Composite Cover Photo by Reporter Staff the Reporter Jong Bonaire Cover Photo Last Issue Was Taken by Jane Townsend

P. O. Box 407, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean, Phone 786-6518, 786-6125, www.bonairereporter.com email: [email protected] Since 1994

Composite cover photo by Reporter staff The Reporter Jong Bonaire cover photo last issue was taken by Jane Townsend. Because of a shortage of the size of news- This Week’s Stories

print paper used to produce The Reporter Unfair Tax 3 the number of pages in this issue was cut. 40 Years of Marriage -Nachi Nicolaas 6 The next edition will have all pages and your Lunch Explosion Results 6 favorite columns and stories will return. Project Bonaire Dengue 6 Holiday Concert Recap 6 he shortage of detective personnel is Bonaire Ambassadors (Starkweather) 6 T recognized as a bottleneck for crime Letters to the Editor -New Year Reflections fighting in the BES islands (Bonaire, St. Disappointed 7 Eustatius, Saba). To offset this a bit the Dutch Puppy Training Graduates 9 Royal Marechaussees (special police) will Shelter News 14 keep assisting the islands in the coming New Pet Shop Opens-Just 4 Pet years. Bonaire 14 Maskarada Gone? 16 Bonaire Commissioner James Kroon has Carmelita’s Birthday Gifts 16 Bonaire Govern- assured the Island Council that the $10,000 Departments ment photo included in the adjusted budget of the Council Flotsam & Jetsam 2 this year was meant not only for interpreting On the Island Since- (Paul Hoetjes) 4 In a ceremony at the Governor’s house 23 persons were sworn in as Dutch and translation work on behalf of Spanish- Sudoku 7 speaking independent (ex-PHU) member citizens by interim Governor Peter Silberie (at right). Body Talk –New Year, New Start 7 Rafael Santana. Part of this amount was also Bonaire On Wheels -Chevrolet used to pay the person who took the minutes mine communities,” Bon Bida photo Scottsdale 8 of the meetings. Santana is a naturalized Queen Beatrix said. Real Estate Reflections- 2011 Year in Dutch citizen born in the Dominican Repub- Despite the economic Review 9 Classifieds 10 lic. The opposition is against paying an inter- crisis, the importance Tide Table, Sunrise & Sunset Times, preter for Santana. of sustainability is Moon Phase 10 Nolly Oleana of “Partido Demokratiko Bon- paramount, the Queen Picture Yourself (Pete’s Country Market) 11 eriano” reminded everyone that Dutch and said. “The earth Bonairean Voices - A Budget Makeover 11 Papiamentu are the official languages on Bon- which feeds life, but Shopping & Dining Guides 12 aire. “Those wishing to become a commis- cannot speak for it- Bon Quiz-First Airport 12 sioner or member of the Island Council should self, needs a voice. What’s Happening? 13 have a good command of these languages. If That should be heard Masthead 13 this is not the case, then he/she should go in all minor and ma- Cruise Ship Schedule 13 learn them. jor decisions,” she said. Pet of the Week (Iggy) 14 Sky Park (New Year Star) 15 Quoting the late Indian leader Mahatma Gan- The Stars Have It (Astrology) 15 According to Bonaire Commissioner dhi, she said: “Earth enough to satisfy every Burney El Hage, the package of new terms man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” How to contact us of employment for civil servants that was . signed recently contains numerous benefits. The Queen, who plans to abdicate in fa- Letters to the Editor: Salaries will be indexed, resulting in a 6-7% vor of her son next year, slowed down a bit [email protected] raise. The Cost Of Living Adjustment last year. The Queen carried out 62 public Story tip or idea: (COLA) or indexing tallies with what govern- engagements in the Netherlands in 2011, eight Sinterklaas had some bad luck [email protected] ment budgeted for next year is to help com- fewer than in 2010, it was reported last Thurs- while helping with the lifting of the pre- The Publisher: pensate for the loss in purchasing power due day. The Queen, who is 73, also took part in sents. He hurt his back! He couldn’t [email protected] The Bonaire Reporter to inflation. three official trips, to Qatar, Germany and the walk straight anymore and was not able Dutch Caribbean, compared with seven in to ride his horse! Happily he decided to Box 407, Bonaire, visit Chanou de Roos of BonFysio. You Dutch Caribbean The Bonaire Fire Department seized 2010. Queen Beatrix also hosted 13 different Phone 786-6125 15,000 pieces of unapproved fireworks as a heads of state at her palaces and welcomed 50 can see how pleased he was and without Phone 786-6518 result of a tip. The Voodoo Platinum VD-002 ambassadors. pain. Chanou got an extra present this brand fireworks contain dangerous flash pow- year! Sinter plans to join the gym too. Available on der and ignition fuses that are too short. The pre-trial detention and serving of a Facebook The fire fighters confirmed their suspicions prison sentence crime on Bonaire is “Bonaire Reporter”… be a with a test on location. Since the use of these “inhumane,” according to defense attorneys Court of First Instance in St. Maarten, but friend and get automatic fireworks would be life-threatening they were addressing the court in the ﬁrst court hearing since 10-10-10 they have had to appear before updates destroyed immediately. of defendants from Saba and Statia last Fri- the court in Bonaire. This may be constitu- As well as on-line at: day. tionally a logical step, but it is not humane, www.bonairereporter.com THE HAGUE—Queen Beatrix used her They say that people from those BES Islands attorneys stated. “Deprivation of liberty traditional Christmas speech to urge the peo- are losing much more than just their freedom should only take away your freedom. But Printed Every Fortnight, ple of the Netherlands to take better care of when they are incarcerated in Bonaire, due to when you don’t get visitors because your fam- On-line Every day, 24/7 the planet. “Selfishness and a tendency the language barrier and culture differences. ily and friends are 800 kilometers away, and Next edition printing on towards excess make one blind to the dam- In the past, criminal cases against suspects you are also being treated with hate by local Jan. 16, 2012 age to our natural environment and under- from Saba and Statia were handled by the (Continued on page 3) Story and Ad deadline: Friday, Jan. 13, 2012

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Page 2 Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012 Flotsam and Jetsam (Continued from page 2) he increase of the citizens, including mecha- detainees, then you are being excessively punished,” they T ground rent (erfpacht) nisms for consultation and said. will yield Bonaire’s govern- participation; efficient, C Not impressed by the arguments, the judge handed down ment approximately an extra effective services; clear, F T sentences of between 12 and 24 months, part of which 1.7 million guilders ($950,000) transparent and applicable were suspended. in 2011 according to the Fi- laws and regulations; con- Jane Townsend photo nance Department. sistency and coherence in The Jong Bon- policy formation; and high aire drum band and Despite many complaints on how the assessment notices were imposed, a reduction of the rates is not an option, said standards of ethical be- folkloric dancers havior." performed for the Fred Tiemesen, head of the Department, as this would lead rededication cere- to a budget deficit and invite sanctions from the Committee In his opinion the deci- monies to celebrate Financial Supervision (CFT). sions lacked proper moti- the renovations The land lease hike was just one of 60 or so steps the Is- vation because the only that enlarged the land Council was forced to take to increase the revenues and basis seemed to be: we Jong Bonaire facil- hold down the costs to comply with the CFT requirements. have to do this under pres- ity and created After discussion the rate was fixed on August 11, 2009. sure of the Dutch government to better our financial posi- tion. This pressure cannot be a valid argument for making more space to host When homeowners were presented last month with the rules that will have a big impact on so many people. programs. In addi- bills which had to be paid by the end of the year there were tion to the official numerous complaints. The delay was ostensibly due to prob- Taking into account that we have here on Bonaire an infla- ceremonies the lems adjusting the invoice system from guilders to dollars. tion of around 9%, it is unfair that lease prices have been event included raised some by many, many hundreds of percent! The government will now collect 3.7 million guilders in sports competitions ground rent for 2011, a substantial increase compared to the Besides this, the land lease holders were not involved in with teams from 2 million guilders of last year (The Finance Department the process of reviewing the lease prices. This can be con- the police, fire seemed to also have a problem adjusting the press release to sidered as breaking a contract between government and the department, Coast reflect Bonaire’s currency, the dollar). The additional funds long leaser. In modern regulations (i.e. in Amsterdam) both Guard, hospital and other groups competing against teams supposedly will be used to improve Bonaire’s infrastructure. parties get fully involved in that process. In addition, the from Jong Bonaire. The event also featured a newly social aspect has been taken into account, like a subsidy for Jos Zuidam, a Bonaire resident and former civil servant at painted wall designed by Sharsi Anthony, one of the the needy. members of Jong Bonaire. There were also activity dem- the Dutch Home Office, has some issues with the judicial For tens of years the government did nothing and now the onstrations during the afternoon. aspects of the long lease (Erfpacht) increase. He plans to send an open letter to the Bonairean government (Island and conclusion must be: improper governance while violating Executive Councils) with a copy to the Queen’s representa- several items of good governance. There are two ways to tive, Rijksvertegewoordiger, Wilbert Stolte, as well as the handle this issue: reconsider the whole lease regulation us- Two Dutch political parties want Minister of Social leaders of the political parties in the Second Chamber of the ing Amsterdam as a good example. The other is conform to Affairs and Labor Henk Kamp to introduce the family Dutch Parliament, asking to give this matter the most proper Dutch law and overturn the current decision. On this point allowance (kinderbijslag) to the BES Islands, otherwise attention. action should be taken by the Gezaghebber (Governor) or they will submit draft legislation to make this happen. the Rijksvertegewoordiger. The islands have been part of the Dutch Constellation His key point is that the local government, acting in this matter as it did, violated some very important general rules Mr. Zuidam asks all people who support his ideas to send since October 10, 2010, yet they don’t have the same so- a letter to: [email protected] and cial welfare system as in the Netherlands. The islands of good governance (in Dutch called Algemene beginselen van behoorlijk Bestuur). That rule implies respect for the [email protected], saying, “I fully agree with the stand- also don’t have a family allowance, a financial contribu- point taken by Mr. Zuidam in his open letter of December tion that families receive from government to help cover rule of law; openness, transparency and accountability to democratic institutions; fairness and equity in dealings with 30, 2011, regarding the long lease issue.” G.D./Jos (Continued on page 7) Zuidam PRICELESS

