to use later for more advanced study.” The musician continues, “My feelings are for the kids – no matter where they come from. There’s really not much for the kids here. And you see aggressive behavior. They need to have a sense of discipline for a better level of living. I see an improvement in them already.” Born on Bonaire, Janga spent 36 years performing and living all over the world. “It’s good to be home now,” he says. “I wa nt to share my experience and knowledge.” At the moment the students are using Boy’s instruments, but they need more. Another musician-teacher at Jong Bonaire is guitarist Benji Schaub. He and Boy have arranged for local people to get private or group lessons at Jong Bonaire. For more information call Boy Janga at 700-2925. L.D. Boy Janga

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Page 12 Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 Don’t Gamble With Your Advertising Advertise in The Reporter 3,000 copies every issueThousands More Readers On the Internet Call Laura at 790-6518 Email: Laura@bonairenews.com 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 1,10 per word, for each two-week issue. Call 790-6518 or 790-6125 or email info@bonairereporter.com For Sale: Toyota station wagon Tel: 717-8603 ———————————————For Rent: Direct oceanfront luxury condo , huge 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, all air conditioned, internet and cable. Private dock with incredible snorkeling and diving right in front of apt. Washer/dryer. Very private, best part of Hato. Long term only, $2800 US monthly. Call (561) 860-1468 in Florida or email Dennis at sunnyresorts@cox.net for pictures. ——————————————— LANDHOUSE for RENT -3 min from town, 5 min from the ocean. A beautiful 4 bedroom, 3-bathroom house for rent, land house design With a separate upstairs apartment in the nice and quiet neighborhood of Nikiboko. The house and bedrooms are fully equipped with air conditioning. Unfurnished. Long term rent only, NAƒ 2000per month. For more info, please call 7177362 ————————————————For rent as of March 1 , two bedroom upstairs furnished apt, excl. utilities, Pagabon, no pets, Nikiboko , call 795-3456 ——————————————–Two full size sofas. Clean but need recovering. Only NAƒ 75 each. Call 717-8819 8 am to 5 pm ——————————————– On Saturday, February 6, the Animal Shelter has a big book and flea market at their terrain at Kaminda Lagun from 11.00 am till 5.00 pm . Every cent that’s made will go into the sterilization fund ‘Bonny the Super Dog’ of which people can have their pets sterilized for free. For more info call 717-4989 . ———————————————Does your English need a little "polishing " for your work in the tourist industry? Call 788-7919 for help with conversational English. ——————————————— FOR SALE In good condition Ladies Bike, all round with 21 speeds, freedom gel saddle, basket , for ANG 325.-Please Call 717-5038 ———————————————-White Daewoo Matiz, 2000 , 5-doors, 5speed, 51.000 km, airco, original. Two new tires and a new battery. Ang. 7.500. Call 717 – 2399 or mail digitalis1956@hotmail.com for a picture and more information. ———————————————— MASSAGE —deep tissue or Swedish. $40/ hour. Joanna , 717-2736 Tel (599) 791-6272 / 785-6272 hans@outdoorbonaire.com www.outdoorbonaire.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 ——————————————— 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 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 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. DATE Time Ht. Time Ht. Time Ht. Time Ht. ` COEF 2-05 7:20 1.8FT. 15:53 0.9FT. 62 2-06 8:03 1.9FT. 16:47 0.9FT. 51 2-07 8:43 2.0FT. 17:44 0.8FT. 45 2-08 9:27 2.0FT. 18:25 0.8FT. 45 2-09 10:03 2.0FT. 19:04 0.8FT. 50 2-10 10:37 2.0FT. 19:44 0.8FT. 56 2-11 11:15 1.9FT. 20:12 0.9FT. 63 2-12 11:47 1.9FT. 20:36 0.9FT. 69 2-13 12:15 1.8FT. 21:02 1.0FT. 73 2-14 12:46 1.7FT. 21:21 1.0FT. 76 2-15 3:56 1.3FT. 5:11 1.3FT. 13:19 1.5FT. 21:23 1.1FT. 78 2-16 4:05 1.4FT. 7:09 1.3FT. 13:37 1.4FT. 20:55 1.1FT. 78 2-17 4:27 1.5FT. 20:10 1.2FT. 76 2-18 5:05 1.6FT. 19:32 1.1FT. 72 2-19 5:45 1.7FT. 16:23 1.1FT. 67 C onstruction is underway for the new roundabout at the intersection of Kaya Nikiboko South and Kaya Industria The intersection has long been regarded as a "blackspot” where numerous accidents / collisions occur. The construction of the roundabout will improve traffic flow. International traffic rules will apply as at all other Bonaire roundabouts, which means that traffic in the roundabout has priority. This will be indicated with signs and markings. It is expected the work will take approximately three months. The existing traffic circles( also called rotonde, roundabouts or rotaries) have proven to be a great success with island drivers. During the implementation period, traffic will be diverted via Kaya Mgr. Nieu Windt, Beni Kaya and Kaya Industria Pariba. Also two temporary dirt roads were constructed at the Kaya Nikiboko South (north side) wh ere it intersects Kaya Industria / Emerenciana. The contractor responsible for work is BWM (Bonaire Wegenbouwmaatschappij). The coordination of the execution (management and implementation supervision) will be done by DROB Civil Works. For any questions contact DROB, phone 717-8130.

