Dec. 23-Jan. 8, 2019, Year 26, Issue 26

Box 603, , , Phone (599) 796-4055, www.bonairereporter.com email:[email protected]

Karst Cave Park Speak Papiamentu to Me New in 2020: taxes, rates, rules & piers

Santa Claus and Miss Tourism Rayshantaly Coffie with elves J’Nephtery and Jourday-ann Clarenda. Photo and story: Julie Morgan Holiday Spirit is Everywhere Holiday spirit was alive in the and local food and drink. Pop Koor Zwarte Piets. The community cele- downtown area of Kaya Grandi and Bonaire performed seasonal music brated our NGO’s for their charita- Wilhelmina Plaza on shopping night from the bandstand to accompany ble work and many businesses held December 21. From 6pm to 10pm the shoppers as they moved from parties to thank their employees. the road was blocked to car traffic, booth to booth. Our homes and businesses are dec- so shoppers could walk freely from orated to reflect the spirit of the sea- shop to shop. The majority of stores No one could resist the lure of son, whatever that may be to each were open and some brought their the jolly man in the red suit. Count- individual. wares into the street for sidewalk less kids and even adults lined up shopping. Local musicians provid- for a photo with Santa Claus. And All around the world we tradition- ed the background music for the that includes Miss Tourism Bonaire ally have chosen this month as the shoppers. Rayshantaly Coffie and elves Jour- time to reflect, give to others and day-ann and J’Nephtery Clarenda. show gratitude to our friends. We The traditional elderly parade of give thanks for our experiences of seniors in decorated wheel chairs Local charity booths were set up this past year as we look to a new passed down Kaya Grandi providing for donations, reminding us that the one. holiday spirit. holiday season is a time for giving. The Bonaire Reporter would like to Craft venders, artists and food The month of December has been thank our readers. We wish everyone a booths filled Wilhelmina Plaza of- filled with holiday celebrations all wonderful holiday season. fering some one-of-a-kind gifts over the island beginning with the Bonaire’s seniors in the elderly parade enjoy the night’s arrival of Sinterklaas and many celebrations. Flotsam and This Week’s Stories Jetsam Christmas Shopping Night 1 Curaçao Girobank fails 4 2nd home taxes 4 BC allocates money for flamingo chicks EZAir to Columbia 4 Ombudsmen & youth in poverty 4 This is the second consecutive year that lease. Reporter’s new schedule 4 hundreds of flamingo chicks are prema- Many of the unsuccessfully released Bonaire pays more for gasoline 4 turely leaving the breeding grounds at the flamingos still visit the Wild Bird Rehab Enforcement action at BIA 5 salt pans and Pekelmeer. The wandering and then travel across the road. The gov- GDP Bonaire down in 2017 6 chicks are found exhausted, run over and ernment is going to place speed bumps 3 piers to be rebuilt 6 many die. Why the chicks are roaming is on the road in front of the center to slow Waterfront event: part 2 7 a mystery. drivers for the safety of the birds. WEB costs 2020 7 Last week, the Dutch government via Albers said, “ We are also going to ap- ant tourist attraction. And we as islanders Xiomara Frans-Papiamentu 8 Minister Carola Schouten of Agricul- ply for a salary to pay someone to look also enjoy seeing how gracefully the pink Full Moon at Posada 9 ture, Nature & Food Safety approved the after the birds. I can’t be here like I have birds wade through the water in search of BYOF Christmas gifts 9 monies for research. Scientists from the for the last two years looking after 200 food. There is no reason to fear the sur- Caves & Karst Nature Reserve 11 University of Wageningen will come to birds all the time and work two jobs.” vival of the colony. But we do want to Digicel 1st big winner 12 Bonaire next year. Deputy Elvis Tjin Asjoe and Research know what the cause is, so that we can Soapbox derby 12 Elly Albers, director of Wild Bird Re- and Development (R&D) director Etienne take targeted measures to prevent this an- Healthcare Insurance changes 2020 15 hab Bonaire said, “We have info from the van der Horst visited the bird sanctuary at imal suffering in the future. I admire Elly Tai Chi 2020 16 1970’s but we need some updated infor- the Mangrove Center. Birds that are found Albers and her team, among whom are 4000 sea turtles saved 17 mation.” alive are brought here to be cared for by many volunteers. They do fantastic work Departments In the meantime, the Executive Council Elly and her team. that is in the interest of the whole of Bo- Flotsam & Jetsam 2 (BC) has allocated $13,000 for two bird Deputy Tjin Asjoe said, “The flamingo naire. Fortunately, they can count on the (Monies for flamingos, Bolivia, experts from Venezuela to come here to symbolizes the unique nature and tran- support of many donors.” J.M. Rannou-Frans at TCB) advise on flamingo rehabilitation and re- quility of our island. They are an import- Who’s Who in The Reporter 2 Kerenza Rannou- Frans Letters: 4 Ask Kate (multiple realtors) 5 exhibits at TCB Law enforcement 5 Business news 6 (Bonaire Travel; Yoga Sensible) Parrots & People (Lora count) 6 Picture Yourself 13 (Hawk & Rudnick: New Mexico) Reef Glimpses ( Double) 13 Making Bonaire “Accessible” #26 (2019 report card) 14 A Garden? (preparing soils) 14 Did You Know? (tagging sharks) 15 What’s Happening: Events, Churches, Museums 16-17 In her nature photographs, Keren- Cruise ship schedule 16 photo Julie Morgan za Rannou-Frans loves to capture the Ask a Geek (Huh) 17 extraordinary in the ordinary. She says Sky Park (Andromeda collision) 17 Bolivia to be developed? that Bonaire’s beautiful natural light Pet Of The Week (Odette; dog) 18 helps her rediscover and record the Shelter News 18 Government responds to public concerns beauty of the island and the wonders of (fireworks; Rescue Remedy) God’s creations. Business Directory 19 As reported in issue 22 of The Report- island, if it so wishes, cannot automat- er, a plan has been floated for extensive ically agree with development projects You can view Kerenza Rannou-Frans’ How to Find Us: development of Bonaire’s wild east, the that would damage nature reserves and photographs which are also for sale at Read us online: https://bonairereporter. Bolivia area. Called Plantage Bolivia on values, because the Dutch ministry also the art gallery in the reception area of com f:https://www.facebook.com/TheBonair- its web site, the plan envisions a devel- bears responsibility for this and therefore Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB), eReporter/ opment of close to 3,000 hectares (over [is] also supervising.” Kaya Grandi # 2. Rannou-Frans is the Available in 80 locations 7,000 acres) that would include up to thirteenth local artist to be showcased Printed every two weeks The property is for sale by former 1,500 homes and extensive infrastruc- by TCB. Next edition: Jan. 8, 2019 Governor Richard Hart through Bonaire ture. The Owners’ Association of Luga News Deadline: Jan. 5, 2019 Properties NV for 12 million dollars. Aleha, a minimally developed residential Contributor’s Deadline: Jan. 3, 2019 D.M.R. area in Bolivia, expressed their concerns Stories, tips, questions, ideas & ads: to the Government. Kingdom Relations Phone (+599)796 4055 Director, Dirk Jan-Bonnet, responded For the Protection of Your Family or Business Email: [email protected] Address: Box 603, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean. with reassurances that, although the government has heard nothing officially The Bonaire Reporter Staff: about Plantage Bolivia, procedures are in Julie Morgan, Publisher place that assure the plan would undergo [email protected] careful scrutiny. Your Most Production: Barbara Lockwood Trusted Contributors: Angliet Nature Lover, Ria Jan-Bonnet said, “I would also like Name in Evers-Dokter, Dee Scarr, Dean Regas & to emphasize that the Minister of LNV James Albury, Kate Butler, Brian Nies- is responsible for the protection of na- Security sen, Sanne Attevelt, Laurie Smith, Jane ture areas and values covered by inter- since Madden-Disko, Travis Sullins, Caren Eckrich, national treaties and conventions. The 1983 Roxanne-Liana Francisca, Julianka Clar- enda, Brent Hoogervorst, Dennis Martinus, implementation of the obligations ensu- 717-8125 ing therefrom is included in the Nature Don M. Ricks, Pam Teitel, Distribution: Conservation and Protection Fund (BES) E-mail: info@ Marlene & Co. (Playa), Yuchi Molina (Rincon), Act and is the focus of both the Ministry sssbonaire.com Divi-Divi Airline, Printed by: DeStad Drukkerij, Curaçao of LNV and the OLB.” Website: www. He went on to explain, “This means, SPECIAL SECURITY SERVICES Founders: George and Laura DeSalvo sssbonaire.com © 2019 The Bonaire Reporter de facto, that the local government of the Kaya Nikiboko Noord 37, PO Box 225, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