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Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012 Page 3 was born in The Hague, we lived in the Netherlands 1962- and catching fish and starting to “I the Netherlands, where I 1963, it was the fiercest winter in spear fish, my parents would often spent two months.Then my parents living memory. My mom, who is ask me to catch them a lobster. took me to Dutch New Guinea, from Indonesia, didn’t like it one Even then I knew already it wasn’t which is now Indonesian New bit, but I loved it! When my father right as there were so few lobsters. Guinea. My father worked for a came back, my parents immedi- And just before I moved to Am- small international cooperation ately started planning to move to sterdam I started telling people not involved in trade. I lived my first the tropics again. Then the com- to spear fish. At that time people six years in New Guinea in differ- pany decided to move us to Cura- thought the sea was an endless ent places. It’s a very big island, cao. It was completely new for me, provider. the world’s biggest, except for but we lived in a house close to the I graduated from Rodulphus Col- Greenland. What I can still remem- harbor, at Schottegat, and I imme- lege in 1971 when I was 16, then I ber is when we lived in the bird’s diately began to explore the water, went to the Netherlands to study head of the island (the island has walking around in the mud of the biology at the University of Am- somewhat the shape of a bird) in a mangroves and catching fish. sterdam. Because I was still very place called Manokwari. I would That’s when my father decided to young, I went to live with my aunt walk down to the ocean – we lived keep an aquarium so I could keep and uncle who were really progres- on a hill – and I spent all my free them alive instead of killing them sive people – ‘green’ thinkers, Paul in his office at home time walking on the tidal flats. in the pool. before ‘green’ existed. So, it was a Behind the house the jungle started Basically it was then when I was good match. They were very im- the coral reef. It was 1976 and the n’t get my masters, instead I went and on the tidal flats I was catching introduced to snorkeling and as I portant in how I started thinking. Cristoffel Park was established on to work for the university, teaching fish and right there my love and Curacao and the Curacao underwa- dissection – practical biology les- couldn’t swim yet, I was walking When I finished my bachelor’s in interest in nature was born. ter park and the Bonaire Marine sons – to students. You could only around, face in the water with my biology I looked for ways to spend Park were planned. All of this do that when you were still at uni- In 1962 the Netherlands was snorkel. Soon I learned to swim my internship on Curacao. I was strategizing was done at Carmabi versity which is why I didn’t get forced by the UN to give New and then it was a challenge to catch accepted at Carmabi (Caribbean while I was there. All of it was my masters. I did that for four Guinea back to Indonesia and all all the fish there were and I started Marine Biological Institute). It was being discussed so it was really years. Every year I would go back the Dutch people were forced to identifying them. I was about 10, a hot spot of coral reef research in exciting! to Curacao to visit my parents. I leave. My mom and I moved to the 12 years old and of course I was the Caribbean, so it was really a had also met Mieke in Amsterdam Netherlands and my father stayed already convinced I was going to good place to be when you were After one and a half years of and of course I took her with me for one more year to arrange eve- be a biologist. I should say, that studying biology! This was the internship I went back to the Neth- and she encouraged me to look rything for the company. The year when I was growing up in Curacao start of a real scientific interest in erlands. I had done a major on Curacao and finished two minors – harder for a job on Curacao. tropical botany and aquatic ecol- In 1983 we were vacationing and “….my aunt and uncle ... were really pro- ogy - and all of this was done with they were building the Curacao the idea of going back to the trop- Sea Aquarium. My father was in ics. However, at the same time I the hardware business and through gressive people – ‘green’ thinkers, before knew there were no jobs for biolo- his connections I met the owner gists. (Continued on page 5) ‘green’ existed. ” When my study was done, I did-

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Page 4 Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012 On the Island Since (continued from page 4) So, coral reef scientists came together in and I asked him ‘Do you need a biologist?’ 1992 in Samoa and they said, ‘If we don’t and he answered, ‘When can you start?’ do anything we will lose 20-40% of the reef I still had to get my masters, they were in the next generation (20 years).’ While still building and in September 1984 I had talking with marine biologists on Curacao my degree and I went to Curacao. Mieke who had been to that conference we decided wasn’t sure about the move, whether it to do something. We set up the Reef Care would be good for her, but she came in De- Curacao Foundation, to put more attention cember to look at the house and she stayed on the coral reef and to stop harmful actions three months. She went back to the Nether- such as coastal development. The founda- lands to take care of everything and returned tion was pretty successful for a number of to Curacao in April and we got married the years. We also taught kids how to snorkel next month. (‘Kids for Coral’), lobbied with the government and we were monitoring programs for My brother was running Land house the reefs and clean-ups. On Bonaire people Brievengat – the place to party! – so he or- started to do the same things. ganized the whole wedding including a lim- ousine! I started to work for the Sea Aquar- Then the Sea Aquarium started construct- ium and as they were still under construc- ing large breakwaters to expand and was tion my first job was to paint the aquariums. destroying a lot of coral reef in the process, It was one big family. I spent 13years there and at the same time I was fighting this and I saw four different directors come and coastal destruction… Well, to make a long go. My job was to catch fish, put them in the story short, when in 1998 the government of aquariums, keep them alive and explain to the Netherlands Antilles offered me a job people about the fish… everything I had setting up an environmental department I accepted. It was a great opportunity and for already done when I was a kid…. Paul and Mieke in their garden in front of the orchids the first time I became aware of the other In 1987 when I was collecting corals in islands, especially the Windward Islands. deep water I got really seriously bent. I was The central government worked for all five tourism and we came up with the idea of a grow for 10 years because the target was 25 lucky to be alive and managed to get to the islands of course and I discovered I really trust fund –basically a pot of money that you million euro. If you want to have some surface and the decompression chamber. I liked trying to get people to cooperate and don’t touch – you only use the interest. meaningful funds that was the amount you spent three months in the hospital and it bring them together. So, we organized na- Thanks to a large donation from the Dutch needed. So thanks to funding from the took me six months before I could walk ture forums where we brought everybody government we were able to establish such a Dutch Post Code Lottery we were able to again. I’m still not very solid on my legs. who had anything to do with nature conser- trust fund in three years. develop a lot of joint projects between the But to be alive – it is the most important vation together and we started brainstorming At that time we established the Dutch islands to strengthen the cooperation. thing. how we could best protect nature on the Caribbean Nature Alliance together with the Of course this wasn’t all I did. Another As a result, my catching and collecting islands. A lot of basic policies were devel- parks of the islands and, in fact, the DCNA thing I worked on was the Saba Bank, which days were diminished. I was still diving but oped through those meetings such as that was the parks working together. This was in is a huge shallow area just south of Saba. not professionally anymore. I spent more each island needs at least one Marine and 2003-2005. In 2005 there was a million euro We actually found out it is a very rich area hours at the office and it gave me time to one Land Park. To manage those areas you per year donation from the Dutch govern- for biodiversity and it made it clear to us realize that the state of the reefs was getting needed to set up something that would last ment for the trust fund and it wasn’t sup- that the area needed to be protected, espe- a lot worse. At the end of the 80s it was forever and not be susceptible to sudden posed to be used but to sit in a pot and gen- cially from tankers that used the area to getting worse every year and… it wasn’t changes. We needed to come up with a sys- erate interest. The parks agreed to let the something local – it was worldwide. tem in which you were not dependent on money and the interest sit to let the capital (Continued on page 11)

Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012 Page 5

CB ecause of the big increase in the M Bank B number of restaurants open for is spearheading lunch in “downtown” Kralendijk (from an effort to the Harbour Village Marina to Divi Fla- make Bonaire mingo Resort) The Reporter conducted a free of dengue write-in and Internet survey of restaurants fever by eradi- cating the mos- our readers liked best. quito (Aedes aegypti) that carries the disease. The local and national governments are also studying the situation. During part of Decem- ber Professor Bart Knols and

th th colleagues from the company, Soper Strate- ecember 20 was the 40 wedding comes and eats and plays and sleeps at their gies, found dengue mosquito larvae in al- D anniversary of Francisco “Nachi” grandparent’s house and spends the school most all residential areas and cemeteries on Nicolaas and Sabina Nicolaas-Melaan. It vacations there. Latest edition and very Bonaire. In late February they will present a was celebrated at home, amidst their chil- much appreciated ‘gift’ is youngest grand- joint plan with the Hygiene Department dren and grandchildren at Kaya Kiowa in daughter, Shamira. to the public, hotels and businesses They Nort di Saliña where Nachi, a former fish- Francisco and Sabina are the center of a say that in three years Bonaire can be- erman, sells fish. close-knit family where everyone helps one come completely and permanently den- Because of Nachi’s business, the couple another and where they are always there for Effie at Deli Delicious gue free. is well-known all over the island and it’s each other. This precious couple created a Last year 668 people were confirmed to always busy at their house, a coming and solid and loving environment for their fam- have been made very ill by dengue virus. going of people – clients, fishermen, ily. And besides that, they’re also the best The winner, far ahead of the rest of the That was four times as much as the previ- neighbors, family and friends. Nachi is a neighbors one could wish for! spots, was Effie’s Deli Delicious. De- ous year. Since not everyone goes to the great person, always friendly and in a good In name of all their children and grand- spite its unobtrusive location across from doctor and not every doctor has to do labo- mood, and he delivers the best fish and children, family, friends and neighbors we the tax office it collected 70% of the vote. ratory research the actual number of in- provides an excellent service. Mama Sabina wish Francisco and Sabina, many, many In a solid second place was Patrice Ran- fected people is likely much higher. A most knows everything about plants and her gar- more years in all togetherness and in good nou’s Bistro di Paris. conservative estimate is 10% of the local den is lush and beautiful, but besides that health with lots of blessings. Masha Pabien! population have been infected The top five selections were: she also took care of most of her grand Greta Kooistra Authorities advise everyone not to wait children when they were little and the par- 1. Effie's Deli Delicious for their plan. Take immediate measures ents had to work. Still, the whole bunch 2. Bistro di Paris to remove standing water (where the mos- 3. Capriccio (tie) -City Café (tie) quitoes breed) from tires, car wrecks, vases, buckets and other items. G.D./ Press 4. Porto Deli release 5. Donna & Giorgio's G.D.

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A NEW YEAR – A NEW START? ere we are again, another new year! H Full of hopes and dreams and goals that this year will be better than last year.

After all, the number 12 does seem to have some significance in our lives. The number REFLECTION ON THE 12 is also believed to be the number of NEW YEAR strength, conviction, absoluteness and final- ity. Dear Editor,

Whatever the predictions for later this On 1-1-2012 the new Bon- year, what will you change in your life this aire is one year old — year? Why not take a serious look at your The Bad Junk Food Monster health. After all, you dedicate a large por- How did it fare? tion of your day to a career, you spend valu- television or to go to work every day? able time cleaning your house, and cooking Your food, and therefore your three daily and socializing. Unfortunately not many meals a day, should be your highest priority! >A new runway DISAPPOINTED people spend much or any time thinking If you think that your breakfast of a few >A beautiful new school for about their health. Oh sure, they spend time slices of bread with cheese or ham and cof- secondary education Dear Editor, thinking about their illnesses and disease fee is adequate – it is not! On average, most >A 6% raise in salary for public servants When we went Dutch, our hopes were and medications all right, unable, and more people do not eat enough at breakfast and >Indexation of the state old age pension lifted, often unwilling to make changes. will “snack” round about 10:30 in the morn- (AOW) US$ 524 becomes US$ 555 But that expectation soon was shifted. At least two out of the three meals a day is ing. Lunch is usually hot and reasonably >5-year plan for raising the level My new dollar did not go as far, eaten “on the run!” There are far too many sufficient, but unfortunately, having con- of education As the cost of living reached for a star. carbohydrates and sugars and not enough sumed a fairly large lunch, so many people >Higher salaries for teachers will only have bread and cheese for an eve- proteins in the average diet thanks to their >Raising minimum wages and welfare To the poor this did not appeal, ning meal. Their poor bodies go from lunch- stressful lives. These same foods are loaded >Improving nurses' training So more and more began to steal. time to lunch-time with very little nutri- with preservatives, colorings, MSG and too >Kidney dialysis centre reaches comple- much salt. It is no wonder more and more tional food in-between! I will also add that tion these are the same people with weight and I love the new stores and shops people are getting sicker by the day. Has >No Albert Hein, but a Van den Tweel But their goods have made my budget the medical profession failed us or are we energy problems and that do not sleep well supermarket pop. failing ourselves? They certainly have not at night! Surprise, surprise! been and are still not honest with us. Daily, Whether you like it or not, there are no Doesn't sound too bad, but yet many more and more people are diagnosed with shortcuts when it comes to your health! My taxes soared for land and living Bonaireans are none too happy with it. But no raise my boss was giving. high blood pressure, with cardiovascular Everything you put in your mouth will af- Is it because how it all came about? disease, with cancer and with diabetes. fect your health. It will either keep you Government workers got some bucks Could be. Why are people getting sicker, not better? healthy or make you sick! But me, I’m out of luck. Anyway, try to be happy next year Yes, we can blame the weather, the envi- A Happy New Year to each and every one Ger Vellinga Tell me again why things are better ronment, our parents, our doctors, our jobs of you – may it be a healthy, wealthy and etc., but blaming our diets does seem to be And then I can write another letter. prosperous one! Stephanie Bennett, at the bottom of the list! Why? Because Anonymous Stephanie Bennett, stud- most of us eat for comfort! That glass of ied herbs, minerals and wine at the end of the day, or that quick nutrition in South Af- “pick me up” soda or coffee between meals rica. Before moving to that we deserve. How often have you used Bonaire she continued the excuse that you are too busy to eat? Are her studies in the UK you also too busy to shop for that new out- and now researches fit, or to fill your car with fuel, or to watch Bonaire health issues.

Flotsam and Jetsam (Continued from page 3) dome-shaped receptacles for glass are? As a the cost of raising a child. precaution they were all picked up and Please mark your calendar for MARCH brought to SELIBON for safe keeping during 4th, 2012. SPECIAL OLYMPICS BON- the fireworks period. They should be back in AIRE 10th ANNUAL WALK-A-THON. their places (at stores, bars, restaurants, etc.) Tickets are already available for only $15. this week. Thank you to SELIBON for plan- Sponsors who already are part of this are ning ahead! MCB Bank Bonaire, Total Car Rental, Happy New Year to all our readers and DIGICEL and HITESS. advertisers from all of us at The Reporter. We appreciate all your support. We want Wondering where the SELIBON yellow you to stay with us in 2012. G./L.D.

without repeating a number in any row, col- o solve the puzzle, enter umn or 3 x 3 region. T the numbers 1 through 9 to the partially filled in puzzle Sudoku Solution

Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012 Page 7

The 98thof a series of Bonaire Reporter articles by J@n Brouwer, featuring some of Bon- aire’s interesting vehicles that are “on wheels.” On course for 100+, 2 to go!

Bud and Nance and Their Blue 1974 Chevrolet Scottsdale Pickup Truck

Bonaire/Santa Barbara – sparks take over, the engine starts and Bud ecember, Friday morning. Rain engages the three speed gearbox in re- D and sunshine. Mud, muddy roads verse. No metal noises, just the smooth and dirty cars. The time of the year. Dan- sliding of the sprockets over the shafts. gerous when wet. It takes a lot of chain Bud parks his Chevy at a photogenic loca- lube to keep the final drive of my off road tion. Then it starts raining again. The heav- single cylinder thumper well maintained. I enly water gives the recently resprayed and leaf springs, in the front two her a paintjob and there is a black rhino on drive my motorcycle up the hill of Santa truck body a nice gloss. wishbones and independent suspension. the right and on the left door. Just because Barbara. Surprise: a stretch of new tarmac Bud: “Yes, we are very happy with our Disk brakes in the front, drum brakes on I like rhinos.” on the road! Then I turn left and left again truck. It is a single cab Chevrolet Scotts- the rear. Impressive steel 16-inch rims and Bud and Nance seem to be a happy cou- and I park my bike on the jiffy stand, right dale, equipped with a V8-engine and a real four new P24570R16 Good Year Wrangler ple. Easy does it. The Scottsdale Chevrolet in front of the tropical mansion of Bud and manual operated gearbox. There is a low tires. Every wheel has eight nuts. This fits them well. Look for yourself at the Nance. first gear and a normal first gear. This car vehicle can outlive generations of man- picture. What else could you wish? We Over the fence and through the vegeta- was produced in 1976 to do the real job. kind. share another drink on the front porch and tion I notice that the hood of Bud’s Chev- Look: this badge reads: ‘Manufactured by The interior is basic. A bench instead of we chat about cars, boats, plants and some rolet is opened. Trouble? Trouble! After General Motors Corporation two separate seats, no adjusting possible. more important things in life. Then the servicing for several decades the throttle CCL246J148438 03/76.’ Those days they An ashtray, some gages and an odometer rain stops and I grab my gear. We shake cable of the single barrel carburetor passed knew how to produce heavy duty trucks reading 90,000 miles. hands and I kiss Nance. In the garden for farmers and people living in the out- away and Bud is fiddling around looking Bud: “I always wanted to be the owner Bud’s boat is waiting for attention and I back! Look at the leaf springs in the rear. for a hairpin or a paperclip or whatever of a basic all American made truck. I loved have to finish my article. I start my bike Nine blades on each side to carry a lot of piece of wire to secure the just installed the Nissan King Cab I owned before but and carefully drive it down cargo in the long bed!” second hand, as good as new, throttle ca- compared to this Scottsdale that was just a the Santa Barbara hill in ble. Then he sleekly jumps on the bench Bud and Nance are really fond of their Japanese toy. I am retired now. I started as the direction of the strip of seat of his pride and turns the ignition key. truck. Originally it was equipped with two a plumber. I did a lot of heavy work, and I new high quality Bonairean It takes some seconds to blow out the un- gasoline tanks. One on each side, behind stopped as a plumber. I just like metal and tarmac! used gasoline vapor created by the minor the cabin, under the bed. The chassis is honest materials. That’s why I like this car. Story & photo by Jan repair and maintenance. Then the eight heavy and sturdy. In the rear a solid axle She is reliable and a good runner. I gave Brouwer

