Boat Yard Bonaire is a good thing - UFDC Image Array 2
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July 1 - July 15, 2020, Year 27, Issue 13
Box 603, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands, Phone (599) 796-4055, www.bonairerepor ter.com email:info@bonairereporter.com
Photos: Julie Morgan
Boat Yard Bonaire is a good thing
Cruisers buy a boat and sail away refrigeration, and electronics, and other by Leonel Martijn of STINAPA. Boat Yard Bonaire is located at Kaya Rot-
searching for adventure. Few realize boat systems. The yard is still waiting for government terdam 72, Hato. For more information
they will be searching for boat yards too. Captain Don’s Habitat dive manager permits for other projects. visit: www.boatyardbonaire.com. DMR
Thanks to the specialists at Boat Yard Roger Haug just brought in their second Van Dijk explained that initially the Photos Julie Morgan
Bonaire, located next to WEB on the boat for major repairs. His own crew does government was very cooperative and
waterfront, cruisers no longer have to go most of the work at the boatyard. promised the permits in six to eight
to Curacao, Aruba or Venezuela to have Roger said, “This is something good for weeks, but that was eight months ago.
their boats refitted. They can get the work Bonaire. We need this. These guys aren’t Harbor master Gunther Flanigen said that
done right here on Bonaire, as can local afraid to spend the money to get things the government has yet to decide where
boat owners. done right.” the planned container port will be located.
The boat yard was started by Jan Blonk Because the Hato location next to WEB is
in 1999 and then owned by Ruud Koorns- Other boat service companies have set under consideration, permits for the boat-
tra. Four years ago Willem van Dijk and up shop on the premises: IMIX from yard are being held up.
Mark ten Hoopen bought the two acre Curacao, Mercury Outboards, Boston
Whalers Retail, Battery Solutions, a car “We’re still having a lot of fun with
property and made major upgrades. The what we’re doing. What we do here is so
new yard draws cruisers to Bonaire and rental, a sail shop and Go4Clean, and
yachtbrokercaribbean.com operated by important because the boats don’t come
contributes significantly to the economy. to Bonaire because there is no place for
According to van Dijk, the yard current- Serge Dauvelier from Curacao.
maintenance,” said van Dijk.
ly employs 12-15 people and expects to The new owners have innovative plans
need 50 employees once they are fully for expansion. Within the newly fenced The boat yard welcomes everyone from
operational. and paved area, they will build a three the local fisher guys and dive resorts to
level boat storage structure, a 20 x 40 me- high end yachts. To date there are over 30
Boat Yard Bonaire provides total refit- boats in storage with more coming. Sev-
ting and more. The travel lift can handle ter two level warehouse, and a cleaning/
washing area with environmental oil and eral dozen have come in for maintenance.
boats up to 40 tons, and the yard will hold
60-70 boats. The yard can perform exte- grease separators. They plan to widen the Willem van Dijk, former restaurant
rior work such as rigging, sand blasting, boat ramp sufficiently to load catamarans and café’ owner in Holland, has been on Boat Yard Bonaire owners Mark ten
painting, and fiberglass repairs. Engines and sink a small mooring grid next to the Bonaire since 2008. Mark ten Hoopen Hoopen and Willem van Dijk are doing a
and transmissions can be repaired, as can existing ramp. Neither project will require arrived in Bonaire in 2008 and worked at good thing for Bonaire.
dredging, and both have been approved Remax, Harbourtown and later Avis. The
Flotsam and Jetsam This Week’s Stories
Boat Yard Bonaire 1
Sabedeco clean-up 3
Favell Maduro appointment 3
Government extends the US citizens can fly home Workers demonstrate on Curaçao 4
Loans without permits illegal 5
emergency package The United States Consulate has announced that a brief win-
dow: July 1 to July 10 may be opening for U.S citizens and Two cruise ships off Klein 5
legal permanent residents to return to the U.S. via Aruba or International Yoga Day 6
Due to the coronavirus crisis the government has extended Sint Maarten on commercial flights. The consulate warns that Selibon neighborhood clean-ups 6
the emergency package for residents and businesses on Bo- U.S. citizens and residents in Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, and Sint Chess club graduates 8
naire, Sint-Eustatius and Saba for four months until the 12th of Eustatius should take advantage of these flights immediately or Street Colors Bonaire 8
October. The support for residents and businesses in the Dutch be prepared to remain abroad indefinitely. People can contact DCNA advises Schouten 8
Caribbean will continue to be comparable to the measures the air carriers for flight schedules. The U.S. Consulate main- WEB maintains water tanks 8
taken in the European Netherlands. tains an updated website of the latest travel restrictions and Bolivia nature reports 11
The coronavirus crisis is having a huge impact on society in requirements*. Thanks to Robert Bartikoski for passing on this COVID-19 road map for reopening 12
the Caribbean Netherlands. Although the islands have largely information. DMR Gifted kids present projects 15
escaped the coronavirus in terms of health up to now, the *https://cw.usconsulate.gov/news-events/covid-19-information/ Justice triangle tackles violence 15
tourist sector, which drives a large part of the economy, has ZUK medical travel insurance 15
ground to a halt.