Page 2 The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 Page 3 —Letters— Curaçao Girobank fails; Central Bank criticized Dear Editor: The Central Bank of Curaçao and in the Curaçao Chronicle. “For example, it is known I just wanted to say “Bravo” to Wilma Nijland (Letter (CBCS) shut down the Curaçao Girobank on Tuesday, within the financial world that you close a bank on Fri- to the Editor, “Are we Nature Lovers,” Dec. 9-23) for December 10. The counters were closed, credit card pay- day to prevent excesses and to prepare properly for the her in-depth investigation into the so-called Protected ments were refused, and the internet banking system no period that follows,” Tromp said. He was puzzled why Tree List. So many laws to protect the environment longer functioned. After arrangements were made to pay the CBCS closed Girobank in the middle of the week. may be passed but it’s the enforcing that is key. Without customers up to 10,000 guilders (approximately $5,500), He reported that the central bank also failed to follow that nothing will have changed. Wilma’s perseverance the bank reopened on Friday, with the police present other provisions of its manual on how to close a bank. to assure security. However, a run on the bank resulted has shown that is exactly the case. According to Tromp, when the Girobank branch on How very sad. when a crowd of angry and panicked customers turned up. All branches of the bank had to be closed again. The Bonaire was closed recently, all customers recovered 100 Hopefully, ECHO can effect a change and continue percent of their money. In the broader view, Tromp said even more to not only speak for the environment but future of Girobank is uncertain. It may be absorbed by other banks and simply disappear. the “CBCS has misled Girobank customers.” He accused also to bring awareness to the public. the CBCS of continuing to publicly support the bank for Laura DeSalvo The former President of the Central Bank Emsley political reasons long after it was aware the bank was Tromp strongly criticized several actions of the CBCS failing. D.M.R. during a recent radio interview at Z-86 that was reported Bonaire pays more for gasoline than does Taxes increased on second homes and buildings The Executive Council has increased the 2020 tax on 750,000 in 2021. This extra income will be used for eco- Curaçao second homes and buildings from 0.805% to 0.91%. nomic growth and development, for projects in sports, agriculture and fishing. The Executive Council will draw People with one house on Bonaire do not pay this tax. up plans for the revenues in 2020. The Island Council The tax is paid by: The Consumers’ Association, Unkobon, has writ- will then decide on the plans. ten asking the Executive Council to explain the ex- • People who have a second home on Bonaire, or tremely high gasoline price on Bonaire. who have more than two houses on Bonaire. The tax increase has been controversial. • Companies that have one or more buildings on Before the Island Council voted on the proposed in- Unkobon’s letter states that petrol prices in Bonaire. crease, the Bonaire Business and Employers Associa- and Curaçao have been falling for several months tion (BBE), presented their reservations. The chairman How the tax is calculated while prices on Bonaire have risen sharply. In the of the BBE, Eddy Carrillo said that the tax increase will People with a second home pay no taxes for the first $ first eight months of the year, gas prices on the three increase the cost of doing business, particularly in the 70,000. For example, if someone has a second home with islands showed roughly the same trend. But from tourism sector, where real estate is an essential part of a a value of $ 90,000, she pays tax for $ 20,000. Presently July on the price of gasoline rose on Bonaire, while company’s working capital. it fell on Aruba and Curaçao. In December the price that tax is 0.805% of $ 20,000 or $ 161. In 2020 the tax will be 0.91% of $ 20,000 or $ 182; $ 21 more. difference between Curaçao and Bonaire rose to Opposition leader Clark Abraham of the PDB also almost 31% although the same industry prices are Hotels pay less tax: not 0.805% but 0.46%. In 2020, criticized the increase. Abraham said he could not un- used to determine the consumer price. the Executive Council will increase this tax to 0.52%. derstand why the BC wanted to increase the property For a hotel with a value of, for example, $ 2,000,000, tax when the OLB had unprecedented budget surpluses Curoil has told Unkobon that the Executive Coun- and an increasing under-spending of available funds. The cil (BC) is the only body authorized to determine the tax increases from $ 9,200 to $ 10,400. $ 1,200 more than now. PDB also criticized the BC for not stating exactly what fuel prices on Bonaire. Curoil has further said that the extra income will be spent on. the basis for its price advice to Bonaire and Curaçao According to an OLB press release, the Bonaire Public is the same, and is certified by an independent agen- Body thinks that the tax increase will generate around $ cy. Based on Curoil’s response, Eric Booi, chairman EZ Air starts commercial flights to Colombia of Unkobon, finds it incomprehensible that consum- ers on Bonaire have to pay so much more since July Beginning January 14, 2020, local airline EZ Air starts saved and that makes flying with us attractive, compared than do consumers on Curaçao. two weekly connections between Curaçao and Barran- to flying with the larger airlines via Curaçao,” Winkel quilla. concludes. On behalf of the consumers of Bonaire, Unkobon has asked the Executive Council to provide insight According to EZ Air director René Winkel, tickets The new flights can be booked at the offices of EZ Air into the foundations / structure of fuel prices on Bo- from Bonaire to Barranquilla will cost around 500 and online via www.flyezair.com naire and to explain the sharply rising differences in USD. The flight time will be two hours and 15 min- gas prices between Bonaire and Curaçao. utes from Bonaire to Barranquilla, including a stopover EZAir has been working for almost a year to begin on Curaçao. The flights leave in the morning hours, so commercial flights to Columbia. The airline had to prove Finally, Unkobon, citing the BES Public Admin- passengers are in Barranquilla before noon and return its compliance to aviation authorities for documentation, istration Governance Act, would like to receive the to Bonaire in the afternoon. “That is where the time is airworthiness and maintenance. Internally EZAir had to price recommendations regarding the months of upgrade its reservations system. May to December 2019 that Curoil sent to the Ex- ecutive Council. Source: Bonaire.nu Ombudsmen investigate poverty among young adults

The National Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for The joint inquiry into poverty among young adults The Bonaire Reporter Children will jointly investigate the poverty-related is the second in a series of three investigations by the problems of young adults living on Bonaire, Sint Eu- National Ombudsman into poverty issues in the Carib- publishing from Wed. to Wed. statius and Saba. bean Netherlands. In September 2019, the National Om- budsman published an investigation into poverty among This study will focus on how poverty-related issues the elderly on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. Around The Bonaire Reporter is moving from effect the experiences of young people in their transition Monday to Wednesday in 2020 so we can the summer of 2020, the National Ombudsman and the to adulthood. It will look at the bottlenecks they encoun- Ombudsman for Children will start a joint investigation cover more weekend activities. Our next is- ter in practice, and what they need from the government into poverty-related problems of single parents and their sue will be January 8, 2020. to combat them. The report, which is expected in the children. The three poverty investigations in the Dutch summer of 2020, will contain concrete recommendations Caribbean are on the ombudsman’s agenda of the Na- for responsible parties who are concerned with the pre- tional Ombudsman. vention of poverty for young adults.

Page 4 The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 9 - Dec. 23, 2019 Law Enforcement Ask Kate Drugs seized at BIA bis were transferred to KMar for further investigation. Bonaire real estate advice On December 6th , 2019, a customs drug dog found 1700 grams of cocaine reduce the price you receive for your during a routine inspection at Bonaire’s Confiscated boat destroyed home as the buyer has less money for airport. On November 28, 2019, the Public Question: Since there is no MLS you. The cocaine was found in the suitcase Prosecution Service requested that the (multiple listing service) on Bonaire, To ensure that all possible buyers see of a male passenger age 44 who was on General Court confiscate a boat involved if I list my house with one real estate your property, list with an agency that an outbound flight to the Netherlands. in smuggling marijuana and ammunition agency, will other agencies be able to works cooperatively with all other agen- When the owner was asked to open the from Venezuela. The four men involved show and sell it? Thanks, Karl cies on the island. At RE/MAX, we are suitcase, the sides of the case appeared to in the smuggling, two from Bonaire and happy to work with any real estate agen- be unusually thick, and the cocaine was two from Venezuela had previously been Hi Karl, cy to sell your home. Our primary goal found within them. Both the passenger arrested and sentenced, as had the boat’s There are two important questions to is to sell your property as soon as pos- and the cocaine were transferred to the captain. ask any real estate agency before list- sible for the best possible price. That’s Royal Military Police (KMar) for further According to Bonaire.nu’s report of the ing your property for sale on Bonaire. why we cooperate with other brokers, investigation. court ruling: “The boat and its captain 1) Do you permit buyers working with so your home can be shown and sold to On December 9, Customs CN conducted are indispensable and therefore important other real estate agencies to view my any and all interested buyers. a routine inspection of all arriving pas- links for the import of prohibited goods home? and 2) Do you share the sales We also share the selling commission sengers and their luggage from a Curaçao and illegal aliens. The forfeiture of the commission you’re charging me if an- with other agencies if they bring the flight. A man, 20, displayed exceptionally boat, an extra punishment to the address other agency brings the buyer? buyer. This ensures that every possible nervous behavior. A clothing search re- of the captain, can therefore be properly Some real estate agencies only sell their buyer sees your home, and that they’re vealed four small bags, which upon field defended from that point of view. The own listings to their own clients. This not penalized with any additional costs testing, were found to contain 245 grams boat was destroyed today. Let this also means that if another agency has a po- if they want to buy your home. cannabis. The passenger and the canna- be a warning to boat owners.” tential buyer for your property, some Kate Butler, GRI, listing agencies may not agree to show RE/MAX Bonaire the property or may not share the com- Police Report for Dec. 11 - 18, 2019 mission you pay. They want a buyer If you are looking to buy or sell a home on Bonaire, or if you have a real complained of neck pain and was treated working with another agency to pay a Robberies separate commission to the agency the estate question for Kate, email her at During the night of Dec. 11, thieves forced on site by the ambulance staff. buyer is working with. That makes two [email protected]. Tollfree the rear sliding door of a home on Kaya In the late afternoon hours of Dec. 17 commissions for one home, which may from U.S.: 1-866-611-7362 Finlandia. They took away a Scepter brand a car came from the Kaya Grandi and television and a DVD player. crashed into a scooter at Kaya Lodewijk On Dec. 13 between 1.45 pm and 9:30 pm, Gerharts. thieves forced the back door of a residence Around 10:45 pm, Dec. 17, the driver Natural death During the inspection, a business on at Bulevar Gobernador Nicolaas Debrot of a motorcycle lost control on the Ka- On Dec. 15, the police station was in- Kaya Theresa Ilario was temporarily and removed jewelry, cash and three tool minda Gurubu because he slipped on formed by the neighbors that they had closed due to poor hygiene. In addition, boxes. sand and small stones on the road. The not seen the occupant of a house for warnings were given at various locations During the night of Dec. 13, thieves came driver sustained grazes on elbows and three days. Upon arrival, the front door for, among other things, expired fire ex- in through the back door in a house on abdomen and also had a head injury. He was forced and a strong smell could be tinguishers. Kaya Safiro while the resident was sleep- was taken by ambulance to the hospital. ing. It is not yet known whether anything perceived. The occupant of the house, a man with initials A.T.W. of 64 years was has been removed. Arrests On Dec. 15 from 1am to 11:45am, thieves found dead. The doctor who came to the In the morning hours of Dec. 11, a man, site found a natural death. took away a wallet with cash from an un- 41, and a minor boy, 16, were arrested for How to contact the locked car parked in the yard of a house Dutch Caribbean Police Force theft and poaching, embezzlement and Multidisciplinary hospitality control on Kaya Platina. destruction / damage of goods. In the early evening hours of Dec. 18, Later in the afternoon on Dec. 15, a bank In the nightly hours of Saturday, Dec. If every second counts: card was also reported stolen from a car the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee 14, a man, 60, was arrested for drunk emergency number 911 (free) parked in the yard of a house on Kaya (KMar), Customs and the Fire Depart- driving. If you want to give an (anonymous) tip, Shastan. ment checked 11 restaurants in Playa. During the day on Saturday, December phone (+599) 717 7251 In the night of Dec. 15-16, thieves forced The restaurants were checked for pos- 14, a woman, 36, was arrested for abuse. If there is no emergency, the front back doors in a house in La Pal- session of the correct permits, hygiene, A woman with initials, 39, was arrested phone (+599) 715 8000 or 717 8000 ma. It is not yet known what has been re- fire safety, signs of illegal prostitution, for attempted manslaughter and destruc- moved. illegal aliens and other irregularities. tion. At Kaya Flamboyan a man, 49, was Between Dec. 14 and Dec. 16, thieves arrested for mistreatment. forced the front door to a tourist accommo- In the morning of Dec. 15, a man, 49, dation in Sabbadeco Terrace, and among was arrested for mistreatment. other things, took away a black LG TV. On Dec. 17, around 9:15 am, two men, Enforcement action at the airport on Friday the 13th. 18, were held at a company on Kaya In- Around 8:15 pm on Dec. 16, the police dustria for threats, violation of the Opium The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar) and Customs Caribbean Netherlands station was notified of a burglary in a Act BES and violation of the Weapons carried out a joint enforcement inspection at Bonaire International Airport (BIA), on house on Kaya Finlandia. When the res- Act BES. Friday 13th of December. idents came home, they saw two men in In the early afternoon hours on Kaya The enforcement action began at 6am December 13th and lasted for 24 hours. Its the house from outside. When the residents Korona, a man, 44, was arrested for theft. purpose: to strengthen airport processes and safeguard the security and integrity of banged on the front door, both men ran On Dec. 17, around 4:30 pm a man, 20, the airport. away. The thieves had forced the back was arrested for non-compliance with a About 30 members of KMar, Customs CN and BIA checked both passengers and door to enter the home. police order and resistance with violence. goods. They monitored civil aviation security, including the access and use of access At Kaya Nikiboko South, the suspect was badges of BIA; border control checks on documents of people traveling in and out; Dive site robberies twice asked to stop for a traffic check, but and the import, transit and export of goods (baggage/cargo). On Dec. 14 thieves took a bag with con- he did not respond and continued to drive Team members intercepted two amounts of unreported monies: 11,000 USD (out- tents from a locked car parked at the dive to a house on Kaya Berlin. Here again he going passenger to Curaçao) and 24,000 USD (incoming passenger from the Nether- site Tolo between 12:15 – 1:15 pm. did not respond to police orders and was lands). As money laundering wasn’t indicated, the passengers were fined and asked On the roads subsequently arrested. to fill in forms for the MOT. Around 7.55 am on Dec. 11, five cars According to RCN’s press release, the action yielded much information for the three collided at Hanchi Amboina. One driver enforcement partners, and similar actions are forecast for the future.