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Page 8 Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012

BONAIRE REAL ESTATE 2011 YEAR IN REVIEW

on Pasku and Bon Ano Nobo - B Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 2011 was a very dramatic year on Bonaire and especially for real estate on Bonaire. While 10-10-10 was the official day of change in the status of Bonaire many of the • The American economy though frag- political changes and most of the financial ile has reported five consecutive changes did not begin until Jan. 1, 2011. months of improvement in jobs, un- 2011 began with extremely high hopes. employment, the stock market, eco- On Bonaire 2011 was supposed to bring nomic outlook and consumer confi- confidence and certainty to Bonaire’s econ- dence. Bonaire/Playa – omy and especially to Bonaire real estate. • Certainty has replaced uncertainty in n Saturday, December 17, a group of young dogs was tested by dog trainer Financial markets love certainty and abhor many crucial areas. O Shirley van de Haar (De Uitdaging/The Challenge). During a period of sev- even the hint of uncertainty. Real estate is a eral months the group got together at the Wilhelminaplein in Kralendijk for training • The opportunities for a positive econ- key part and a reflection of financial mar- and learning. In the photo (left to right): Jeanette with Enya, Alexis with Prince omy are greater than those for a kets. Charming, Shirley van de Haar, Marianske with Tutti, Annemiek with Lilly and negative economy. Issues about currency conversion, import Oliver with Sam. taxes and duties, personal taxes, employ- • Compared to most Caribbean islands our economy is good. Next training will be search training, starting this Saturday at 9am. For more in- ment taxes, immigration and visitation were formation email: [email protected], or call 787– 2180. Jan Brouwer all supposed to be resolved in a manner that Hopes for real estate rule changes in would promote growth and personal and 2012: economic well being. Many had great ex- • The real estate community hopes the pectations for major capital investments rules on island visitation will be re- from the private and governmental sectors. vised. Most industrialized countries Real estate reality did not live up to real encourage foreign second home in- estate expectations. The data for the year is vestment by granting unrestricted still incomplete. My sources report that visitation to second homeowners and 2011 will most likely be Bonaire’s worst their family. (The right to work is real estate year in many, many years. The prohibited). real estate community is anticipating for • This policy would have a very dra- 2011 the lowest number of sales, the lowest matic positive impact on real estate total dollar volume, the highest number of demand and values. Growing real foreclosures, and the lowest average prices. estate values always lead to a grow- com lessbonaire. Bonaire’s real estate hopes of January ing economy benefiting everyone. Web: morefor 2011 were dashed upon the rocks of the The government would benefit from European Union potential political collapse, additional transfer and land tax reve- a 15% drop in the purchasing power of the nue. Euro, the American deficit debt debacle and Wish for 2012: Our wish for all the people home grown events including a sudden un- who love Bonaire is a 2012 filled with expected change of government, tax issues, abundant health, happiness, peace and pros- immigration and visitation policies, concern perity. Anna & Art Kleimer over the implications of the RO/RO pier The Kleimers are founding partners of sale and inflation. Bonaire Island Real Estate, B.V. Email: The good news on Bonaire is: [email protected] • There is a definite uptick in buyer interest in the past month • In the past month many sellers have become much more realistic and priced their properties to the market. • A few sellers have made it clear they are very motivated to sell.

Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012 Page 9 Bonaire Reporter Classifieds— Are still free Bonaire-Sun Rise/Set, Moon Phase and Tides Winds and weather can further influence the local tide’s height and time And they always get results!

Non-Business Classified Ads (up to 4 lines/ 20± words are still FREE Day High Low High Low High Sunrise Sunset Commercial Ads only $0. 60 per word, for each two-week issue. Call 790-6518 or 790-8988 or email [email protected] January- 02:19 10:31 20:11 For Quality House LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS Fri 06 0.03 ft 0.99 ft −0.08 ft 6:58 18:24 and Office Cleaning For RENT: Very comfortable 2-BR 11:08 20:58 and Maintenance .. apartment in secluded area of Punt Sat 07 1.00 ft −0.11 ft 6:58 18:25 CALL JRA Vierkant in Belnem. Fully furnished, 11:46 21:36 Serving Bonaire for more spacious living + dining area and full Sun 08 0.98 ft −0.13 ft 6:58 18:25 than 15 years kitchen. Private patio and tropical garden 12:27 22:05 Honest, Reliable, Efficient, Thorough, Low with designated parking. $890.00 per Mon 09 0.95 ft −0.14 ft Full Moon 6:59 18:26 rates, References. One time or many Phone month incl. TV + WIFI internet. Avail- 13:11 22:28 785-9041 … and relax. able per January 15, 2012. Call 796-5530 Tue 10 0.89 ft −0.14 ft 6:59 18:27 ———————————— ———————————————— 13:59 22:49 LUNCH TO GO FOR RENT. Studios for long and short Wed 11 0.81 ft −0.14 ft 6:59 18:27 Starting from $4 per meal. term at Hato $50-70. Long term $420- 05:07 09:00 14:51 23:10 Call CHINA NOBO 717-8981. 550. Tel. 717 2529 or Thu 12 0.36 ft 0.31 ft 0.72 ft −0.14 ft 6:59 18:28 Web site: www.bonaireverhuur.com Stay over a 05:23 10:57 15:47 23:33 www.chinanobobonaire.com night on Bonaire. Fri 13 0.50 ft 0.29 ft 0.61 ft −0.14 ft 7:00 18:28 ——————————————— 05:51 12:29 16:46 House for rent in Kaya Uranus Bel- Sat 14 0.66 ft 0.21 ft 0.49 ft 7:00 18:29 nem, 2 bedrooms, air conditioner and 00:00 06:26 13:45 17:46 hot water. $850.month includes Sun 15 −0.15 ft 0.81 ft 0.12 ft 0.38 ft 7:00 18:29 monthly garden maintenance. Call 717 00:30 07:04 14:52 18:48 -2698 or 785-9900. Mon 16 L Quarter −0.16 ft 0.95 ft 0.02 ft 0.29 ft 7:00 18:30 ———————————————— 01:04 07:47 15:54 19:49 For SALE: Large building lot in nice Tue 17 −0.16 ft 1.07 ft −0.06 ft 0.21 ft 7:00 18:30 upscale neighborhood of Punt Vierkant 01:41 08:32 16:54 20:52 at the southern end of Belnem. Wed 18 −0.15 ft 1.14 ft −0.13 ft 0.15 ft 7:00 18:31 Perfect quiet location for a home or other Tel (599) 791-6272 / 785-6272 investment purposes. Situated at walking 02:21 09:19 17:52 21:59 [email protected] distance to the ocean and just minutes Thu 19 −0.13 ft 1.17 ft −0.17 ft 0.11 ft 7:01 18:31 www.outdoorbonaire.com from town. 960 m2 /10333.354 ft² of 03:03 10:07 18:49 23:10 privately owned land. This lot is attrac- Fri 20 −0.10 ft 1.16 ft −0.19 ft 0.10 ft 7:01 18:32 Give the gift of serenity tively priced at $75.—per m2 buyers cost. A“Feng Shui” Call 796-5530 Looking: Tony from Chicago, ———————————————— whose vocation is field research. If you Don’t Gamble With Your Review of Your Home read this, Tony, or if anyone who knows MISCELLANEOUS Advertising ——————————————— him and his whereabouts, can you get in touch with me at [email protected] Make Your Home I am a responsible woman looking for a part-time job that pays $10 an and/or pass this on to him.