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Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 Page 13 Airport: Divi Divi Air DAE Air Insel Air Valerie’s Airport Shop Airlines: Divi Divi Air EZ Air DAE Banks: MCB (Playa & Hato branches) ORCO Bank Giro Bank Restaurants: Bistro de Paris Capriccio Casablanca China Nobo City Café Eli’s Deli It Rains Fishes Lover’s Ice Cream-Hato Papagayo Pasa Bon Pizza Patagonia Dive Shops: Blue Divers Carib Inn Tropical Divers WannaDive Shops: Antillean Wine Company Benetton Best Buddies Botika Bonaire Botika Korona Budget Marine Chat ‘n’ Browse City Shop da Shop DeFreewieler Digicel Exito Bakery Green Label INPO Kooyman Napa Paradise Photo Photo Tours Playa Trading Hotels: Buddy Dive Capt. Don’s Habitat Carib Inn Den Laman Divi Flamingo Eden Beach Plaza Resort Sand Dollar Resort Supermarkets: Cash & Carry (Consales) Cultimara Joke’s Mini Market More for Less Progresso Sunshine Market The Island Trader (TIS) Warehouse Bonaire Zhung Kong Market, Hato Government: Bestuurscollege RSV-APNA Building Customs Parliament Office BVO Others: Bonfysio Botika Korona Caribbean Laundry Centro di Medico Dentist Office Von Egmond Digicel Office Extra Newspaper Office Fit 4 Life Green Label Hair Affair Harbour Village Marina Mio Cellular Photo Tours RSA Insurance Rocargo San Francisco Hospital TCB Telbo WEB office Bookstores: Addo’s Books & Toys Flamingo Bookstore Realty Offices : Bonaire Partners Bonaire Sunshine Homes Caribbean Homes Harbourtown Realty Re/Max Paradise Homes Sunbelt Realty RINCON: Chinese Store Joi Fruit Store Rincon Bakery Rose Inn Tusnara Market 2/1/2010 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 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 y ourself 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. L auren Nelson sent this photograph of her husband Tom Nelson and her brothers Jack and Kurt Holuba with The Bonaire Reporter as they built a bonfire on Barren Island in Nova Scotia, Canada . They were up there on a vacation at a cabin for the week. After they read it, the newspaper stoked the bonfire! Who Cares? They did! L ast week on Monday Leandro Martinez and Luis Flores were conducting a guided tour on ATV quads with cruise ship passengers. Somewhere along the road from Lagun to Spelonk one of the tourists spotted a puppy. The whole caravan came to a standstill when one puppy after another came stumbling from behind the rocks. The joint effort resulted in the rescue of 10 puppies of barely six weeks old. Alas, the mother was nowhere to be found. That afternoon Leandro and Luis came to the Bonaire Animal Shelter saying, “We have a problem,” and with big smiles they handed the Shelter’s staff one of the quad’s blue boxes filled to capacity with the 10 puppies. Sadly, three of the pups didn’t make it, but the other seven are doing fine. As they were covered in a tsunami of lice they were bathed repeatedly, they were also dewormed and got their shots. They’re still a bit wobbly and sleeping a lot, but in a week or two they will be strong and hand some and ready for adoption! Thanks to Leandro and Luis and the tourists seven little dogs’ lives were saved because they cared! In addition to this event, the Shelter has built a new facility for the public to use: a kennel outside the gate where people can drop off pets at any time . Leaving an animal at the Shelter has always been for free and it always will be, but somehow there are still people who pref er to dump the pets in the mondi which hopefully won’t be necessary anymore. Greta Kooistra Laura DeSalvo photo Greta Kooistra photo

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Page 14 Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 CLOSE-IN EVENTS Full Karnaval Schedule at right Friday, February 5 –Free Lecture “Trees & Reforestation on Bonaire” by Dr. Dolfi Debrot, director of Carmabi, Curaçao. 7 pm, CIEE, Kaya Gob. Debrot 26. Saturday, February 6 —Big Monthly Rincon Marshe, 6 am to 2 pm. A real island event. Stands selling crafts, local foods, drinks, music. In the center of Rincon. Saturday, 6th – Children’s Karnaval Parade, Rincon Saturday, February 6 —Book & Flea Market at Bonaire Animal Shelter on the Lagoen Road, 11-5. All proceeds go to the steriliztion fund, Bonny, Super Dog. More information call 717-4989. . Sunday, 7th – Children’s Karnaval Parade, Playa 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! More on page 6 Saturday, 13th – Adult Karnaval Parade, Rincon Sunday, 14th Adult Karnaval Parade, Playa Sunday, February 21 —3rd Annual Jong Bonaire Fun Walk and Bike Ride, to benefit Jong Bonaire. Adults NAf20; Children un der 12, Naf 10. More on page 18 On Saturday, February 6, the Animal For March 5-7 Educational Event: “Discover your Potential,” sponsored by Toastmasters Bonaire, Divi Flamingo. See page 18 for more information March 26 —Referendum . See page 3 Crafts Markets at Wilhelmina Park on Cruise Ship Visiting Days—usually 10am until ship departure. Date Day Ship name Time PAX REGULAR EVENTS Rooi Lamoenchi Kunuku Park Tours $21 (includes tax). Discounts for residents and local pe ople. Tel. 717-8489, 540-9800. 