The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 Page 5 Business News Three piers will be rebuilt in 2020 The Executive Council is speeding up the improvement of renovation of piers in 2018. A local subcontractor will work the piers in . The commercial Nelson Petrus “Nel- on the Chachacha Pier. lo” Craane pier (formerly the South Pier) will be extended by 40 meters. The recreational pier for swimmers and divers According to Deputy of Economic Development Elvis Tjin at Chachacha beach will be totally rebuilt, pillars and deck Asjoe, “This project and especially the speed with which it both. When those two projects are completed, the fishing pier came about is the result of good interaction between the var- will be extended by at least 20 meters and perhaps more, de- ious sections within the public body. Just like the other proj- pending on how much money remains for the whole project. ects that the Executive Council has set in motion since taking office in April, this shows that through cooperation you can The Executive Council and the Ministry of Infrastructure achieve a lot to make Bonaire better.” and Water Management have jointly reserved an amount of $ 2.1 million for the pier improvements. Krol, a company from Deputy Tjin Asjoe also complimented harbor master Gün- the Netherlands that specializes in hydraulic engineering, will ther Flanegin for good preparatory work “that helped the Ex- be the contractor, with the Port of Amsterdam International ecutive Council to decide, together with the Ministry, to make managing the project. Both companies were partners in the the necessary budget available.” D.M.R.

Left top, Marienella Fecunda; Left below, Franchesca Statie; Middle, Shadira DeAnda-Craane, myself Natasja Statie-Gerharts; and Right Valeska Gustowski! PARROTS AND PEOPLE Bonaire Travel celebrates 20 years. With the Holidays around the corner most humans For most people, December is a festive month of roost together. Families from all parts of the world are Starting this week, additional efforts will be put in traditional holidays. But Bonaire Travel finds this flying down to Bonaire and other places to celebrate. finding these new locations, as well as checking all of month extra special as December marks their 20 year This is the case for our parrots too. Although for them, the well-known roost spots. You can also volunteer for anniversary. gathering is a part of their daily routine around the this. Director and owner Natasja Statie Gerhart looks back breeding seasons. During the holidays, it is the rainy While you celebrate with your loved ones, Echo will fondly saying, season on Bonaire and the parrots are gathering in big- conduct pre-roost surveys and determine better vantage “The last 20 years have not always been easy. Travel ger groups. This gives us the great chance to estimate points to monitor the Parrot populations on Bonaire. has suffered a lot especially when the airlines withdrew the Parrot Population on Bonaire. You are free to join by making an appointment through their commissions.” the Echo website, Facebook or WhatsApp contacts. In recent years all travel agencies have experienced intense competition due to the online market. In 2020 the annual count will take place on Saturday “But we survived with hard work and especially January 25th. Will you join us? Please mark the date in good service, said Natasja, “We pulled through to- your calendar! gether.” The Loras are counted in a simultaneous count, which She said the success of the company is primarily due requires everyone to set off in the very early morning to the loyalty and confidence of their customers and (pre-dawn) hours to locations all over the island. As their professional and customer-friendly team. the Lora’s wake up and depart from the trees where The company began on December 3, 1999 by Na- they’ve been sleeping, they are counted. Each Lora tasja and colleagues, Marienella, Shadira and Sheila is only counted once. By adding the numbers which worked in the front office. Today they are still a team have been simultaneously counted across all the sites, and recently Franchesca has joined them at Bonaire the organizers are able to get a sense of the minimum Travel. number of Lora’s on the island. This annual census is Natasja said she is very pleased with her team. The important for parrot conservation on Bonaire and for workplace atmosphere is very close and personal. The annual roost count on Bonaire takes place on the protecting the Yellow-shouldered Amazon Parrot (Am- She said the customer is very important and there- last Saturday of January every year. This count gives us azona barbadensis) globally. fore Bonaire Travel invests heavily in team building an estimate of the minimum number of parrots on the and organizes team building weekends for the staff. In Prior to the actual count there will be a training meet- island. This year, 2019, almost 12 hundred parrots were celebration of the 20th anniversary and to illustrate its ing and test surveys in which we will explain everything counted (1153), which feels like a relief looking back to commitment, the company took the entire crew for a the volunteers need to know. Echo is always looking 20 to 40 years ago. The numbers were three times lower teambuilding weekend in the Netherlands. From Sep- for new volunteers. If you know anyone who may be during Lora counts before the year 2000. tember 4-8 the staff was treated to business class tickets interested then please let them know of the big event. on KLM and were warmly greeted with an announce- Happy Holidays to all, from the Echo team and the parrot roost at Dos Pos Conservation Center ! ment over the intercom, “Welcome to Bonaire Travel The community is invited to participate and contribute Team”. The ladies spent three nights at Sheraton Hotel in any possible way to the annual parrot roost count To learn more about these parrots and the efforts be- Schiphol. They rode the train to Alkmaar Volendam 2020. ing made to protect this species, please visit: www.echo- and took a photo in traditional farmer attire, cruised The low numbers in the last 10 years when Echo has bonaire.org or adopt a native Christmas tree on www. the canals and visited the famous Madame Tussauds. been a part of the monitoring have been partially ex- mybonairetree.org Bonaire Travel is grateful for their customers and plained by the behavior of the Loras. They dispersed You can also sign up on the Echo Facebook page to hopes for many more years to work and serve. Merry themselves more and more in smaller groups and at get updates on parrot related activities: www.facebook. Christmas!! new, sometimes unknown roost locations. In the past com/echobonaire.org/ year, several volunteers reported hearing Loras or seeing Thank you very much for your support in 2019, our them flying nearby but not within the area that they were team counts on you as we count the parrots in 2020! surveying. These reports indicate that we might have By Julianka Clarenda missed at least some part of the population.

We want to know if you have seen parrots roosting anywhere on the island? Carla Baruchello will give 3 Yoga Sensible Workshops The parrots may change their roost sites from year to year, which is why it’s While visiting from Italy, method creator Carla Ba- important we can find out which sites they are currently using! ruchello will give three Yoga Sensible Workshops, designed to deepen students’ awareness of their own bodies. Anyone at any level will benefit. The weekend If you have seen parrots gathering after 6pm, or see groups in the early morning workshops will be held at Eden Beach from 8 to 11 before 7am, then please let us know. You can do this by email to info@echobo- am: January Sunday 19, Saturday 25, and Sunday 26. Contact Elisabetta Maccari for information and price: naire.org or sending the locations by whatsapp +599 701 1188 [email protected]. Phone & WhatsApp +599-780-7362 Page 6 The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 9 - Dec. 23, 2019 Part 2: Budget Marine’s 2019 Waterfront Event will be yet a part three to this event com- ing up soon! The winds were nice, so the Sunfish and Opti’s completed their three morning races without any issues. One Cat expe- rienced mechanical issues, so they had to drop out of the race. But one of the Cat’s crew grabbed a Sunfish to contin- ue to sail, while a second joined the crew of the competing Cat to complete a nice morning on the water. Sophie Zeegers and Fernando Simal on Magic Marine took the first and only Budget Marine’s waterfront sporting event high scale Tuna winner (L) Bernard Emeren- place in the Cats. Sunfish B class was ciana from Knot a Yacht and his (11.2 KG) winner, (Center) Pam Teitel owner of Budget dominated by Kyren Ogenia followed Marine and (R) George (Kabes) Soliano second place winner in Sunfish sailing category. by Arthur van Bourgonje. The Sunfish A class was led by Ramon Yellowman, half of the boats brought fish to the scales. Beginning with Patun on Pattern with followed by George (Kabes) Soliano with To promote a sustainable tournament and 4.4 kg, followed by Jan Emerenciana on Robin Kieft in third place. In the Opti- encourage sustainability the newer tour- Corker who stepped it up to one of 7.2kg, mists Silver, Noordermeer took the gold, naments are picking target species: Tuna, but then Bernard Emerenciana on Knot a followed by Lena v/d Keuken and Gilbert Wahoo and Dorado. These fish are eaten Yacht topped them out with the final tuna of 11.2kg for the win. The winds and the seas cooperated to Lai. Due to other obligations there were regularly and are not the reef fish needed This waterfront day is sponsored by complete part two of the Budget Marine not enough optimist sailors to complete for a sustainable and healthy coral reef. Budget Marine, E-Zone and Viktor Wi- Waterfront events. Originally scheduled the relay races in the afternoon, so prizes, Prizes were awarded for the largest tuna, jnand Graphic Design. for November 15th along with the tri- Santa Hats, whistles and sunglasses were wahoo and dorado. A single large fish athlon, the sailing and fishing portions given out at lunch time. The remaining is all it takes. Only one dorado hit the sailboats had a friendly race in the after- scales at a tiny 1.8kg. Fatama on Bull fish- The 5th Budget Marine Waterfront were postponed due to lack of wind. On Events Triathlon, Sailing and Fishing Sunday the 15th, eight sunfish, three Op- noon. The relay race will be postponed ing won that category. Rufino Winklaar to another day. Stay tuned for part three brought the only wahoo to the scales at will take place in November next year. timists and two Catamarans competed Hopefully everything will come together in sailing and 12 boats went in search of of the sailing! a respectable 10.6kg only minutes before In the fishing tournament, it was the the end of the tournament. Three boats to complete it in a single event filled day! the largest Tuna, Dorado or Wahoo. But, Story by Pam Teitel. Photos Julie Morgan again various factors converged, so there fish that seemed to have won! Less than brought in tuna, each bigger than the last. ——WEB sets rates for 2020——