More Comfortable hour. I speak Papiamentu, Dutch, Eng- ———————————————

lish and Spanish. I am not afraid for FENG SHUI CONSULTATIONS Also interior or exterior design advice work. You can call me at: 700-1909 China-trained. Experienced. Inexpensive. ———————————————- For SALE-Recumbent bike, $475. Call Donna at 795-9332. Great exercise, easy on the knees. Tracks time, speed, distance, calo- ries, and heart rate. Uses 110v. 717- EMPLOYMENT 3267. Reach more readers ——————————————— than any other Bonaire I Need a Job For SALE : 20 pound gas cylinders Well known Dutch artist looking for for household + apartment use or small paper– Delivered to house / apartment on Bonaire for January kitchen area at $25.00 p/tank. Call 796- 2012. Hotels and Shops plus

5530 Damsel in despair! Hire me if you want someone with a ———————————————— Contact: [email protected] Thousands More Read- very strong administration and man- 6 chairs, foldable, adjustable 5 pos. ——————————————— ers On the Internet agement background. Capable of armrest, Hartman, Florion, unused – Looking For Danielle Fouche, who was managing a resort, apartment com- still o-packed, anthraziet, 62x62x107 on the Langtang Trail in Nepal approx. Call Laura at 786-6518 / plex, or retail outlet price: $450 Tel. 717-2278 April of 2010. We are looking for a young or Marion at 785-1790 ———————————————- person you may have met while hik- Email: I am a long time resident of Bon- Flat screen 17’’, VisionMagic, Reso- ing. Please send an email to luvdol- lution : 1280 x 1024 Price: $ 100 Tel. [email protected] aire, no work permit required. [email protected] 717-2278 ———————————————- Contact Marion Wilson, For SALE: 20 pound gas cylinders for 717-8485; 785-1790. household + apartment use at $25.00 p/ tank. Call 796-5530

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Page 10 Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012

A BUDGET MAKEOVERA BUDGET MhealthyAKEOVER Making a budget is very important for your monthly needs. What precisely is a budget? It’s a guide or a system to work e with your money in a responsible and con- W scientious way. It’s a matter of making a have just list of all your expenses and all your in- passed the come, how you pay your bills and what you holiday have left in your pocket. You can’t spend season and more than what you receive. what most To make a budget as a family or a couple of us were it’s very important to combine the incomes thinking and the expenses. See what can be put aside about was Elka Coffi for savings. Set goals and see what you buying new clothes, remodeling the house, want to achieve in that year. Some goals gifts for family and friends, food, accesso- require a loan. It’s very important to evalu- ries for parties, just to mention a few. But ate these goals. Not all your goals can be some questions don’t come into our minds achieved in one year, some can wait. Re- like how many families got through these member, when you choose a goal it is im- seasons? Were they able to follow the tradi- portant to put it in your monthly budget, tions every year? The reality is just in our n October Wiegert de Jong and J@n Brouwer traveled through the U.S. of A. to visit and to meet your goal you don’t have to faces. We know there are families who are some of their friends, to enjoy the Indian summer and to find interesting American- buy everything you see. Set your priorities I coping with hard times economically. What made semi-classic cars. Weather conditions were nice and all over the country people and decide what comes first. Be conscien- can they do to ease their burdens and be were selling and buying pumpkins because of Halloween coming up. In the photograph tious about your rights and responsibilities. able to celebrate the holidays in the future? J@n Brouwer shows the latest edition of his beloved newspaper. Loads and loads of Learn to live in an organized manner and With the help of a well experienced profes- pumpkins were for sale at Pete’s County Market. The heavy duty pick up truck is a discipline yourself. Make a budget plan for sional social worker (now retired) who has bright yellow International, manufactured in the early 50s of the last century.. your monthly expenses and your income. been in the field for more than 30 years we Categorize, judge, formulate and execute. E-Mail your photos of yourself with to: [email protected]. can perhaps understand what can be done. When you categorize you will have a better WIN GREAT PRIZES! Take a copy of The Bonaire Reporter with you on your next trip or when you Mrs. Elka Coffi (64) is still active in look into your financial situation. By judg- return to your home. The best photo of the year wins. Winners for 2011 are now being chosen. many organizations, giving guidance and ing you can see how far you can deviate helping people. She’s the president of the from your normal situation. After formulat- (Continued from page 5) and interesting people, easy going, hospi- “Foundation for the Blind and Hearing.” As ing and executing you have come to a bal- anchor. Another part of my work was in- table and calm. she says, “I worked as a professional social anced budget for you and your family. Now ternal relations - representing the islands at “I feel I am Antillean,” Paul says, “and I worker for 30 years and the improvement in the biggest challenge is to stick to your regional meetings on biodiversity - and want to work for the islands. I feel it’s very then… the transition came. family affairs is still on much too low a budget. There are a lot of attractions and we important to cooperate. We really like it scale. By now we should have more stable can easily fall into debt. We must remem- At first we advised the Dutch govern- here on Bonaire. We found a very nice families for a stable community, but there ber we have to save money. At Maduro & ment on what they would need to be doing house and we were also lucky that all our are so many families with all kinds of prob- Curiel’s Bank there is ‘Lito’ for the chil- once the BES islands came under the Neth- plants – mostly orchids – survived the lems, especially economically, and the dren. At Giro bank there is ‘Sam,’ where erlands. At that time the Dutch government container trip. When we sit here having community has to take care of them. In- you can put in an amount of money each asked me to come and work for the BES coffee we hear the parrots going by and stead of preparing breakfast for their chil- month for over a year. Plus you have islands and, as the Antilles were separat- there are a lot of other birds as well. The dren in the morning the parents buy pas- ‘Oinky’ savings accounts for the children. ing, I decided I’d rather work for the three diving is fantastic. I tiches and drinks as a quick breakfast for islands than just for Curacao. So we always used to say Before you take action, stand still and their children to take to school. The chil- moved to Bonaire 10-10-10. Mieke said that the Curacao consider if it’s the correct one. Remember dren like to flow with the style, and parents moving was doable, but if she had said reefs were as beauti- your personal loans and keep them in bal- feel they have to compromise themselves to ‘no’ we wouldn’t have done it. ful as the Bonaire ance. We as parents have an obligation to please their children. The worst part is that reefs, but had more our children to raise them well and to feed Nowadays I continue the work I was they may have everything that the world doing for the five islands, but this time I variety. Now I find them. Plan ahead as to whether you can can offer but no food in the house. Some of am only doing it for the three islands and the Bonaire reefs are afford to have children or how many you these children go to school without eating. the Dutch government. I feel I am some actually better… So can have. We have our responsibility and We need to stop looking at what others sort of a bridge between the Netherlands we really enjoy the peace and quiet and the we can’t overload or have the community have and concentrate on our own income and the three islands, where I can provide people are so friendly… we are planning pay for our deeds. Seek the counsel of well and expenses. the island point of view to the Netherlands on staying here.” experienced persons. Remember, check and vice versa.” Story & photos by Greta Kooistra First our monetary system was in guild- your income, have some discipline with ers, but at the beginning of this year, 2011, yourself. You can’t spend more than what Paul and Mieke Hoetjes are very nice everything changed to dollars. So how can you get, otherwise you will get yourself you manage that dollar? First you must into financial problems.” have a budget, your shopping list, a weekly Remember, holidays are like passes but the burdens left behind will stay with Have a happy and prosperous year menu and the consciousness of eating through stations: they come and they go, you. 2012. Story/photo by Siomara Albertus

Extended holiday hours on December 23, 24, 30 and 31 Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012 Page 11 ACCOMMODATIONS REAL ESTATE /RENTAL AGENTS Villa Makoshi is a fully furnished home with central Bonaire Island Real Estate, B.V. Brings personal air; 2 BR; 2½ Baths; 2 private & secured decks with a attention, experience and integrity to property transac- beautiful view; pool. www. Villamakoshi.com tions.

AIRLINES Sunbelt Realty offers Divi Divi Air- Bonaire’s “on time airline” with 16 full real estate, rental, and flights a day between Bonaire and Curaçao. Your first insurance services. If you choice for inter-island travel. Now flying to Aruba. want a home or to invest in Bonaire, stop in and ART visit. Sunbelt Realty Henk Roozendaal is one of Bonaire’s most accom- plished artists. His specialty is portraits that capture not RESTAURANTS only the spirit of the individuals but also offer a Porto Deli - Much more than a deli with tapas and a First Airport glimpse of their lifestyle. wine bar. Fresh-baked bread sandwiches, delicious n 1936 the first airport opened on Bonaire. It soups & salads, big burgers, top ingredients. I was only 500 meters (1,640 feet) long. Be- APPLIANCES /TV/ ELECTRONICS/ COMPUTERS cause of its location and conditions for landing it City Shop, the mega RETAIL was not used for long. A new airstrip was built, store, has the island’s Benetton, world famous designer clothes available now and opened on February 21, 1956. Hint: Present widest selection of large in Bonaire at prices less than those in US. For men, day photo of the site is above. and small home appli- women and children. ances, furniture, TV, computers, cell phones Le Garage has lots of the quality things everybody and more. In-store fi- needs which weren’t available here before at great Q) Where was the first airstrip on nancing too. prices: household, garden, children’s. Bonaire located? Answer on page 14. BANK SECURITY ORCO Bank offers one-on-one attention., personal Special Security Services will provide that extra meas- BonQuiz appears regularly in The banking works. Each client is a client, not a number. ure of protection when you need it. Always reliable. Reporter. It’s prepared by Christie Office in the historic building at Kaya Grandi 48. Dovale of Island Tours. Take an STORAGE island tour with an expert. Contact COMMERCIAL ART The Storehouse her via her website: Gaia Productions can provide all your digital printing (Mangazina in Papia- IslandToursBonaire.com or Phone needs, including banners, stickers, cards and other ad- mentu) offers Secure Stor- 717-4435 or 795-3456 Email: chris- vertising items. Celebrating 10 years in business. age for Vehicles, House- [email protected]. hold Items, Diving and BEAUTY PARLOR Sporting Gear, Business Hair Affair. Expert hair cutting, styling, facials and Files or Inventory. Across facial waxing. from the northern hotel row.