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 upkeep 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. 560-7539. 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—796-7870. Mondays Soldachi Tours of Rincon, the heart of Bonaire, 9 am-noon. $20-Call Maria, 717 -6435-best island tour value Meet the Captain Night at Captain Don’s Habitat Bar– Get up close and personal with Bonaire’s dive pioneer. The Captain’s will autograph your copy of his newest book Reef Windows . Fridays Harbour Village Tennis, Social Round Robin 7-10 pm. $10 per person. Cash bar. All invited. Call Elisabeth Vos at 5655225 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 Monday -Dee Scarr’s Touch the Sea Slide Presentation, Capt. Don’s Habitat, 8:30 pm. 717-8529 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. 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 th e family has just stepped out. Local ladies will tell you the story. Open Monday thru Friday, 9 –12, 2-4. 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 Bridge Club Wednesdays , 7:15 pm— All levels, NAƒ2,50, call Renata at 7965591 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. The Hash House Harriers running and walking club meets every second Wednesday for a one hour walk throughout Bonaire. The location changes each week. The contact number is 700-4361 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 welcom e. 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 Pray er 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. 717-4211. 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 Latterday Saints : Kaya Sabana #26, Sundays: 9 am Sacrament Services (Translation to English and Papiamentu upon requestst) 10:20 Sunday School, 11:15 RS/ YM/YW/PH Primary held from 10:20-12 noon Visitors Welcome: Call 701-9522 for Information Send event info to: The Bonaire Reporter Email reporter@bonairenews.com Tel:790-6518, 786-6125 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, Stephanie Bennett, J@n Brouwer, Andrew Collins, Christie Dovale, Guus Gerritsen, Jack Horkheimer, Greta Kooistra, Jerry Ligon, Derek Parker, Jan Jaap van Almenkerk 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 ©2010 The Bonaire Reporter Thursday February 4, 2010 Caribbean Princess 1100-1900 3100 Friday February 5, 2010 Enchantment of the Seas 0700-1530 2446 Monday February AidaAura 0800-1600 1260 Tuesday February Ocean Dream 0800-1600 1422 Tuesday February 9, 2010 Sea Princess 1200-1900 2016 Friday February 12, 2010 Enchantment of the Seas 0700-1530 2446 Sunday February Ruby Princess 1100-1900 3100 Tuesday February 16, 2010 Ocean Dream 0800-1600 1422 Thursday February 18, 2010 Caribbean Princess 1100-1900 3100 ThursFebruary Noordam 0800-1700 1918 Friday February Enchantment of the Seas 0700-1530 2446 Cruise Ship Calls -Informa tion provided by the TCB KARNAVAL SCHEDULE 2010 (Tentative) February Friday, 5th – Balloon Parade, SEBIKI Friday, 5th – Election of Adult Queen, Prince and Pancho Saturday, 6th – Children’s Parade, Rincon Sunday, 7th – Children’s Parade, Playa Tuesday, 9th – T-Shirt Parade, Playa Wednesday, 10th – Bikers Parade, Playa Thursday, 11th – Teener Parade, Playa Friday, 12th – Elementary School Parade, Playa Friday, 12th Marathon Jump-up Jump-in Saturday, 13th – Adult Parade, Rincon Sunday, 14th Adult Parade, Playa Monday, 15th – Children’s Farewell Parade, Playa Tuesday, 16th – Adult Farewell Parade, Playa Saturday, 20th – Karnaval 2010 Closure Send event info to: The Bonaire Reporter reporter@bonairenews.com Tel:790-6518, 786-6125