WEB has set the water and electricity Periodic rates for drinking water end date in February). For Pagabon and rates for 2020. some more; some less the water truck, the new rates take im- How WEB’s new rates were The fixed rate of use of drinking water mediate effective from January 1, 2020. The changes for household customers determined includes the requested subsidy, but is in- with the most common connections are creased with inflation from USD 7.00 to One-off connection rates Electricity and water are tightly as follows: USD 7.08 per month. The variable usage are increased regulated on Bonaire. The Nether- rate is reduced from USD 4,436 to USD The one-off connection rates up to lands Authority for Consumers and Periodic electricity rates 3,768 per m3. and including 25 meters are set at USD Markets (ACM) sets the maximum are reduced For customers with delivery via the 1,589.87 for electricity and at USD rates and the Human Environment The fixed usage rate is reduced from water truck, the rate is reduced from 1,082.44 for drinking water. This is an and Transport Inspectorate moni- USD 26.59 to USD 26.18 per month. The USD 5,172 per m3 to USD 4,513 per m3. increase of 1.2% compared to 2019 and tors quality. The ACM calculated variable usage rate is reduced from USD The variable usage rate and the rate for therefore equal to inflation. the cost-effective rates that WEB 0.2672 to USD 0.2225 per kWh. delivery via the water truck are reduced For a connection length greater than may charge for the coming year For buyers with delivery based on for several reasons, including a reduction 25 meters, a contribution based on cal- and notified WEB in December. To Pagabon, the rate is reduced from USD in the costs for electricity and one-off ef- culations of the actually expected costs keep the rates affordable, WEB then 0.3801 to USD 0.3331 per kWh. fects. Due to various factors, these rates applies. requested subsidies for each rate. Lower fuel costs for the production are expected to rise again in 2021. The full overviews of the new rates Subsequently WEB, in consultation of electricity are largely responsible for for electricity and drinking water and the with the Executive Council of the the reduction in these rates. From July1, Billing calculation tool with which you can cal- Public Entity Bonaire (OLB), then 2020 - depending on developments in The new periodic electricity and drink- culate the amount of your drinking water announced the new rates for all cus- fuel costs - the variable electricity con- ing water rates are applied to the invoices and / or electricity invoice can be found tomers. The rates take into account sumption rate and the rate for Pagabon from the February month (with a start on www.webbonaire.com. the subsidies that were applied for. will be redefined. date for consumption in January and an

Visit us! There are always more photos on our current facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBonaireReporter/

The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 Page 7 Speak Papiamentu with me

“Each of us are illiterate in this world. You have to working as a teacher she developed and taught illiteracy choose to speak the language where you are living,” said classes at FORMA for adults. Xiomara Frans, author of “Papia Papiamentu Ku Mi.” Xiomara taught Papiamentu to Spanish, Haitians and other non-Bonaireans so they could get along in the com- The local language of Bonaire and the Dutch Carib- munity. bean is Papiamentu; not Dutch, not English or Spanish. She began incorporating her teaching method for And Xiomara Frans speaks, writes, reads and teaches Papiamentu to the school’s management team and col- them all. She developed a method for non-Bonaireans leagues. During one of the classes she met Mariska to easily learn Papiamentu and incorporated it into two Beenen who would later become the color illustrator for ‘crash course’ books. her books. Xiomara was born in Aruba into a family that spoke Xiomara had thought only in terms of printing her mostly English. She learned Dutch and Spanish in school teaching method into a black and white textbook but and picked up Papiamentu because everyone spoke it the idea of adding colorful illustrations made the book in the Dutch Caribbean. The family moved first to come alive. Before the book was completed Xiomara was Curaçao, then St Maarten and back to Curaçao where asked to teach Papiamentu to the first commissioner of Xiomara studied to become a teacher enriching her lan- the new status of Bonaire, Hank Kamp and his secretary. guage skills along the way. Kamp said, “The lessons were always well prepared After teaching elementary, secondary and special ed- and were taught in a pleasant way. It was a pity that I had ucation for 12 years in Curaçao she moved to Bonaire to go back to the Netherlands before I had mastered this with her husband and family in 1995. beautiful language…” Xiomara Frans, author of “Papia Papiamentu Ku MI” In Bonaire she taught in the regular and special ed- She became the go-to person for learning Papiamen- tinues to teach Dutch and Papiamentu speaking children ucation schools. She discovered learning difficulties in tu. Xiomara teaches Dutch speaking employees at RCN at a small school a few days a week. the both schools. Many of the students who were failing twice a year. An “I Love Papiamentu” get together is scheduled to were actually Papiamentu speaking children with behav- begin for anyone who wants to engage in Papiamentu “A great practical lesson method with which you learn conversations. ior problems who couldn’t speak Dutch. These problem to speak, understand and use the colloquial language of kids were 12 -15 years old and were learning at level 1 Papiamentu,” said Sybran van Dam, RCN director. Anyone interested in learning Papiamentu can contact and 2 classes. Xiomara by email at [email protected]. Xiomara and her teaching colleagues decided, “We’re After the first book was released in 2013 she knew Her crash course Papiamentu books are available for not going to continue with this Dutch method. Get rid of this basic course wasn’t enough so she went to work on English, Spanish and Dutch speaking individuals at Ad- it. Let us at least make sure that these kids can speak and a second more advanced ‘crash course’ book that was dos bookstore or from Xiomara. Photo & story Julie read and spell their native language.” published in 2014. Morgan She worked mostly one on one with the special edu- Today Xiomara teaches classes at her home classroom cation children and developed learning programs. While for anyone that wants to become less illiterate. She con-

Page 8 The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 9 - Dec. 23, 2019 The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 Page 9 Overlooking the beautiful Rincon valley Open daily, except Tuesday 24th & Thursday 31st

23DEC Open 11:00-18:00 25DEC Christmas Buffet 11:00-18:00 26DEC Traditional Night 18:00-22:00 27DEC Open 11:00-18:00 photo Julie Morgan 28DEC Open 11:00-18:00 29DEC Open 11:00-18:00 Musea Bonaire (SKAL) held their monthly Full Moon party at Posada Para Mira on 30DEC Open 11:00-18:00 JAN December 12 to an overflowing house. 01 New Years Buffet 11:00-18:00 Anochi ku Luna Yen is a social activity for the community. People take the stage and recite a poem or other literary creations before the group. Everyone contributes something whether it be a poem, talk, music, food or drink. A group of singers and musicians dressed in Christmas red performed several songs and Santa and his elves performed a few sing-alongs. A duo of little elves handed out candy to the crowd. Jovianka of Posada Para Mira provided drinks and dinner for everyone.

F r eedom | Comfort | Royal Treatment

MajesticComfortable banking

BYOF puts on their Santa hats again Comfortable banking Orco Bank is your personal banker in Curaçao, Bonaire and St. Martin. Entrust all your banking On December 21, over 350 kids age 2-10 received gifts and a special needs to us and be sure to receive the most courteous and competent of services available. With ample experience operating in the international arena, we o er expert advice and the Christmas dinner thanks to the efforts of BYOF (Bonaire Youth Outreach perfect platform to design a mortgage tailor-made to your needs. Foundation). This is the 19th year the group of young people have orga- At Orco Bank, it’s all about your comfort: knowing that your nances are well taken care of, nized a Christmas gift drive for children in Bonaire. so you can enjoy a carefree lifestyle!

BYOF collected shoe boxes for the gifts and purchased Christmas pa- Orco Majestic: the ultimate feeling of freedom and comfort per and ribbons before they stuffed the boxes with goodies. Each box Orco Majestic is our private banking service for select customers only. contained school supplies, hygiene products and toys that they purchased No other bank in Curaçao, Bonaire or St. Martin will o er you more personal attention or for each of the kids. Over 1500 items were placed in the 350 gift boxes. privileges. We provide a complete package of extraordinary banking products featuring attractive conditions and lots of extras. Your freedom, comfort and exibility are our rst priority. For several years, Sun Rental has served as a collection and drop off Majestic Current Account | Majestic Savings Account | Majestic Mortgage | Majestic Car Loan point for gift and monetary donations for the charity. The three course dinner and gift distribution was held at Rayo di Solo elementary school. Kids were picked up by shuttle buses at Centro di Bario. Photo & story Julie Morgan

Kaya Grandi #48, Bonaire Tel: (599) 717-2000 Fax: (599) 717-2035 www.orcobank.com email: [email protected] The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 Page 10 Karst nature park opens December “Thanks to the arrival of this park, we as Bonaire have some- thing extra to offer the tourist ArtMart that is very special,” said Dep- uty Tijn Asjoe at the opening of Karst Caves Nature Park on December 13. Over 10 years ago the Carib- bean Speleological Society and Wild Conscience conceived the idea of the park. Scientists, vol- unteers, and former STINAPA directors, Fernando Simal and Tjaakolina ten Have Elsmarie Beukenboom, worked (www.Carib-Style.com) to make the park a reality. Art Haakkunst Carine and Joke According to Simal, in previ- 599-787-2250 or 599-782-3801 ous years the caves’ inhabitants have suffered from uncontrolled exploration. Formally open- December Art Market held at Hill- ing up the caves and provid- side on December 15 proved to be ing our CARIBSS (Caribbean worth the excursion. with approximate- Speleogical Society) course ly 20 booths of beautifully produced trained guides will help protect craft work by local artisans. The aisles the fragile cave ecosystem from were full of customers shopping and abuse. buying handmade bags, crochet items, robust amount of data on their life cy- ceramics, nature photos, paintings, The nature park is on 31 hectares of cle: They eat, sleep, have sex and have land with a limestone substrate that is jewelry and other unique artwork. babies,” said Nassar. Eunan and Suus — ­www.PhishPhaktory.com perfect for Bonaire’s seven species of Bonaire is a paradise of caves and bats. The main species is the Curacao therefore a paradise for bats. Each cave long nose bat, but all species are essen- is a small cosmos. “If we communicate tial to Bonaire’s ecology because bats and keep [the park] alive, as we did with pollinate Bonaire’s plants. the marine park, then this is a great op- Bats are the only native mammals of portunity for the government to once Bonaire, but we haven’t paid much at- again be an example for the world and tention to their care, says scientist Jafet the island,” said Nassar. Nassor of Venezuela. Deputy Tjin Asjoe said the park is an “I met with Fernando in 2008 and we asset for the whole of the Netherlands. started working together on bats. We Story and photo by Julie Morgan. worked with volunteers and gathered a

Gemma van der Linden — GEJO ART

Thank you, Reporter advertisers. Best of the season & a successful 2020! Ask Kate Caribbean homes Hair Affair RumRunners Best Cellars De Freewieler Island Time Sensei, Naturopath Bobbejan’s BBQ Denture Prosthetist L’anza Healing Center SMILE, driftwood crafts Bonaire Automation Digicel Multishop Speak Papiamentu with Me Bonaire Coastal Living Dive Friends Orco Special Occasions Brass Boer Divi Divi Outdoor Bonaire Special Security Services Budget Marine Donkey Protection League Penny Lane Sunbelt Buena Vista Optics Elegance Spa Phish Phaktory Storehouse Mangasina Cadushy EMPIRE CINEMA Posada Para Mira Tung Fong Cargill Ezone REMAX Yoga Sensibile Carib Inn Flamingo Fitness Rocargo ZaZu bar; Bistro de Paris

The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 Page 11 Around the Globe December 31 New Year’s Eve Gourmet Buffet USD 42.50 serving from 5:30pm

Wrap-up 2019 with The Rum Runners Team. A Gourmet buffet. Spectacular fireworks at midnight with bubbles. The best way to have very Happy New Year!