CARS AND BIKES SHIPPING De Freewieler sells bikes and all kinds of bike acces- Rocargo Freight Air sories. They do professional repairs on almost anything and sea shipments in/ on two wheels. Have your keys made here too. out of Bonaire. Cus- toms agents. Profes- DENTURE REPAIR sional and efficient. All Denture Lab—for the best denture care by an ex- FedEx agent. What perienced professional. Repairs while you wait. Next to would we do without From Bonaire Nautico Marina Botika Korona on Kaya J. G. Hernandez. their superb services? DINING Pasa Bon Pizza is Bonaire’s best. Freshly prepared pizzas SPAS/GYM made with the finest ingredients. Salads, desserts. Nice bar Bon Bida Spa & Gym too. Very cool jazz music! 780-1111 Call ahead to eat- World Class fitness and in or take out. health facility- Classes, ON & IN THE WATER top notch machines, trainers. Day, monthly or Budget Marine has what anyone with a boat needs, and TRIPS if its not in stock they can order it quickly. You can also annual rates. find special hardware for general use and components for Every solar and wind electric systems. Face and Body Day Spa by Nubia. Day Professional massage therapy, facials, reflexology, lymph drainage, Shiatsu, deep tissue massage and other Carib Inn is the popular 10-room inn with dive shop and THE ONLY well stocked retail store. Best book trade on Bonaire. body and facial treatments Good prices on regulator repair, dive computer H.Q. WALKON / WALKOFF WATER TAXI SUPERMARKETS Catamaran Kantika di Amor Dive Friends has four dive schools and three retail Warehouse Supermar- Up to 27 people and supported by shops so you always get the best deals and can be as- ket on Kaya Industria— a brand new larger sister Biggest air conditioned Catamaran Kantika Too sured of top notch training. Remodeled shop open now. Up to 50 people market with a friendly UNDERWATER VIDEO staff, the largest selection ScubaVision - Pro video of your Bonaire vacation, and lowest prices on the Daily trips via resorts 10 am, 12 , 2 pm Except above and/or below the water with a custom DVD by island. Sundays at 10 am only Bonaire’s top videographer, Hendrik Wuyts. Also available for group trips More for Less GARDEN SUPPLIES AND SERVICES Bonaire’s ‘boutique” supermarket with a wide selec- Green Label has everything you need to start or main- tion, specializing in organic fruits and vegetables, tain your garden. They can design, install and maintain it unique products and fresh flowers from Ecuador. On and offer plants, irrigation supplies and garden chemi- the Nikiboko Road North cals. Off Kaya Industria, behind TIS. WATER TAXI (max 1.90 meter draft), Get to Klein Bonaire by Ferry. Ride the Kantika di HOME CARE Water and 115/220 v. Bonaire Second Home Care can handle all the needs Amor. Hotel or downtown pickup The only water taxi of second home owners on Bonaire including inspec- to Klein Bonaire with an easy on/off built-in ramp Dinghy tie up at north-inside dock at tion, management and cleaning. US$10 weekly up from Monday till Mon- WINES day. PHOTOGRAPHER Antillean Wine Company. You’ve tried the rest; now Bonaire’s creative video and still photographer for try the best: best prices, highest quality wines kept in a BONAIRE NAUTICO MARINA the wedding or other important events in your life. cooled warehouse. Free delivery. Kaya Industria 23, At It Rains Fishes Restaurant ScubaVision, Kaya Grandi 6, see website scubavi- Mon.-Sat. 9 am-1 pm. Call Henk at 560-7254 / Bob 786-5399 sion.info or YouTube www.bonairenauticomarina /VHF 68 [email protected]