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Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 Page 15 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 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 Did You Know... That the eyes of humans and cephalopods (e.g squid, octopus) are remarkably similar? In fact, such complex vision systems in such distantly related organisms represents an evolutionary process known as convergence . Convergence is a term used to describe the evolution of similar biological characteristics in organisms whose ancestry diverged long ago. In other words, distantly related species, under similar pressures from natural selection, evolve similar body characteristics in response to those pressures. Though the shared ancestry of humans and cephalopods diverged millions of years ago, natural selection favored the success of individuals of both species with adaptations that led to the development of complex vision. As a matter of fact, some evolutionary biologists suggest that cephalopods evolved superior vision systems to those of humans and other vertebrates! Though both eye types are highly alike, there are certain distinctions between each that make the independent evolution of these vision systems so fascinating. While the human eye is focused by muscles that change the shape of the lens, the octopus eye moves back and forth to focus, much like a camera! Cephalopod vision systems are “wired” opposite to those of humans, a characteristic that actually makes their vision more “efficient,” and even allows th em to distinguish between different kinds of polarized light! Other examples of convergence include the evolution of wings in both bats and birds and the use of similar strategies to filter plankton in both whale sharks and baleen whales. Andrew Collins Andrew Collins is a recent graduate of the University of New Hampshire and is currently participating in a Tropical Marine Ecology internship at the CIEE Research Station here in Bonaire. Cephalopod eye (top) and human eye O n the updated Lionfishlist ( 74 captures through 27 January) Dr. Rita Peachey of CIEE mentioned finding immature eggs in some of the females. This is bad news. This means the Lionfish are getting close to sexual maturity. Note the two lionfish that were found on the same day, same dive site, same depth Red Slave at 125 feet, on 26 January. What I do not know was, how close to each other were they? When finding pairs of Lionfish now, please note if either appears to be orientated toward the other, exactly how close together were they, and note any current relative to their positions. Jerry Ligon Recent Lionfish Captures Jan 17-10 Margate Bay 78ft 15.6cm (6.1in) Jan 16-10 Hilma H 2nd Reef 75ft 14.4cm (5.6in) Jan 16-10 Nearest Point 75ft 14.8cm (5.8in) Jan 19-10 Atlantis 78ft 8.7cm (3.4in) Jan 21-10 Alice in Wonderland 73ft 16cm (6.3in) Jan 21-10 Alice in Wonderland 60ft 14.4cm (5.6in) Jan 22-10 Something Special 20ft 13.8cm (5.4in) Jan 23-10 Atlantis 78ft 16cm (6.3in) Jan 24-10 Carl's Hill ft 14.2cm (5.6in) Jan26-10 Red Slave 125ft 16.8cm (6.6in) Jan 26-10 Red Slave 125ft 14.2cm (5.6in) Jan 27-10 White Slave 80ft 15.3cm (6in) Marine Park Manager deLeon and Lionfish Johannetta Gordijn photo Internet photos Herman Van Leeuwen photo

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Page 16 Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 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-island travel. Now flying to Aruba. AIRTOURS The Bonaire Aero Club invites you to see Bonaire from the air. Take a one-hour flight with up to three persons. Ideal for photography or environmental study or see your house. 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 offer 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. BOOKS Reef Windows is Captain Don’s latest book and features the true stories of the naming of many Bonaire dive sites. A great souvenir as well. CONTRACTOR Equinox Bonaire— A USA licensed contractor for hotels, restaurants, 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 re tail store. Best book trade on Bonaire. Good prices 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 FRAMING Gladys’s Art Shoppe Fine framing by experienced craftsmen/artists. Outstanding selection of framing materials for your treasures. 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. Captain Don’s Plan ts, Trees and More sells genuine acclimated Bonaire plants. Take a 30-inute tour too. Strong plants for strong Bonaire gardens. 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 MIO offers by far the clearest, most reliable phone signal on the island PLUS WIRELESS HIGH-SPEED INTERNET almost everywhere on Bonaire. LIQUEUR Taste a Cactus when you try Cadushy of Bonaire Liqueur. Available in many shops and markets it makes the perfect souvenir of the island. 