Appetizers: Crème of Lobster with seafood & fresh herbs Raw Bar Create your own Ceviche, Escabeche,Sashimi, Tataki or Poke with loads of condiments Antipasti The classics combined with some personal favorites Enjoy as they are or build your own salad Assorted breads, chips and spreads Roasted garlic & citrus butter, hummus, frijoles Maincourses: Live cooking noodle station—The chef will prepare your favorite Whole roasted herb-infused US Rib Eye Slabs of ribs & chickens from our low & slow charcoal beast Whole roasted pork from the Caja China Fish and veggie tempura sticks Paella classico Fried funghi •Yucca fries• Double fried potatoes & mojo Desserts: Keylime pie •Cheese cake •Coconut kesio •Chocolate mousse •Grilled marinated pineapple skewers

RESERVATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED At Rum Runners we do our best to work with fresh ingredients only. However on our small remote island, these are not always available. We ask your understanding.

Rum Runners Restaurant and Bar at Captain Don’s Habitat •Kaya N. Debrot 103 North Hotel Row • Reservations 717-8290, ext. 100 •Email: [email protected] Digicel Bonaire announces first big winner

$20,000 was awarded to a lucky Digicel “Shake to Win” Digicel’s Christmas “Shake to Win” customer. Stay tuned for promotion paid off big for local Bo- more details to come in our next edition nairean Sisi Clarenda on December 19, of The Reporter. 2019. Sisi, a resident of Rincon, was try- ing her luck by “Shaking to Win” in the In addition to customers’ participation MyDigicel app and ‘boom’ she received in “Shake to Win” via MyDigicel app, a screen saying “You are a Winner of Digicel instituted a phenomenal radio $2,500”. campaign with the “phrase that pays”, Sisi instantly became the first winner of which gives unsuspecting customers the local grand prize for Digicel Bonaire a change to win $100 in cash. Popular of $2500. radio stations, like: Live 99FM, Breezy Shake to Win promo began November FM, and Play FM (Sulaika Ta On) will 20th and ends December 28th. Anyone randomly call Digicel customers who with an active Digicel data plan of three have an active MyDigicel, D’Music and (3) days or more can participate for a SportsMax subscription for a chance to chance to win. The first big prize is gone win. If they answer with the phrase that but there is still a chance to win the other pays, “Shake to Win with Digicel” in- local grand prize of $2500 on December stead of “Hello,” they will win $100 in come to an end on the above mentioned date stands at over US$5 billion world- 28th. cash! radio stations by December 24th. How- wide. On December 21st, a regional prize of The phrase that pays calls will ever it will continue until December 31st via the Facebook page of “Grace Simply Digicel also runs a host of communi- Grace” and is limited to five (5) lucky ty-based initiatives across its markets and winners per day. has set up Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Digicel Group is a total communica- Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Trini- tions and entertainment provider with op- dad and Tobago which focus on educa- erations in 31 markets in the Caribbean, tional, cultural and social development Central America and Asia Pacific. After programs. Story & photo by Julie Morgan 17 years of operation, total investment to At Your Service-pg 15. this issue’s featured advertiser

A soapbox derby was part of the fun during the North Salina Day festivities on Decem- ber 15. Lucky crowd members got behind the wheel of the miniature cars. They were Eden Beach Resort first towed up the hill and then rolled back Mon. 8am&5.30pm; Tue. Wed. Thu. 8am down for an exciting, but short ride. Major Fri. & Sat. 8.30am; Private classes also businesses on Bonaire were responsible for Elisabetta +599 7807362 [email protected] the creation of the replica cars. www.elisabettamaccari.com

Page 12 The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 pheromone that helps the much smaller males to find them. Once at the source of the scent, the male (or males) would Reef Glimpses stay as close to the perfumed female as Double Double Take Fish possible, sometimes for days. When she’s ready for the moment, the female is so bloated with eggs she can barely move. In the last is- As she clumsily rises from the reef, the sue of The Bo- male rises with her, pushing at her bloated naire Reporter, belly and then pulling at the gel-covered Reef Glimpses mass of eggs. She shivers, releases the used a photo of egg mass, he fertilizes it, and they return a bright red-or- to the bottom. (Ellen Muller’s video ange frogfish resting on a green . Frogfish Mating Bonaire is a great view Visually separating the red from the green of this on YouTube.) was easy, but figuring out the parts of the frogfish more challenging. Once this event takes place, the male frogfish is no longer attracted to the fe- The frogfish in this photo is perfectly male. He pays no attention to the female positioned for its profile portrait. There’s at all. its pectoral fin (arm equivalent), resting just between some orange cup coral and (Again, not a good subject for com- a small orange sponge. ments in mixed company.) Waaait a minute. Isn’t that its pectoral The two eventually drift apart. At fin resting on orange cup coral in the cen- three dark spots, both belong to the larger like two teenagers at the movies. Yep, least, they drift apart until the next time ter-bottom of the photo? Is this a mutant fish. The tail of the smaller fish is curved this is a mating thing. she wears perfume. So, divers: always fish with two pectoral fins? around toward the larger; deep shadow check when you find a frogfish: is this marks the edge of the smaller fish. Deepsea males make sure one frogfish, or two? Dee Scarr We all know that if this was a mutant that, once they find a female, they nev- fish, Reef Glimpses would be an unlikely There’s another shadow on the body of er leave her. Successful ones physical- Dee has been guiding divers on Bonaire place for its discovery to be announced. the smaller fish, between its eye and its ly attach to a female, their other organs since 1982. She’s written about her un- A close look at the photo eventually re- pectoral fin. The frogfish’s commitment atrophy, and they adapt to their extreme dersea experiences in her books, Touch veals – ta dah! – two frogfish, similar in to looking spongelike even extends to its conditions by becoming, essentially, the Sea, The Gentle Sea, and Coral’s Reef color and markings. The smaller one is gills: here, the evidence of a gill flap is sperm-producing parasites. (for children); in Dive Training Magazine closer to the camera and is actually mak- the shadow just in front of the smaller from 1990 to 2000, with “Coral Glimps- ing contact with the larger one. Both fish fish’s pectoral fin (braced on the cup coral (Any thoughts you have about this es” in the Bonaire Reporter, and now with face our left. The small black eye of the clump). The exhaled water flows through should not be expressed in mixed com- “Reef Glimpses”.The Bonaire Reporter is larger fish is surrounded by a bright yel- the gill flap but under the frogfish’s skin, pany.) delighted to bring “Reef Glimpses” to you low circle. The eye of the smaller fish is and exits through an opening in the fish’s Longlure frogfish mating is similar but, free of charge. Dee’s books are available almost directly below it and a tiny bit to armpit-equivalent (not visible here). like their environment, less extreme. In for purchase at the Carib Inn on Bonaire the right. The dorsal (top) fin with three both cases, the larger females secrete a or through touchthesea.com. big and three little spots, and the tail with So, we’ve got two frogfish, side by side, Picture Yourself with The Reporter

Jeannine Hawk and Carl Rudnick were recently awarded TCB’s Bonaire Tijeras, New Mexico Ambassador Platinum Award for mak- ing the trip from Tijeras, New Mexico to Bonaire since 1987. The couple fell in love with Bonaire diving, people, the vibe and the island in general and couldn’t stay away. They bought a con- do unit at Sand Dollar in 1994 and have visited at least twice a year ever since. They have met a lot of people who are still good friends. “We live in high desert mountains and realized that Bonaire is a desert is- land with about the same average annual rainfall as home, kindred spirits or some such nonsense,” Carl said, “We just love the place and everything about it – ex- cept the recent population, building and traffic explosions!” Carl and Jeannine live in an off-the- grid solar home and have been in the solar building and plumbing business for 40 years.

WIN A PRIZE! Are you elsewhere? We’d love to see you in The Reporter. Hold up the printed cover, or go digital and pose with The Reporter on your tablet, computer, or phone. Please identify ev- erybody in your photo, and tell us about yourselves. All 2019 photos are eligible for the annual prize. Bonaire ambassadors Jeannine Hawk and Carl Rudnick

The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 Page 13 Making Bonaire...... Our “Accessible”wheelchair challenges # 26 What was achieved in mer FKBO) to help Bonairean citizens stay active in the case on Bonaire. our community. To all citizens who are 60 + or with dis- 2019? abilities, they offer special transport to visit the doctor, Here is THE chance to start empowerment. Every cli- The United Nations has promoted International Day hospital, therapists; to go grocery shopping, etc. This is ent has rights. If they cannot fight themselves, there must of Persons with Disabilities, IDPD, (December 3) since a welcome service, since RoRo offers only transportation be group of people that can and will. 1992. On this day, people around the world focus on to those in a wheelchair. Streets are getting fixed. Crosswalks are painted. Bicy- how to include persons with disabilities at home, work, cle paths have ample room for persons riding their scoot- school and all areas of society. The theme for 2019 IDPD Family-members and friends who take care of a loved er-mobiles. But most streets are still full of craters. Side- was empowerment. one finally get the attention they deserve so badly by a foundation called Mantelzorg Bonaire. They started their walks are non-functioning because broken high curbs What empowerment issues did we achieve on Bonaire services by registering all private caregivers. This is very make crossing a road very hard. Sidewalks are blocked this year? important, because to offer services, you must know your by bulletin boards, chairs and tourist information booths, numbers and facts. Wheelchairs cannot ride smoothly along the boulevard Last year MiVaBo organized an art competition. “ This due to concrete rings around the trees. is my life”. Beautiful results were shown in an exhi- ZVK (Health Insurance) announced that they spent too bition at the Museo di Bonaire. The winning pictures much money last year. So every dollar is being scruti- But there is also good news. The hospital renovation were printed on t-shirts and mugs that were sold as a nized. Appliances applied for are denied without obvious is still going strong. The results are stunning and cli- fundraiser. reasons. Treatments once paid for by the ZVK, now have ent-friendly. We do hope that the Kas di Kuido and its to be paid for by the clients who cannot afford it. Staff clients will get the attention and space they so desper- December 12 the press were invited to witness the ately need. two aviramps at BIA. With great pride the ramps were changes bring insecurities for the insured. The office is presented and demonstrated. It made us all very happy. now very hard to contact. treatments do not take place or Kas Flamboyan still offers great respite care. Volun- Now a year later, the ramps are still not in use but locked are late. The organization changed in name and constel- teers offer their time and goodwill and treat and spoil the away behind gates, as they appear to be unfit for use lation, which is difficult for clients to understand. What guests to their hearts’ content. on Bonaire! is happening with Zorggroep BES? What are the plans for 2020? For everything there is a MiVaBo has an ongoing job: They made houses more Every institution that cares for people (Hospital, Kas season! And for change you need a reason. What are we accessible by coordinating the installation of ramps from di Kuido, FKPD, etc) is obliged by law to install a client waiting for? Empowerment is ON! Let every organiza- the front door to the gate. council. The council represents the patients/clients, and tion make a decent plan and act on it as soon as possible. if the council can’t, family members or close friends We need ACTION more than promotion to make Bonaire Foundation Zorg en Welzijn Group came to life (for- must. Every decision has to be made with consent of accessible to everybody. Ria Evers-Dokter. the clients or their representation. Alas, this is still not