Page 12 Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012 Crafts Market at Wilhelmina Park on Fridays and Cruise Ship Visiting Wednesdays Kiwanis Club meets at APNA Plaza, Kaya Days—usually 10 am until ship departure. Chez Nous Restaurant –Multi-course International, every other Tuesday, 7 pm. Day Date Ship Arrive/ PAX Cap Line lunch, about $12, at the high school. Reser- Tel. 717-5595, Jeannette Rodriguez. vations mandatory 700-4628. Lions Club meets every 2nd and 4th Depart Ben & Harrie Acoustic Guitar Duo at Thursday of the month at 8 pm at Kaya SUN 1/8/ Breamar 0800- 927 Fred Ol- Spice Beach Club, 6-9 pm, Eden Beach Sabana #1. All Lions welcome. For more 1800 sen Thursdays information call 510-0710. WED 1/11/ Grandeur of 0800- 2446 Celeb- •Bonaire Chess & Draughts (checkers) Rotary lunch meetings Wednesdays, the Seas 1800 rity/ players get together on from 19.00 till 12:15-2 pm - Divi Flamingo Beach Resort RCCL 21.00 at the SGB-school: Kaya Frater in Peter Hughes meeting room upstairs TUE 1/12/ Star Clipper 1200- 170 Star Odulfinuz z/n above the dive shop. All Rotarians wel- Fridays come. Tel. 701-1100. 2000 Clippers • Jong Bonaire Chess & Draughts Toastmasters Club meets every two MON 1/16/ Ventura 0800- 1950 P&O players get together from 17.00 till 19.00 at weeks. For more information call Crusita 1800 Cruises the SGB-school. Kids can start at age six. de Palm at 786-3827 or Lucia Martinez Tourists are welcome. Contact Serapio Pop, Beck, at 786-2953. TUE 1/17/ AidaLuna 1000- 2050 AIDA at 701-9660 1800 Cruises CHURCH SERVICES WED 1/18/ Noordam 0800- 1918 HAL FREE SLIDE/VIDEO SHOWS Monday -- Touch the Sea -- Dee Scarr, Protestant Congregation of Bonaire: 1700 honored as a member of the Women Di- Kralendijk, Wilhelminaplein. In Papia- THU 1/19/ Caribbean 1200- 3100 Princess vers Hall of Fame conducts Bonaire's mentu, Dutch, English, Sundays, 10am. Princess 1900 Cruises Touch the Sea programs of personalized Rincon, Kaya C.D. Crestian, in Papiamentu, FRI 1/20/ Zuiderdam 0800- 1918 HAL dive guiding. She presents a unique per- Sundays, 8:30 am. 1700 spective on critters and corals, plus an up- Children’s club, Saturdays, 5 pm, in Kral- dated Bonaire lionfish report, every Mon- endijk Cruise Ship Calls -Information provided by the TCB day when she's on-island at 8:30 pm in Sunday School, Sundays, 4 pm, in Rincon. the Aquarius Conference Center at Captain Bible Study and Prayer meetings, Thurs- CLOSE-IN EVENTs REGULAR EVENTS Don's Habitat, Call 717-8290. days, at 8 pm, Kralendijk. To Jan. • Rooi Lamoenchi Kunuku Park Tours Wednesday - Sea Turtle Conservation New Apostolic Church: Centro di Bario 15, 2012 $21 (includes tax). Discounts for residents Bonaire (STCB) presents an informative Nord Saliña, Sundays, 10 am. Services in Trudy and local people. Tel. 717-8489, 540-9800. slide show: Sea Turtles of Bonaire, at 8pm, Dutch. 700-0379 . • We Dare to Care Park children’s play- every 2nd and 4th Wednesday in the International Bible Church, Kaya Pa- Canwood conference room at Captain Don's Habitat pago 104, Hato, behind Bon Fysio/Bon art exhibit ground open every day in the cooler afternoon-evening hours. (717-8290) Bida Spa & Gym on Kaya Gob. N. De- at Kas di •Kas di Arte—Ongoing exhibit with dif- brot.Sunday 9:00 am Worship service in Art. Wed. ferent artists. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 BONAIRE’S TRADITIONS English; 10:45 am Sunday school for all -Sun. 9am- am-noon, 1-6 pm. On the sea promenade ages. Tuesday 7:30 pm Adult bible study Mangasina di Rei, Rincon. Enjoy the view class. 717-8377 for more info or ride noon, 1-6pm. Admission free. Saturdays from “The King’s Storehouse.” Learn about Bon- [email protected] aire’s culture. Visit homes from the 17th century. Catholic: San Bernardus in Kralendijk – • Marshe di Kunukeru (Farmers’ Mar- Daily. Call 717-4060 / 790-2018 Services, Sunday at 8 am and 7 pm in Saturday, Jan. 7- Farmers’ Market ket) 1st Saturday of the month, at Kri- Bonaire Museum on Kaya J. v.d. Ree, behind the Papiamentu, 717-8304. – At Kriabon (Kaminda Jatu Bako abon, Kaminda Jatu Baco #55, next to Catholic Church in town. Open weekdays from 8 Our Lady of Coromoto in Antriol, Saturday Aquamarin School, 8 am to 12 noon. #55– the end of Kaminda Nikiboko at 6 pm in English. Mass in Papiamentu on • am-noon, 1:30-5 pm. Tel. 717-8868 North) from 8 am-12 noon. Fruit, Bonaire Animal Shelter’s “Garage Washington-Slagbaai National Park, Sunday at 9 am and 6 pm. 717-4211. vegetables, seeds, poultry, fresh fish Sale” Pakus di Pruga—every Saturday, Museum and Visitors’ Center. Open daily Assembly of God (Asemblea di Dios): 8am-5pm. At Kaminda Liberador Simon 8 am-5 pm. Closed on December 25th. and Kaya Triton (Den Cheffi). In English, and more. Call 717-4587 for more Bolivar, across from Brandaris Café. Lots information. January 1st. Call 788 - 9015 or 796 - 5681 Dutch & Papiamentu on Sunday at 10 am. of free parking. Tel. 717-4989 Wednesday Prayer Meeting at 7:30 pm. • Monthly flea market at "We Dare To CLUBS and MEETINGS 717-2194 January 13-20 — Seminars by Care” Playground, 1st Saturday of the Ministerio di Kristu Hesus Services Sunday Francis Pool (www.francispool.nl) month, 2– 6 pm. Rent a table for $10. In- AA meetings - every Wednesday at 7pm. mornings at 10 am at Jong Bonaire Youth formation: Marissa Jansen (Tel: 701-1103) at Bonaire Basics. Several illuminat- Phone: 790-7001 and 796-4931 Center in English, Dutch and Papiamentu. or Kim de Raadt (Tel: 787-1475) Al-Anon meetings - every Monday eve- Preaching the full gospel. Contact: 786-2557. ing topics. Kaya Korona 47, phone • Wine Tasting at Antillean Wine Com- ning at 7 pm. Call 790-7272 Prayer and Intercession Church, in Eng- 786 3341, Contact anne- pany’s warehouse on Kaya Industria, sec- Bridge Club - Wednesdays, 7:15 pm— lish. A full Gospel Church located tempo- [email protected] ond Saturday of the month, 7-9 pm. All levels, cost is $1, call Renata at 796- rarily at Kaya Alexandrit # 20, Santa Bar- Snacks and tasting of six wines for $10 per 5591 to find out the evening’s location. bara, Republiek. Services are held on Sun- person. Tel. 560-7539. Sunday, January 15 Darts Club plays every other Sunday at day mornings from 10am until 11:30am. • Soldachi Tours—See the real Bonaire City Café. Registration at 4, games at 5. Bible studies in English are on Monday and be transported back in time. Learn Tel. 717-2950, 560-7539. nights from 7 to 8 pm. Contact: 717-3322 —Energetic Healing Class See about the history, culture and nature by JCI - First Wednesday of the Month- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- below Bonaireans from Rincon. Call Maria Koeks Junior Chamber International Bonaire (JCI day Saints: Kaya Sabana #26, Sundays: 9 for more information—796-7870. Bonaire, formerly known as Bonaire Jay- am Sacrament Services (Translation to •Chess Training - Children & adults. $5, cees) meets at the ABVO building, English and Papiamentu upon request) —Kaminda di Arte (Art Trail). 512-9660. Volunteers welcome Kaminda Jato Baco 36 from 7:30 to 9:30 10:20 Sunday School, 11:15 RS/YM/YW/ Visit 14 different artists in their •Petanque- Jeu de Boules, Satur- pm. Everyone is welcome. Contact: Renata PH Primary held from 10:20-12 noon Visi- homes or studios, 11 am to 5 pm. days 2.30 pm Tera Cora ranch. info: Domacassé 516-4252. tors welcome: Call 701-9522 for informa- Maps at Addo’s Bookstore, on the 786-0150 tion. TCB website, resorts or local news- papers. Every 3rd Sunday of the Sundays Who’s Who on The Bonaire Reporter month. Kunuku Arawak - Music, drinks, local Take The Reporter Home—1-year subscription: By mail to US $75; By mail to food, dancing, 10 am—6 pm. Tel.786-7210 Europe $170. By Internet, Free (asking a $35 donation.) For information about WWW.bonaireart.org/2010/11/03/ Mondays subscriptions, stories or advertising in The Bonaire Reporter, PO Box 407, kaminda-di-arte-bonaire-art-tour • Soldachi Tours of Rincon, the heart of Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean; phone (599) 786-6518, 786-6125, E-mail: Bonaire, 9 am-noon. $20-Call Maria, 717- [email protected] setting. 6435-best island tour value The Bonaire Reporter, George DeSalvo, Publisher. Laura DeSalvo, Editor in • Meet the Captain Night at Captain Chief. Address: P. O. Box 407, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean. Available on-line at: Don’s Habitat Bar– Get up close and per- www.bonairereporter.com Published every two weeks sonal with Bonaire’s dive pioneer. The Captain will autograph your copy of his Reporters: Siomara Albertus, James Albury, Stephanie Bennett, Jan Brouwer, Carmelita Cox, Christie Dovale, Anna & Art Kleimer, Greta Kooistra, Jane Mad- Advanced Techniques Class newest book Reef Windows. Tuesdays den Disko, Dean Regas, Michael Thiessen, Jos Zuidam, At Bonaire Basics 012 Chez Nous Restaurant—Multi course ry 2 Unattributed photos are by the editor or publisher. nua dinner, $20, at the high school. Reserva- 5 Ja Distribution: Michael Gaynor & Co. (Playa), Yuchi Molina (Rincon), Divi-Divi to 1 tions mandatory 700-4628 nge Airline, Ava Rose Wuyts (mailing) Cha Date Housekeeping: JRA. Printed by: DeStad Drukkerij, Curaçao Call Susan 790-8988 ©2011 The Bonaire Reporter

Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012 Page 13

ome people claim they would love S to have a cat but they find them aloof and standoffish and want a pet that is more attentive. Well, if you are one of those people the Shelter has the "purr- fect" cat for you....”Iggy,” the Interactive Cat! Iggy is the most affectionate, social cat that you will find. Give him the invi- tation and he will leap onto your shoul- ders and hang around your neck all day long. He talks to you, gives kisses and purrs with a loud chirping sound as long as he is near you. The most amazing thing is that he understands the word "no".....a word that is not normally in a cat's vocabulary! When you decide that “Iggy” pretending to be a parrot on you've had enough of his attention and Shelter staff member Regina you don't want him around your neck Schouten’s shoulder anymore, simply put him down on the ood news for pet owners. Just 4 The owners, the Sophia family, have pet floor, point your finger at him and say who wants to share in some purr-fect G Pet Bonaire just opened their stores in Aruba and have now come to "no." Iggy then gives you a very sad, feline love. doors at Kaya Industria #17, across from Bonaire. Prices in many cases are the pouty look but immediately lies down You may meet Iggy and the other pets Rocargo. The store is stocked with every- same as in the US. Shown in the photo are and leaves you alone until you invite him up for adoption at the Bonaire Animal thing for cats and dogs: foods, kennels, Ilva and Frank Sophia, Gitta Nijman and up for the next round of affection. Iggy Shelter on the Lagoen Road. Open Mon- toys, leashes, collars, bedding and more. Aljereau Sophia. Laura DeSalvo truly is an interactive cat! And he's gor- day through Saturday, 9am-1pm and 3 to geous...dark orange silky soft fur and 5pm. Telephone 717-4989. Website: Bo- beautiful facial markings and expres- naireAnimalShelter.com. It’s always up sions. He is about one year old, sterilized, to date. Jane Madden Disko/Laura healthy and ready to interact with anyone DeSalvo

big thank you and much apprecia- the mondi. The Shelter staff checks the two A tion to the anonymous donor who kennels several times a day during open paid for 365 dog and cat sterilizations.. hours. For some reason recently, according More about Sterilizations are possible only because of to Shelter staff, there are more cats than donations. More information on how you normal being dropped off – a cat popula- Bonaire’s active can help on the Shelter’s website and Face- tion explosion? animal activities book page. on the back HAPPY ADOPTION NEWS page PARVO ALERT: With all the current rain the killer Parvo disease is running wild on the island. Protect your dog from the age of six weeks with a yearly Parvo “cocktail shot” at the vet’s. Puppies under six weeks can get Parvo protection from their mother’s milk, provided the mother has received her shot. MANGE ALERT: If you suspect your dog has mange, call the Shelter at 717-4989. They will come to your house to give the animal a shot and it’s free. Mange occurs when a dog becomes infested with microscopic mites. These mites live on a dog’s skin, digging in and KOUCHI DI BESTIA A BIG SUCCESS. Villa Makoshi – Upper Level sucking the dog’s blood. They reproduce In the last year the Shelter’s drop off ken- Three-month-old “Andy” got Dive in Paradise – Stay in Luxury quickly and are highly contagious. Symp- nels (Kouchi di Bestia) outside the Shelter adopted by Henk and Gea. The couple Fully furnished home with central air- toms of mange can include hair loss, itching entrance received between 800 and 1,000 had two dogs they’d adopted from the conditioning; 2 bedrooms; 2½ baths; and skin inflammation. Mange spreads unwanted dogs and cats. People may drop Shelter, but one of them was run over by 2 private & secured decks with a quickly across a dog’s body if it’s not off these unwanted animals at all hours of a speeding car near the salt company. beautiful view; swimming pool. treated. the night or day, with no questions asked. Their remaining dog was so unhappy www. Villamakoshi.com The idea is to encourage people to bring the that they decided to adopt another dog as animals here rather than dumping them in contact: [email protected](Continued on page 16) a companion for him. Lucky Andy!