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 pr ocessing 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. RE/MAX Paradise Homes : Lots of choices in real estate—International/US connections. 5% of profits donated to local community. List with them to sell fast. Sunbelt Realty offers full real estate, 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. Professional 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 am-noon. 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 ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 Page 17 The 62nd of a series of Bonaire Reporter articles by J@n Brouwer, featuring some of Bonaire’s interesting vehicles that are “on wheels.” On course for 100+ Bonaire/Tera Kora – S o to be allowed to contribute to The Bonaire Reporter as a writer really is a privilege because it enables you to get in touch with and start a talk with some of the world’s finest characters. In the last edition of The Bonaire Reporter Sherman Gibbs and his loyal truck were the subject of an article. Now it is Mr. Hector Daal from Tera Kora with his bicycle. Almost every day he can be seen in one of the streets of Kral endijk: Hector Daal, age 84, born in 1925 and still going strong, as does his bi ke. Hector Daal lives in the neighborhood of Tera Kora. He lives all by himself in a house along Kaya Corantijn. Mr. Daal is a very polite and well mannered person. When I see him, walking with his bicycle next to him, he is the friendliest of persons. He immediately understands my plans about writing a little story about himself and his property: a real carrier bicycle. And when some other persons ask for my attention Mr. Daal immediately says that he will wait for me, right at the place where I met him. So after a very short communication with the other persons I apologize to Mr. Daal and we go looking for a place in the shade to take some photographs. Mr. Hector Daal, at 84 years old, has been the owner of an original carrier bicycle for at least 20 years now, retired for ages, earning some extra money by selling boiled and toasted peanuts. Mr. Daal: a very nice specimen of one of the last pure and original non-complicated but sophisticated Bonaireans. Mr. Daal: a living treasure! So this very special person is the owner of a carrier bike. However, because of his age he never uses the bicycle for cycling. He prefers to walk next to his vehicle. A kind of rollator avant la date. “Much safer these days,” he says. And I agree. The bike is old, very old, and presumably manufactured in the old England, decades before the oil crisis and, after some research, probably produced before the Second World War. The bike is heavy, very heavy. There are no modern gears fitted and the brakes stopped functioning a very long time ago. The chain is extended to the max and the rear wheel is mounted in the very last position of the rear fork of the frame to adjust to the slack of the chain. There is a dynamo mounted on the front fork to produ ce electricity for the lights, but the lamps vanished a long time ago. No fenders or mudguards. A nice saddle which is not used and a huge carrier in the front, above the very small front wheel, to carry the little bags with boiled and baked peanuts. The huge carrier and the small wheel characterize the bicycle. Underneath the carrier an immense and solid stand is mounted. Mr. Daal does not use this stand anymore and the device is more or less permanently mounted on the bike with electric wire. And no, there are no bags with peanuts in the carrier at the moment. Mr. Hector Daal has completely sold out. And yes, there is a huge tire pump in the carrier above the front wheel. This is because the front tire is flat at the moment. The tire continuously loses air. But Mr. Daal does not really care. If he needs some air he just blows a little wind in it by the massive air pump! A lot of research brings me to the Museum of Tradesman’s Delivery Bikes in England. The bikes with the small wheel in the front are also known as so called “lo gravity bikes.” Mr. Daal’s bicycle was probably made in Birmingham, Great Britain, by the Birmingham Small Arms factory. Those days the lo gravity bike was for sale for around $10! All this information intrigues me so much that I decide to have a talk again with Mr. Daal. So I drive the four-wheeldrive to the Nikiboko South area and I try to find the yellow house in which Mr. Daal lives. It takes some time. And finally a man jumps in my vehicle to show me where Mr. Daal lives. The house seems to be