A Garden? Just Do It! There are different types of soil. How do you change This is what we call sustainable gardening. Our life End of the year a certain type of soil? on Earth is dependent on our way of sustainable use of For sandy soil, add humus; this is the process that is mother Earth. It is in our best interest to think about our End of year and there is so written above. This process also works well for coral future and go back to more natural ways of gardening much to do. Everywhere people and chalk soils. and growing our own food. Using the moon calendar, are busy cleaning their yards. What is sandy soil? This is bigger parts of sand mixed natural rainwater and natural humus is better for our Full trucks with garden waste are going to the landfill. with small stones. This type of soil does not stick togeth- health and for the future of nature and the generations But do you know that there is a lot of green waste that er. Water and nutrition is not held by this type of soil; it after us. And by the way it’s also cheaper for our pocket. you can use in your compost mix? So don’t throw it quickly passes through. Sandy soil needs to be corrected I hope the message in this article of respect, responsi- all away. The rain will make fallen leaves decay faster. as mentioned above before gardening. This will give a bility, love and care of the natural resources of our be- Just put them on a heap in a corner of your garden and mulch layer on top to improve the structure. Do you loved mother Earth will touch you straight in the heart. let it stay for a while. Every time you make your own remember from earlier articles that rabbit manure is the And you will garden with pleasure and the best intention compost, you will be happy that you have not thrown all best to mix into your humus? It has the best balance in for your health, mother Earth and all life now and after the green waste away as it is so useful for your compost nutrition for plants; CO2 (carbon dioxide) 2.4%, phos- us. mix. It is important to throw away all garbage like old phorus 1.4%, calcium 0.6%. It also contains microorgan- Make it your mantra, just do it now tires, rusted auto parts, old household things, building isms and is very good to keep the water balance of the Angliet, Nature lover. materials and so on. These things make a yard look so soil. Rabbit manure does not burn the roots and slowly ugly and allows less space for a garden. Also mosquitoes releases nutrition to the plants. breed in all those things that can contain water. So it’s a For top soil, aerate it by digging and add humus as good thing to give the yard a good clean up and then dec- above. orate the trees and your porch with beautiful Christmas decorations. How awesome Bonaire looks with all the Sustainable gardening lights and Christmas decorations in clean yards, porches Looking at the average diet, we mostly consume only and streets. 12 plant sources of which 60 % comes from rice, grain and corn. This is not only bad for our health but also Bonaire soil for mother Earth. These crops remove all of the good- We still have about six weeks for rain and then it will ness from the soil. Over farming with pesticides, her- become less and less. So start thinking about certain gar- bicides and chemical nutrition is ruining our soils. And den tasks. As I have written a few times, Bonaire soil is also when planting the same plants year after year in the a very important aspect for gardening. Before planting same place without giving the soil an opportunity to rest you need to improve your soil. First check what kind of and recover has a negative influence on soil. The soil soil you have before doing any gardening. The soil needs becomes poor and struggles from lack of vital strength. to be balanced before you begin. Make a good mix of After a while you will not get a good crop out of this compost, manure, charcoal, black and red dirt and add part of your garden. The best way to use soil is to change this to the top soil. Remove stones, dead and alive roots plants in certain spots in a garden. This lets the soil rest if they are in the way. Rake the topsoil so you get air in and become healthy and vital again. there. This will balance the soil life too.

Page 14 The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 9 - Dec. 23, 2019 Did You Know? that all the sharks STINAPA has caught so far through the shark tagging project have been female?

caught right off Baby Beach, while the nurse shark was caught further north going towards Lagun. Of our shark expeditions on the East coast, two of them focused on the area near Baby Beach. This is be- cause of the multiple accounts from divers encounter- ing sharks in this area. However, we only managed to catch one shark even though there were many nibbles on the bait. In the image below you can see the loca- tions where we dropped our hooks, between Lac Bay and Baby Beach. When we pulled up the hooks often times we could see evidence of the bait having been bitten. On many occasions the bait was completely gone! We know that the sharks are there and that they are interested in Over the course of six shark tagging expeditions, two the bait, however we aren’t catching them. It raises an on the West coast and four on the East coast, we have interesting question as to why not. Maybe because of the of 11pm and 3am. While she isn’t there every day, she managed to catch four sharks. On the West coast, near many divers and lionfish hunters in the area they are a is there quite often. On two occasions she remained in Bopec, we caught two female Caribbean reef sharks. bit more cautious around strange objects. the area for five hours. From the data it seems likely that The first reef shark we named Zani, she was 1.84m long, Every so often we need to collect the data from the she is using this area as a hunting ground. While Zani while the other one, Roxanne, was 1.91m long. Both receivers we have placed at strategic locations around was also caught in the same area as Roxanne, we didn’t these sharks were outfitted with a small transmitter that the island. These receivers record a ping each time that a detect her on the receiver at Bopec. Neither of the sharks would allow us to follow their movements. On the East tagged shark swims within 800m of the receiver. On the ever made it to Benge. coast we also caught two sharks. One was a nurse shark West coast we have receivers placed at Playa Bengue and with a total length of 1.06m and the other one was a baby one slightly north of Bopec. On the East coast we have What’s next? Caribbean reef shark measuring just 74cm. Needless to a receiver inside Lac Bay, and along the coast extending STINAPA is continuing this research and will collect say that the song ‘Baby Shark’ was stuck in all our heads down to Baby Beach. The second reef shark we caught, more data in the future. for the rest of the day! Because this reef shark was so Roxanne, was detected multiple times on the receiver at Written by Roxanne-Liana Francisca, STINAPA biol- small we didn’t want to risk harming it by tagging it, Bopec, which is over 1km north of where we caught her. ogist. Connecting people with nature however we did tag the nurse shark. The baby shark was She often frequents the area at night, between the hours Changes in BES Healthcare Insurance claims as of January 1st, 2020

Several elements of the BES Healthcare Insurance Clarifying & tightening requirements referral abroad or to a necessary part thereof. The enti- Claims Regulation (Regeling Aanspraken Zorgverze- tlement to a companion no longer depends on a disorder kering BES) will change as of January 1st, 2020. The Speech therapy but on the limitation(s) suffered by an insured person. changes concern several new claims, and clarification Speech therapy is only covered for medical purpos- Therefore the criterion ‘older than 70 years’ is no longer and further requirements for existing claims and provi- es, on referral from a general practitioner, specialist or used. An insured individual younger than 18 years who sions. dentist. Speech therapy for non-medical purposes, such is very sick can get companions. These do not have to as speaking in public or singing training, is not covered. be both parents. In case of a medical referral abroad for birth, the ZVK reimburses the flight costs of one com- New Dietary preparations and stop smoking medication panion for the period around the birth. The companion Reimbursement of these care products requires the Medical Devices will not receive a daily allowance. The claims for medical devices have been expanded ZVK’s prior consent. with wheelchairs, shower chairs and toilet chairs. Information Orthopaedic shoes The ‘Who is insured with the ZVK? What is covered This is only is covered when prescribed by a specialist. Stop smoking programmes & by the healthcare insurance?’ information leaflet contains Combined Lifestyle Intervention Prescription glasses and contact lenses a brief summary of the entitlements of persons insured In line with the European Netherlands, insured indi- Adults are entitled to claim reimbursement up to an with the ZVK. viduals may qualify for reimbursement of the costs for amount of USD 170.00 per three years. For insured per- Detailed information on the healthcare insurance and a stop smoking programme and a combined lifestyle in- sons up to 18 years, the amount is USD 170.00 per year. claims which can lawfully be made on the basis of the tervention (CLI). Both must be prescribed by a general BES Healthcare Insurance Claims Regulation is available practitioner or specialist. Companionship in case of medical referral abroad on the website: www.zvkcn.nl under ‘Care entitlements’. Claims for the stop smoking programme concern med- The entitlement to a companion may apply to the entire ical assistance and any pharmaceutical help following the authorisation of the Healthcare Insurance Office Job (Zorgverzekeringskantoor, hereinafter referred to as ZVK). Opportunity Care related to CLI may be reimbursed in full or par- tially for insured individuals of 18 years and older. CLI is aimed at a healthier diet, more physical exercise and “We are looking psychological support. Additional costs, such as costs related to sports, are not reimbursed. for a Warrior; not a Princess”– Andrea Physiotherapy & remedial therapy for rehabilitation Magni (chef) The coverage of physiotherapy and remedial therapy for rehabilitation is new as well. It concerns treatment for Want to join our team a better recovery after hospitalisation or day treatment. In of waiters at Capriccio that case physiotherapy or remedial therapy for rehabili- tation are reimbursed for up to twelve months. Restaurant? Contact: capricciobo- naireandrea@gmail. com

The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 Page 15 What’s Happening 2019 Cruise Ships (TCB)