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Q) Where was the first airstrip on Bon- aire? A) At Subí Blanku, where the sports field on the road to Rincon is now. Choose your size from 5’x5’ to 10’x20’. Question on page 12 Prices from $29 to $147 per month. Call 700-1753 www.bonaireselfstorage.com

Page 14 Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012 *to find it... just look up January 2012

EW YEAR S VE TAR ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Coworkers LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Red tape N ’ E S may not be completely honest with you; could be impossible to clear up this id you see the New Year’s Eve try not to rely on help from others. Be month. You may be uncertain about some D Star? At midnight every New careful when using machinery or electrical of your coworkers and your boss. Make Year's Eve you see something very spe- equipment. You can finish projects early, sure any presentation you have is ready. cial which we like to call the New which will bring you praise from superi- You can make adjustments in your do- Year's Eve star. Did you miss it? No ors. Don't hold back; go with the flow and mestic scene this month. Your luckiest problem because is will stay in about take a bit of a chance. Your luckiest events will occur on a Tuesday. the same spot all this week. events will occur on a Monday. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You can And we have some really nice planets TAURUS (Apr. 21– May 21) Don't al- make changes to your domestic scene that for you to see. Let's tell you about them. low personal problems to conflict with will benefit all who reside there. Take professional duties. Your self esteem will some time out. You can make money if At around 8 pm Sky Park time this come back if you take part in organiza- you pursue your own business. You can week, face due south. And first, like all tional functions that allow you to be in the write beautiful love letters this good astronomers, let's draw an imagi- lime light. Now is the time to concentrate month. Your luckiest events this month nary line from the due south horizon on building a strong financial future for will occur on a Monday. straight up to the zenith point overhead your family. Don't back down but don't SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. and then down the other side of the sky ignite the situation. Your luckiest events 21) Relationships will be erratic this to the horizon due north. This line is Hubble Space Telescope photo of Sirius will occur on a Wednesday. month. Your family may be feeling ne- called the meridian and it divides the GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don't be too glected and unloved. You can make rea- eastern half of the sky from the western shy to promote your own interests. Don't sonable bids on real estate or large items half. Think of it, the brightest star visible make those you live with feel unloved or for your home. You can make financial Exactly, and now as our Earth slowly from our planet reaches its highest point unworthy. Turn things around, make sure gains if you are prepared to take a risk. and endlessly rotates from west to east above the horizon as the year changes. that they do their share. Be prepared to Your luckiest events this month will occur we are treated nightly to the grandest And even better, if you happened to make changes to your personal docu- on a Thursday. optical illusion in nature as we watch miss it on New Year's Eve because it ments. Your luckiest events this month CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You the stars appear to rise in the east, was raining where you live, don't fret will occur on a Thursday. may want to take a look at your direction slowly travel across the sky all night because Sirius will be in almost the CANCER (June 22-July 22) Travel will in life. Be professional, and you will ad- long and eventually set in the west. And same spot at midnight each night for the be exciting. Your stubborn nature will vance much more quickly. You can gain if you watch the stars every single first week of the New Year. backfire if you give your mate an ultima- valuable cultural knowledge through deal- night, you'll eventually conclude that And think about this, as you gaze up tum. Your words will be taken out of con- ing with foreigners. You should be mak- the highest point any star reaches above at Sirius. While our Sun is a million text if you're evasive with coworkers or ing plans to spend some time with the the horizon in its nightly journey is mile wide, relatively cool, yellow star, employers. You may be emotional and ones you love. Your luckiest events this when it is on the meridian. Our as- Sirius is a much hotter, almost twice as quick to judge others. Your luckiest month will occur on a Wednesday. tronomer ancestors used the crossing of wide, white star. And it's very close events will occur on a Tuesday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) the meridian by the Sun, Moon and cosmically speaking. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Extend an invita- Try to address the real issues in order to stars to tell time. Sirius is only 8 1/2 light years away, tion to clients you enjoy spending time turn things around. You will get along This is very important to telescope which means that when we look at Sir- with. Courses dealing with psychology or well in social situations. Sudden trips may users because the higher an object is ius we will actually be seeing the light health care will be of interest. Concentrate take you by surprise; try to include your above the horizon, the better it will ap- that left it 8 1/2 years ago, in June of on yourself or your work. Be sure not to mate, mixing business with pleasure. You pear in a telescope. 2003. burn any bridges. Your luckiest events can bet that you'll draw attention to your- So, when we were researching which And while you're outside, make sure this month will occur on a Saturday. self. Your luckiest events this month will planets would be high up off the hori- you catch a glimpse of Jupiter, the VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) A new im- occur on a Thursday. zon for viewing we came across some- largest planet in the solar system. Jupi- age can be the result if you change your PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You could thing, which to us, is an amazing coin- ter will be the bright white light high in look. You may find yourself in an uncom- be tempted to overspend on unnecessary cidence, something which we had never the south-west before midnight. fortable situation if you have overloaded items. Problems with in-laws may cause read about in any astronomy book. And let's not forget our friend Mars. your plate unintentionally. It's hard to stay friction in your personal relationship. That coincidence is that no matter If you go outside an hour or so before mad if the object of the anger refuses to Relatives may play an important role in where you happen to be, Sirius, the midnight, you'll see a waxing crescent react. Changes in your residence will be your personal life. You will be able to get brightest star in the night sky, will Moon high in the sky before setting in favorable in the long haul. Your luckiest good advice if you listen to close friends slowly climb up the south-eastern sky the west, and the red planet Mars, rising events will occur on a Wednesday. or relatives you respect. Your luckiest hour after hour and at midnight will in the east. events will occur on a Tuesday. reach its highest point, almost on the Dean Regas & James Albury Michael Thiessen meridian. Scuba Sales Hair Affair Repair - Replacement AFFORDABLE We do our best to New Gear - Accessories make your hair and make- Domain Registrations up wishes come true!! 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Photographic Services Graphic Design Personal attention by Janneke Appointment by tel: 717-5990 CARIB INN or just walk in. Since 1980 NetTech N.V. [email protected] Downtown, near the waterfront PADI 5 STAR GOLD PALM www.NetTech.an next to Little Havana 717-8819 - 8 am to 5 pm daily Tel: 717-6773 Tues-Fri: 9-12, 2-6 Sat: 9-2 non stop (next to Divi Flamingo Hotel) Fax: 717-7854 Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012 Page 15 Shelter News( Contin- ued from page 14)

AGAIN A BIRTHDAY

I always like to have a party to celebrate my birthday with a nice mixture of people from the island (Bonaireans, Dutch, Ameri- cans, English, German). Everybody wants to bring a small pre- Harrie and Carmelita Cox, Suyara, Marlies, Regina and sent, but it’s Marianske with the load of pet food. ne of the most cultural, authentic cause on Bonaire is the only island of difficult be- O and fascinating traditions on the Antilles where this unique custom cause we don’t have so many needs. Sud- animals become the best pets ever and they Bonaire is Maskarada. Every New Year exists. denly I had the right idea. We have two know you probably saved their live by tak- the group of silent, mysterious, masked But this year there is no Maskarada. kind dogs, and I said let’s ask for dog food. ing them home with you. Think of getting a people ( photo above) starts at the home According to Hubert Vis of SKAL Then we realized we would have way too pet from the Shelter, instead of bringing a of the governor, then moves on to other (Culture Department), “It is a much food for our own doggies, so the idea pet from abroad. island homes They make another ap- bèrgwensa (shame). Except for being was born to donate the dog food to the Ani- The birthday party was again very cozy, a pearance after Three Kings Day rained out, Maskarada has gone on mal Shelter. lot of people visited me, and we got a huge (Epiphany). They arrive silently, follow- every single year,” he explains. “The The Shelter does a really good job, and stack of all kinds of dog food. Our own ing a group of musicians – an accordion, money is there from the government but they always need money for the animals, for dogs were running around the dog food like a tambu, a raspa (file) and a quarto the group, after all these years, has can- food and all the things an animal needs in crazy, but they had to stay off, this food was (large ukulele ) and the skits and danc- celled. I believe this is a wakeup call,” the Shelter. We think it is good to keep the for the dogs in the Shelter. ing begin. Later they visit the old folks says Vis. “We need to make sure that dogs off the streets, as this can be danger- At the Shelter they were really happy with home and the hospital, then to the this organization like other cultural ous, as I found out by myself, some years the donated food. I hope a lot of people will homes of people in the barrios. It is said groups, will be in good hands for the ago. They also do neutering and sterilizing be inspired by this simple idea, and make a that good luck will come to those who the animals which prevents them from con- long term, for our future generations.” donation to the Shelter in this or any other invite them into their homes. tinuously reproducing. Our dogs come from way. Carmelita Cox For those of us loving Bonaire but not shelters, and it is good to give an animal a Maskarada has been going on in living second life. With some extra attention those memory of even the oldest person on having been born here, it is indeed a Bonaire, it is said. It’s important be- bèrgwensa! Laura DeSalvo Page 16 Bonaire Reporter- January 6-20, 2012