deserted. The door is more or less locked. I leave a print of my article-inconcept under a stone next to the front door. Then Mr. Daal opens the door. He is surprised! Hands are shaken and he allows me to come in. I inform Mister Daal about the results of my research and I ask him for a knife. He hands me the knife and I ask for permission to scratch away a lot of layers of paint from the ball head of the bicycle. Not a single problem! Then the contours of the more or less oval emblem with the three piled arms and the leather belt shows up. Yes! Hector Daal is a unique person with a very special bike: a BSA low gravity carrier bike, made in or around 1937. The guys from the Museum of Tradesman’s Delivery Bikes can be jealous! Story & photo by J@n Brouwer Puzzle on page 7 Bon Quiz ( from page 7 ): Q) What is the name of the young man A) Boynay Mr. Hector Daal and his English Tradesman’s Delivery Bike

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Page 18 Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 3rd Jong Bonaire Fun Walk & Bike Ride Tickets at Jong Bonaire and De Freewieler More Details in the Next Edition of The Reporter BONHATA'S Annual Awards Event on Thursday, January 28th was a big success! The theme for the evening was“A Celebration of Bonairean Culture.” Participants were asked to dress as colorfully as possible and to wear a traditional hat. There was live music from the renowned local artists Glen i su Geng and entertainment by four Jong Bonaire folk dancers dressed in traditional costumes. A fund raising raffle was part of the evening’s program and all funds raised will be donated to the Mangazina di Rei and to a special project of the Bonaire Museum. Key sponsors of the event were MCB bank and TELBO and the catering was done by SGB High School students. It was one of the most well attended Awards Events with over 167 people present. The Fund Raising Raffle also raised just over NAƒ 3,400, compared to the NAƒ 3,200 of last year One of the highlights of the evening was recognition of individuals and companies for their contribution to the tourism industry of Bonaire: Amado Vrieswijk , Bonaire Sportsman of the Year 2009 Dive Training , for their top support, commitment and loyalty to the island Rocargo Services , for the commitment they have invested in the island by building a new Joyce Gregorio from TELBO who recently celebrated her 40th Anniversary with the company Maduro & Curiel’s Bank Bonaire , in recognition to their investment in the future of Bonaire with new bank customer service training and their new office facility in Hato Robbert van Duin of KLM, for his exceptional commitment to his job and his customer service skills The Outstanding Employee/Supervisor winners for each quarter in 2009 were also recognized: Employees: Chun Miao Zhen (Michi) from Maduro and Curiel’s Bank, Juan Reina from Harbour Village Beach Club (City Services), Michel Boekhoudt from Rocargo Services and Iris Jasperse from Sunbelt Realty Supervisors: Isidoor van Riemsdijk from Rum Runners Restaurant, Gert Joosten from Divi Dive, Claire Sealy from Captain Don’s Habitat and Ersilia Diaz (Chila) from Bonaire Air Services From these winners two finalists were selected: Employee of the Year Chun Miao Zhen (Michi) from Maduro & Curiel’s Bank and Supervisor of the Year Claire Sealy from Captain Don’s Habitat These two winners are in for some serious recognition. First of all they get to participate in an exchange program with CHATA, The Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association. And they will each receive a free roundtrip air ticket courtesy of Insel Air, a complimentary 3-night,4day stay in a hotel in Curaçao, with a complimentary rental car plus dinners, tours, etc... BONHATA would like to extend a very big thank you to the following: For fund-raising raffle prizes : Antillean Wine Company; Aquaspace; Benetton; Bonaire Windsurfing Place; Budget Car Rental; Captain Don’s Habitat; Continental Airlines; Digicel Bonaire; Dive Friends Bonaire; Divi Dive; Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino; Golden Reef Inn; Hyatt Regency Curaçao; It Rains Fishes; Jibe City; Kiteboarding Bonaire; KonTiki Restaurant; Littman Jewellers; M.C.B. Bank Bonaire; Rum Runners Restaurant; Samur Sailing Charters; Tiara Air; The Touch Spa. A Special Thank You goes out to Hugo Gerharts for the silver coin he donated for an impromptu auction – minted in 1979 – the year that talks first started about creating the Bonaire Hotel & Tourism Association. To Vernon Martijn and the SGB Culinary Team for the great food, table service and beverage service To the M.C. ’s Papi Cicilia & Dirk Jan Methorst . BONHATA Press release Bonhata President Sara Matera with Rocarg o’s Marisela Croes, Sportsman Amado Vrieswijk, Telbo’s Joyce Gregorio, Robbert van Du in of KLM, MCB Bank Managing Director Evert Piar and BONHATA’S Marion Wilson Bonhata President Sara Matera with Claire Sealy and “Michi” Chun Miao Zhen