DAY & DATE:MM/DD CRUISESHIP TIME PIER CAPACITY & LINE Wednesday Christmas Day. Public Holiday December 25 Monday 12-23 Braemar 0700-1800 N.pier 988 Fred Olsen Thursday Boxing Day. Public Holiday December 26 Tuesday 12-24 Monarch 0800-1800 N.pier 2744 Pullmantur Sunday Nos Zjilea Cultural Event from 8am till 2pm at Mangazina di Rei located Thursday 12-26 Summit 0800-1700 S.pier 2450 CEL December 28 at the east-entrance of Rincon. Enjoy delicious food, live music, local arts Friday 12-27 Sea Cloud II 0800-2359 N.pier 96 Sea Cloud Cruise & crafts, plants & vegetables, educational presentations and an exhibition about Rincon. Fun, relaxed and entertaining for kids and adults alike. All Saturday 12-28 Ms Riviera 0700-1500 N.pier 1250 Oceania proceeds go to our educational programs. SEE, FEEL AND TASTE THE CULTURE OF BONAIRE. Saturday 12-28 Seabourn Sojourn 0700-1800 S.pier 450 Seabourn Cruise Tuesday New Years Eve Fireworks Monday 12-30 Aida Perla 0700-1800 S.pier 3286 Aida Cruises December 31 Wednesday New Years Day. Public Holiday Tuesday 12-31 Mein Schiff 2 0730-1900 S.pier 2894 TUI January 1 Tuesday 12-31 Explorer Of The Seas* 0800-1700 N.pier 3840 RCCL in TCB Sunday Clean Coast Bonaire Clean-up Survey Boka Onima. 4-6pm Clean Crew center gives January 12 Coast Bonaire recruits volunteers and trains local residents and visiting sched- uele alternative date of eco-tourists to complete monthly surveys of marine litter. January 01 2020 Cruise Ships Start the new year with Tai Chi from Crew Center.com Wednesday 01-01 Marella Explorer 2 1300-1800 2177 Marella Cruise

Everyone is welcome to explore the benefits of Tai Chi in classes beginning Thursday 01-02 Seabourn Odyssey 0800-1800 458 Seabourn January 6, 2020 at Harbour Village. The free classes are taught by Ron Sewell, 30 year practitioner of the Chinese martial art. Friday 01-03 Freedom Of The Seas 0800-1700 4900 RCCL Tai Chi is practiced by young and old for its health benefits, meditation and Monday 01-06 Monarch 0900-1800 2772 Pullmantur defense training. Classes will be scheduled daily at 8 am, 9 am and 5 pm. Tuesday 01-07 Britannia 4250 P&O If you plan to attend the first day of classes on January 6, please notify Ron Tuesday 01-07 Koningsdam 0800-1800 3375 Holland America so he can make the appropriate preparations. For more info contact [email protected]. Wednesday 01-08 Norwegian Gem 1200-2200 2800 NCL

——Clubs & meetings—— ——Regular events—— • Bridge club. Meets every Wednesday to starts at 7pm. For more information, email: play. Start at 19.30 at Jasmin Garden. To [email protected] “Reef Renewal Bonaire.” A free edu- the history, culture and nature by Bo- join: call 7174052 or mail to:tonsailing@ • Chess Club meets Wednesday to play cational presentation every Sunday at naireans from Rincon. Call Maria Koeks gmail.com starting at 6 pm at Tera Cora Ranch. 6:30pm at Blennies at Buddy Dive. For for more information:796-7870, 717-6435. • Rotary lunch meetings Wednes- • Lions Club meets every 2nd and 4th questions, email info@reefrenewalbo- Nature Organization, STINAPA, has fre- days,12:15-2 pm - Marriott Courtyard Thursday of the month at 8 pm at Kaya naire.org. quent events– bird watching, sunset hikes, Hotel, Piet B meeting room. All Rotarians Sabana #1. All Lions welcome. For more “Sea Turtles of Bonaire” is a free public lectures, etc. Go to their website for in- welcome. Call Gregory Obersi 785-9446. information call 510-0710. presentation about Bonaire’s endangered formation of events for the rest of 2019: • Alcoholics Anonymous meeting (all sea turtles—topics such as where to see • Toastmasters Club every two weeks. stinapabonaire.org/events, Tel. 717-8444 addictions welcome) Wednesdays at Bo- sea turtles, how they live, what they eat, For more info. call Crusita de Palm at 786- Bonaire Goat Farm Tour. Monday, naire Basics, Kaya Korona 47. Meeting how they reproduce and how you can help! 3827 or Lucia Martinez Beck, at 786-2953. Wednesday & Friday. 9 am. Meet the Where: Yellow Sub, Dive Friends Bonaire goats, see milking, and more. $10 includes (on the front porch) 8:00pm, 2nd & 4th tea. Kids $5. 786-6950. ——Church services—— Wednesdays. Echo. See Bonaire’s parrots. Wednesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat- Services, Sunday at 8am & 7pm in Papia- Rooi Lamoenchi Kunuku Park 5pm $10 per person. Public Conservation ter-Day Saints. Kaya Sabana 26 Sunday mentu. Tours–$21 (includes tax). Discounts for Tour. No reservation needed. For optimal Services - Papiamentu/Espanol 9am to 12 residents and local people. Tel. 717-8489, Our Lady of Coromoto in Antriol. Satur- birding, book a private tour by calling 701- noon Add’l Info (599) 701-9522 Dutch/ 540-9800. day at 6pm in English. Mass in Papiamen- 1188 or email [email protected]. We English 1pm to 3pm. Add’l Info (599) tu on Sunday at 9am and 6pm. 717-4211. Soldachi Tours. See the Real Bonaire and need at least one day’s notice. Private tours 701-2892 be transported back in time. Learn about Assembly of God (Asemblea di Dios). $25/person 2 person minimum. Protestant Congregation of Bonaire Kaya Triton (Den Cheffi). In English, (VPGB ), Kralendijk, Plaza Wilhelmina; Dutch & Papiamentu on Sunday at 10am. Sunday-10am in Dutch. Rincon, Kaya Wednesday- Prayer Meeting at 7:30 pm. ——Saturdays—— C.D. Crestian; Sunday 8:30am in Papia- 717-2194 mentu/Dutch. Casa de Oracion para todas las na- Children’s Club Saturday 4:30-6pm in ciones. Hanchi Amboina 37 Kralendijk, • Marshe di Playa (Bonaire Duodero) Ev- • Bonaire Shelter’s Garage Sale Kralendijk, (church annex) Marytjin@ Spanish service: every Sunday morning ery Saturday, 8am-1pm, near Warehouse (Pakus di Pruga)—every Saturday, 8am- gmail.com or [email protected] at 9 am. Bonaire, locally made and grown products. 5pm. At Kaminda Liberador Simon Bo- International Bible Church. Kaya Pa- Prayer Walk at Rooi Lamoenchi every • Marshe di Kunukero (Farmers’ Market) livar, across from Brandaris Café. Tel. pago 104, Hato, behind Bon Fysio/Bon 717-4989. Drop cast offs on Saturdays or first Sunday of the Month (or on request) At Kriabon the first Saturday of the Month. Bida Spa & Gym on Kaya Gob.N. De- for all followers of Christ. 4.30pm-7.30 Kaminda Jatu Baco #55, next to Aquama- at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road week- brot. Sunday 9am-Worship in English; days. 717-4989. pm.Contact Ellen Cochrane-Herrera at rin School, 8am-12noon. 10:45am-Sunday school for all ages. 717- [email protected] or phone • Monthly Cultural Event ‘Nos Zjilea’ at • Food Bank (Stichting voedselbank Bo- 8332 or ride [email protected]. 717-8489 or +5999-540-9800. English/Pa- Cultural Park Mangazina di Rei - Every naire) Last Saturday of the month. Donate Catholic. San Bernardus in Kralendijk. piamentu/Dutch/Spanish. last Saturday of the month. See the calen- foods & household items 9:30am-2pm at dar above. Van den Tweel Supermarket. • Marshe Rincon Krioyo 1st & last Satur- • Petanque–Jeu de Boules, 2:30-6pm, Bo- What’s Happening, Museums & Exhibits, continued on page 17 days. Street market in Rincon, crafts, local lascentre GOLDFINCH (next to baseball food, sweets, noon—6pm. centre on Kaminda Sorobon) 786-0150.

Page 16 The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 4000 baby sea turtles saved

Thirty-eight companies and families adopted 44 sea ence of fungi Thank you for supporting STCB’s mission and turtle nests and saved 4000 baby sea turtles in Sea Turtle and bacteria in saving 4,000 hatchlings by adopting one or more Conservation Bonaire (STCB) Adopt-A-Nest program the nest. With sea turtle nests in 2019: this year. Through the nest program, STCB raised almost the support of Best Cellars Bonaire, Blue Jay Holding Bonaire, USD 25,000 to protect Bonaire’s critically endangered our adopters Bonaire Office Systems, Administratiekantoor Bran- sea turtles. and the funds daris, Brave Water Foundation, Buts Technical Con- Nest funds are used to relocate nests that are in danger raised through sultancy, The Cadushy Distillery, Cargill Salt Bonaire, of drowning, rescue newborn turtles that have become Adopt-A-Nest, Casa Presioso, ContourGlobal, Dan & Christine wrapped in roots during hatching and sustain the popu- we can get a better understanding of these factors; how Fisher, Dinska Dohmen, Dive Friends Bonaire, dNM lar Beachkeeper program. STBC will use the money to they affect the success of our nests and what actions can Interim, Doris & Martin Elle, Hamlet Oasis, Harbour collect data that will help protect nests and assess the be taken to protect our nests even better in the future.” Village, Harbourtown Real Estate, HVK Stevens, In- health of Bonaire’s sea turtles. STCB is very grateful for the continuous support of ternational Tax Advisors, Jim & Judy Kewley, Joan Collecting nesting data is an important part of STCB’s all the adopters. Some celebrated their 5th adoption an- & Alan Zale, Labor Omnia Vincit bv, Michael & Anne work. STCB uses the data to determines nest hatching niversary, others adopted their first nest in 2019! STCB Contratto, Moon Tower, Nagico Insurances, Neder- success, and to identify possible causes of egg failure. would like to congratulate everyone with the great out- lands-Belgiche Schildpaddenvereniging, Parrot Is- STBC director Kaj Schut said, “On Bonaire, approxi- come of this nesting season! land Divers, Patricia Coe, QVillas, RE/MAX Paradise mately 80 per cent of the eggs in a sea turtle nest hatch. If you too would like to join this impressive group Homes, Sand Dollar Turtle Lovers Club 1 & 2, Sand However, we do see variation across species and nesting of nest adopters and work together with STCB to save Dollar Ca’Nesta’, Sunbelt Realty Estate, Sundhevy & beaches. Nests on Klein Bonaire, for example, are often Bonaire’s sea turtles, please contact STCB at +599 717 Stijn, The Laughing Seahorse, Villa Kiki, VIP Diving, more successful than nests laid on the pocket beaches in 2225 or send an email to [email protected]. By Wadyckis Family. the south. Causes of egg failure can include infertility, STCB. Photo: skeez from pixabay. high nest temperatures, heavy precipitation and the pres-