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Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010 Page 19 Two Bright Red Cosmic Lights for your Valentine this Valentine's Day Night, Sunday February 14th 2010 I f you want to give your sweetheart something very special and out of this world this Valentine's Day we have two bright red objects in the cosmos gift wrapped and ready to present absolutely free. Around 8 to 9 pm this Valentine's Day night, Sunday, February 14th face east where half way up the sky you'll see a very bright yellow-gold light which many people say has a reddish-rouge tint to it. It has been known throughout history as the red planet and it is, of course, Mars . At the end of January Mars was at its closest to Earth and at its brightest for all of 2010 and 2011. And although it is now slowly moving away from us each night it is nevertheless extremely bright and quite easy to find. So Mars is your first cosmic red gift for your Valentine. For your second gift simply turn to your right and look up a bit due south and you will see another very bright, even redder object shining high above the horizon. It is in fact the brightest red star we can see w ith the naked eye. And just coincidentally it reaches its highest point above the horizon every Valentine's Day night between the hours of 8 and 9 pm. It is one of Orion the Hunter's shoulder stars . And its name is Betelgeuse which most people pronounce "beetle juice." So now you have red cosmic gift #2 for your Valentine. And although Betelgeuse and Mars will look about the same in brightness there their similarity ends. In fact they are about as different as you can get. And you can really impress your Valentine when you tell her or him what they're all about. Mars is not very big cosmically speaking, only half the size of our 8,000-mile-wide Earth , 4,000 miles wide. But Betelgeuse is about as big a red Valentine as you'll ever find. In fact if we compar e Betelgeuse with Mars and our Sun you'll understand just how big. Indeed Mars is absolutely dinky compared to our Sun. In fact we could fit over 8.7 million Mars inside it. Betelgeuse, however, is so huge we could fit over 160 million of our Suns inside it! And that's when Betelgeuse is at its smallest size because Betelgeuse changes its size regularly like a gigantic slowly pulsating heart. It beats, however, only once every six years. When Betelgeuse contracts to its smallest size, it is about 500 times the width of our Sun. But when it expands to its largest size it is almost 900 times as wide. Or if you think of it this way, if we could place Betelgeuse where our Su n is when Betelgeuse is at its smallest it would stretch out past the orbits of Mercury, Venus , Earth, all the way to Mars. But when it's at its largest it would reach all the way to Jupiter. So there you have it: in the south the red star Betelgeuse at its highest above the horizon and in the east the red gold planet Mars half way up the heavens . And perhaps that gold color will inspire you to give your Valentine a bit of the same. Is this a romantic cosmos or what? Happy Valentine's Day night and keep looking up! Jack Horkheimer *to find it... just look up ARIES (March 21 – April 21) Entertaining will be very successful and enjoyable with, as you will soon observe, new and interesting bonds being made between your guests and you yourself having a great time. Minor changes at work will make patchy progress with some schemes needing more planning than was anticipated, but you can expect to resolve these problems after the 17th when any deadlock situation will ease. 60% positive TAURUS April 22 – May 20) Be prepared for unexpected developmen ts in your career or business. These will probably be demanding but more than interesting, and you should listen to any new ideas that are put to you – especially if they will be potentially profitable. Be open minded and somewhat adventurous. 60% positive GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) If studying full or part time you will make excellent progress in the weeks ahead, as your powers of concentration are being enhanced by help from Mercury. Getting in touch with like minded people on the net from overseas will also be advantageous. Mixing bus iness with pleasure from the 12th will be both amusing and fun. 45% positive CANCER (June 21 – July 21) You are probably being pulled in two directions concerning a decision. From a practical point of view you know you ought to take one line of action but emotiona lly you will be reluctant to do so. Take your time to weigh up the problem and to assess you own reactions. Decide whether you are being overemotional or somewhat cool or even hard hearted. 30% positive LEO (July 22 – August 22) Play your cards right (and post them in good time) and you’ll have a very amusing Valentine’s Day! In addition to a cluster of planets influencing your love life the New Moon is adding glitz and glamour to this Solar System party which will be around for most of February. If you can allow yourself to be distracted from the amazing set up, spend some time working. . . which will be easier to cope with around the 10th and the 26th. 70% positive VIRGO (August 22 – September 22) From the 10th you can expect a change of pace to your life due to some very necessary work which will be rather dul l and time consuming, aim to pace yourself no matter how much pressure you might be experiencing, but in a few weeks you will feel considerable satisfaction when the tasks are completed. 25% positive LIBRA (September 23 – October 23) Your mood will be carefree, optimistic and rather daring. This is something you must, and no doubt will, enjoy, but ju st now and again you should, stop, take a deep breath and ask yourself whether you are being over optimistic, or have taken one too many risks especially if you have been extravagant. However you peak with these positive trends at the New Moon – the lovely 14th of February! And from the 11th when you get extra help from Venus! 85% positive SCORPIO (October 24 – November 21) From the 10th family and business/career demands are likely to clash at times, so if this applies to you, be prepared to make compromises or additional plans to avoid any difficulties. After the 18th you will be clear of these influences and discover that you are entering a phase in which you will not be distracted in this particular way, and all round your strong Scorpio qualities will zoom into action and assist you to even more rewarding achievements. 50% positive SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) Until the 10th you might well need to reassess a recent decision which you made too hastily. Give yourself time to consider whether you have made a mistake. If you have, then you’ll have to go in for a certain amount of replanning and more prac tical and constructive thinking. A similar situation will apply if you are just about to come to a decision; in which case don’t be rushed no matter how urgently you need to commit yourself. 30% positive CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) Expect to enjoy a rewarding month, both from the financial point of view and your personal life which, with your partner and family, you would do well to organize some lively outings. Friends too will beco me increasingly important and their company stimulating – especially if recently you have taken up a new interest which involves them. 90% positive. AQUARIUS (January 19 – February 18) Because this is your birthday month you have every excuse to dress up to the nines and dazzle both rivals and admirers. During the first week of February you will be in a particularly romantic mood and you’ ll receive blessings from Venus and Neptune on the 7th In addition to all that, as the 14th is both the New Moon in your sign and St Valentine’s Day what more could you want? 80% positive PISCES (February 19 – March 20) Although you are just beginning an interesting 12 months when there is much in your favor (because of the influence of Jupiter starting to travel through your sign) for a few weeks now, you would do well to let up and relax rather more, but also to make plans for the months ahead. By the time of the Full Moon on the 28th you will be read y to motivate some action; know that the time will be right to do so. 70% positive 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 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 Betelgeuse Orion’s Belt February–2010 By Derek Parker

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Page 20 Bonaire ReporterFeb. 5-19, 2010