as slow. Maybe there is a class action lawsuit in the Ask a Geek:Things that make you go HUH? making, HUH? by Brian Niessen #3 – Websites dictating if you can see them or not: Have For the end of year article, I am going to give some solved! What do these guys get paid for? HUH? you gone to a website and been told “We no longer sup- examples of things in the technology world that just make port your browser. Please update it.” (Which leads right you shake your head and go “HUH?” #2 – Forced Upgrades: This is something that drives me crazy. Programs that make you upgrade, even though back to issue #2). I can understand it for banking or #1 – Technical Support: A friend bought a new laptop the version you are using works perfectly. The big- other encrypted websites where they are keeping one step a few weeks ago. She was using it fine, until one day gest culprit is Skype. You run it, and it says “You must ahead of the hackers, but many of these sites that give the keyboard started acting strange. She called the store upgrade.” so you upgrade and run the new one and it the “palm in your face” don’t require the security. Why – they had no solution. She called her ISP tech support says “Your operating system is too old. You need to do they turn away visitors over something as stupid as a guys and spent an hour on the phone with them, no solu- upgrade it.” so you do the Windows XP/7/8 to Windows web programmer deciding he likes the latest and greatest tion. She even called Microsoft and spent 2 hours going 10 Upgrade and get told “Your computer is too small/old/ browsers only – HUH? up the ladder with the technical support team. No solu- slow – you need to upgrade it.” Talk about forced ob- On that note, may Santa bring you many cool computer tion, but a promise that a supervisor will call back. In solescence. If this was your car and you were told “You and technology gifts to drive you crazy in 2020. frustration she called me and told me “When I type, I get can’t drive on this road anymore because your car is too numbers instead of letters!” so I asked “When you press old” there would be lawsuits galore, but in the computer Do you have a question about using computers and the K key, what number do you get?” and she replied “2”. industry (and phones), we just buy a new one for no real computer technology on Bonaire? Email it to the editor, So I said “Press the NUMLOCK key” and problem was reason – I can still only type so fast or play solitaire just and we’ll get an answer for you next issue.

BONAIRE SKY PARK The Andromeda galaxy or galaxy m31 contains four We’ve galactic cannibalism in the skies again and times the number of stars as our own galaxy and is at again. Hubble photographed this case of galactic can- Andromeda collision least twice as wide. It’s spiral, like ours, but the center nibalism in 2009. has a ring of dust — probably from another galaxy that I know it all sounds pretty violent, but it’s nothing we Our galaxy is the Milky Way. It’s one of the Andromeda swallowed in the past. have to worry about. Galaxies are mostly empty space! most spectacular structures in the night sky -- comprising You can find Andromeda by looking for the constella- The real change won’t be to our planet, or our star, but a huge band of color and light stretching from horizon tion Cassiopeia. Imagine it’s a W with points of different to the night skies. Once the galaxies start to combine to horizon all across the sky. But, when we collide with depths… if you follow the point of the deeper trough in we’ll have a magnificent night sky! Though we won’t Andromeda our galaxy will be no more. a dark sky, you’ll find the Andromeda galaxy. be in a beautiful spiral any longer, astronomers think the The Milky Way is a mid-size barred spiral galaxy. It’s Andromeda is heading toward us at 110 kilometers Milky Way and Andromeda will merge into a new larger about 100,000 light-years across, and 1000 light-years per second or about 250,000 miles per hour. Four-and- elliptical galaxy. thick. To be honest, our galaxy is remarkably average, a-half billion years from now, our two galaxies are going To see the result of an elliptical galaxy in our own very similar to billions of other galaxies we know of to collide in a spectacular fashion. Gravity everywhere, skies? That will really be something! in the universe. Well, except for the fact that the only billions of star systems, affected. It’s going to be nuts for Keep looking up! Dean Regas & James Albury, living things we know of in the universe live here… about a billion years while we work everything out, but you know, us. eventually we’ll be one larger galaxy!

What’s Happening, Museums & Exhibits, continued on page 17

• Terramar Museum at Terramar Shopping Mall, on the nairean home and garden. Open Thurs.- Sun.Reserve 717- sign to on the right. Entrance just a short distance. Free waterfront. Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm. Sunday, closed. 3183 or 795-2021 Donations appreciated. Kaya Melon #4, entry. Cruise ship days 9am-6pm, $10, $5 for residents, children behind Rose Inn in Rincon. • Yana’s Fine Art Museum at Lagoen Hill 19- Call:599 free. Coral Restoration exhibit. 717-0423, 780-4327 • Washington-Slagbaai National Park Museum and Visi- 785-5002. Free entry. Also exhibited at Bon Bida Spa and • Museo Bonaire on the waterfront at the old Kas di Arte, tors’ Center. Open daily 8 am-5 pm. 788-9015 or 796-5681 Gym. Kaya Kachi Craane #34. 717-8868. Monday-Friday 9am- • Tanki Maraka Heritage Park and Open Air Museum. • Bonaire Museum of National History Kaya Julio C. noon, 2-4pm. Salute to the Sailors exhibit–Free Site of WWII American soldiers’ camp. Self-guided tour. van der Ree #7, open Wednesday through Saturday, and • Chichi i Tan Museum. Step into the past in an old Bo- After leaving Kralendijk on the Rincon Road watch for cruiseship days, 9am–3pm. Free.

The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 Page 17 ----Shelter News---- Pet of the Week: Odette • Ensure your pet is wearing some form of easily Pet tips for readable identification – even in the house. They should have at least a collar and tag with a phone “Fireworks season” number. • Let your pet pace around, whine, meow and hide in a corner if they want to. Do not try to coax them out – it’s just trying to find safety, and should not be disturbed. • Stay calm, act normally and give lots of praise for calm behavior. It’s OK to cuddle and stroke your pet if it helps them relax, but if they prefer to hide under your bed, then let them do this instead. • Avoid leaving your pet alone during such poten- tially upsetting events. If you do have to leave the house, don’t get angry with your pet if you find they have been destructive or toileted after being left on its own. Shouting at a frightened pet will Hello Everyone! only make them more stressed. My name is Odette and I am a very happy puppy, The fireworks have already begun and will only get • Pets are likely to drink more when they are wor- about five months old and fully vaccinated, healthy worse. It is one of the busiest times at Animal Shelter ried, so fill their water bowl up to the brim. BEST and ready to go to my fur-ever home. I can be very Bonaire with intake of many dogs and cats found wan- TIP: Include Florence Ditlow’s Rescue Remedy cuddly and love all your attention. Sometimes I can be dering and scared. While humans delight in the dazzling in their water bowl. Available at Animal Shelter naughty too but that is still allowed because I am still displays, many are lost, seriously injured, even Bonaire, Pakus di Pruga, DA or Just 4 Pet. a baby and with some training and education I will be killed, during this time of year so here are some tips to • Seek veterinary advice if you feel your pet needs the perfect companion. I also like to play fetch and I keep your pets safe. a prescription calming medicine. DO NOT GIVE do enjoy watching all the other pups with a view from • Walk your dogs during daylight hours to avoid YOUR PET ANYTHING THAT IS NOT PRE- my private pool. I will do great in a family that already times when fireworks are likely SCRIBED BY A VETERINARIAN EXCEPT has dogs, because I do like the company of other dogs • KEEP YOUR PETS INSIDE when fireworks are FOR RESCUE REMEDY. especially if they like to play and wrestle. I will also being set off • Never take your dog to a fireworks display. do very well in a family with children, maybe we can • Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound • Do not throw or set off fireworks when your pet or go swim at the beach, I think I will love that. If you of fireworks other pets are in the vicinity. Dogs that may not be have a tiny space available in your loving family then • Put on some music or TV to mask the firework afraid of the noise of fireworks may likely chase please come visit me and adopt me! I will be waiting sounds what you throw or be curious. This is how many for you at the Animal Shelter Bonaire, Kaminda La- • Prepare a quiet space or hiding place for your pet dogs on the island have been seriously injured or gun 26A, Monday-Friday from 9am-12pm and 3-5 pm where it can feel safe and comfortable – perhaps killed. Jane Madden-Disko and Saturday 9am-3pm nonstop, or call the Animal under a bed with some of your old clothes. They Shelter 701-4989 or 717-4989. Story and photo by may like to hide there when the fireworks start. Sanne Attevelt

L-R: Sanne Attevelt Travis Sullins Laurie Smith Jane Madden-Disko How to use Rescue Remedy By Florence Ditlow RN, herbalist and owner of contented, adopted dogs.

Bonaire’s traditional New Year’s Fireworks are a won- der to see, but they terrorize our pets. You probably know of Rescue Remedy- the herb- al stress treatment for pets sold at year’s end. I have a few suggestions for adminis- tering this solution. Remember large amounts of Rescue are not needed; you get best effect by repeating a few drops regularly. Begin adding a few drops to the daily water of your pet, in the week of Christmas. You may put it on food or treats. During high volume noise Rescue Remedy is also an easy way you may apply the solution to the part of to deal with thunder, travel or any stress, the pet’s foot with no hair, so it can get large or small. through the foot pad. Rescue Remedy is now at the Animal Please keep pets indoors to prevent Shelter for $4. Just 4 Pet and DA Drug loss of your friend. Store in Hato are expected to carry it.

Page 18 The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 9 - Dec. 23, 2019 At Your Service

The following businesses have been recommended by Bonaire residents. Introductory rate - call or email for availability - 796-4055 - [email protected] Drive a few minutes - Save a lot! Best prices on gear!! CARIB INN 717-8819 JA Abraham Blvd 46. Just south of Divi Flamingo Hotel Wines & Bubbles Liquors & Tobacco Kaya Industrial, Mon.-Sat. 9am-6pm

$45

Unlimited Fitness Eden Beach Resort +599 700 1660 Mon. 8am & 5.30pm; Tue. Wed. Thu. 8am [email protected] Fri. & Sat. 8.30am; Private class on request www.islandtimebonaire.com Elisabetta +599 7807362 [email protected] lowest price on the island www.elisabettamaccari.com www.facebook.com/islandtimerentals

NEED SEWING? full service company for your marine & residential needs CUSTOM MADE cushions and covers roofs and shades kite and sail repair Easy, Affordable, Fast repairs and alterations and much more... Shop on-line & we will ship to you 780 9124 / 782 5755 located at kaya Rotterdam 22 https://www.getezone.com www.phishphaktory.com

Next Cleanup January 12th, at KAYAKING • CAVING • CLIMBING • RAPPELLING Boca Onima 4-6 pm ABSEILEN • ISLAND TOURS • BIRDWATCHING +(599) 785-6272 Affordable name brands [email protected] Upmarket consignment this space available www.outdoorbonaire.com

Your business here.

Only $22 an issue for 3 Call 700-1753 www.bonaireselfstorage.com months. info@ bonaireselfstorage.com

Frequent Daily Flights Your business Between Bonaire, Curaçao & Aruba here. Divi Divi Air Reservations Only $22 an 24 hours a day issue for 3 Call (+5999 839-1515) Or (+5999 563-1913) months. Now Non-stop to AUA 3/31

The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 Page 19 Page 20 The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019 Page 21 The Bonaire Reporter Dec. 23 - Jan. 8, 2019