Departments
State Secretary Raymond Knops announced, on behalf of
the government: “There are troubled tough times ahead, and
Europeans can now fly to Flotsam & Jetsam (Emergency package
strengthened; Ten-days to fly to U.S; Re-
huge demands are going to be made on society. At the same
time the government is convinced that once again during this
Bonaire, but . . . strictions on travel from Europe; Eco-tourism
& residential tourism; Travel cancellation
refunds; Tax relief;Fine for Phoning while
crisis the resilience of the islands will ensure that we, the Beginning July 1, planes will be allowed to fly to the Carib- driving; electrical bills increase; half-year
government and society together, will pull through. With this bean Netherlands from the European Netherlands, Belgium, vehicle tax; hospital “sues” ZVK; Pullmantur
extension we are protecting jobs and incomes in the coming Germany, Luxembourg, and France. bankrupt) 2
period by supporting affected companies and sole traders.” Who’s Who in The Reporter 2
In order to board a plane for Bonaire, European passengers
The central government has added a number of new mea- must meet three criteria. They must fill in and sign a health dec- Ask Kate (stay healthy till next time) 4
sures to the extended package. For example, a temporary laration. They must have tested negative for COVID-19 within Letter (Swiss ophthalmo surgeon) 4
income support scheme has been introduced, the temporary the preceding 72 hours. And they must have remained for 14 Opinion: Bolivia preservation 4
reimbursement of fixed costs has been extended (up to a max- days in the area of their departure. Police Report (Burglaries solved) 5
imum of 50,000 euros for businesses), and a bridging loan for The required COVID-19 test is expensive, around 190 euros. Picture Yourself (Yale University;
small businesses has been added. The central government is TUI has announced that they will be offering their passengers to Petrich) 6
also making 1.3 million euros available to the public entities. the ABC islands a complimentary PCR-test until August 31st, Did You Know: (Conch) 10
DMR Reef Glimpses: (Snook) 10
2020. DMR (See page 12 for OLB’s roadmap for re-opening
What’s Happening 12
Bonaire)
Sky Park (stars or planets;
Luna eclipse) 12
Get your money back Residential and
Making Bonaire “Accessible”:
Is it a real problem? 13
KLM has confirmed that passengers booked on the many A Garden? Mispel/Naseberry 13
flights that were canceled because of the corona crisis no lon- eco-tourism favored Ask a Geek: (Plane spotting)
Business Directory
13
14
ger have to settle for vouchers. They can choose cash refunds
instead. The EU reminded airlines in March that refunds must Bonaire’s main economic assets are nature, space, tranquili- Pet Of The Week: Mauricio - cat 15
be given for canceled services. But airlines, including KLM, ty and authenticity, features which contribute to the prosperity Shelter News: (Terrific teenagers) 15
offered only vouchers while their countries appealed to the EU and well-being of the population and attract visitors to the 22 Nature Reports on Bolivia 17-22
for a different ruling. The EU has confirmed that the voucher island as well. The Executive Council has decided to rebuild a
post-corona tourist industry that will attract fewer but more af- How to Find Us:
requirement is illegal, and that it will take offending member
countries to court if they failed to offer cash refunds. DMR fluent visitors who are looking for high quality vacation time. Read us online: https://bonairereporter.
Already committed to the Blue Destination concept in the com f:https://www.facebook.com/
Strategic Tourism Plan, the public entity Bonaire (OLB) is TheBonaireReporter/
Available in 80 locations
Tax relief extended moving toward “green destination” development too. It will
investigate the feasibility, in consultation with stakeholders, Printed every two weeks
Next edition: July 15, 2020
The Government has announced an extension of tax relief of exploiting the unused wild lands available on a number of
News Deadline: July 13, 2020
measures that will be valid until October 1, 2020, for Bonaire, former plantations, such as Bolivia and Fontaine. These areas
Contributor’s Deadline: July 10, 2020
St. Eustatius and Saba. Three examples are: Entrepreneurs could be developed for sustainable tourism by making them
accessible in an ecologically responsible manner. Stories, tips, questions, ideas & ads:
who temporarily encounter liquidity problems due to the co-
Phone (+599)796 4055
rona crisis can apply for deferment of payment. The current Areas selected for preservation would be placed under Email: info@bonairereporter.com
6% interest rate will be reduced to 0.0 for those who request legal protection, fenced, and cleared of goats and donkeys. Address: Box 603, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean.
it and qualify. Default payments have been canceled. Then walking and cycling trails would be developed. Energy The Bonaire Reporter Staff:
For complete information, refer to the full decision of June self-sufficient Eco-lodges would be constructed to provide Julie Morgan, Publisher
16, 2020 published in Government Gazette on June 18, 2020. accommodation for visitors. BonaireReporter2019@gmail.com
https://www.belastingdienst- cn.nl/documenten/publicaties/ Production: Barbara Lockwood
The information released by the OLB also favors the ex-
staatscourant- DMR Contributors: Angliet Nature Lover, Ria
pansion of “residential tourism,” also referred to as “second Evers-Dokter, Dee Scarr, Sky Watch: Trace
homes.” Residential tourism has long been established on Dominguez & Ata Sarajedini, Kate Butler,
Bonaire. Visitors purchase second homes on the island and Brian Niessen, Sanne Attevelt, Jane
visit them intermittently, sometimes renting them out as well. Madden-Disko, Travis Sullins, Amy Weir,
Cell fine is $225 Bonaire’s traditional residential tourists are primarily in- Caren Eckrich, Roxanne-Liana Francisca,
terested in diving; therefore their homes are concentrated Mackenzie Stoeltje, Julianka Clarenda, Don
KPCN (Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland / Police Corps along the coastal strip. The OLB anticipates the construction M. Ricks, Pam Teitel, Alan Zale, Paul Ruijs,
Caribbean Netherlands) reports that many motorists still use of visitor homes inland, drawn by recreational opportunities Denis Martinus
their mobile phones while driving. This violation will incur provided in the new eco-tourism centers to be created at the Distribution: Marlene & Co. (Playa), Yuchi
a fine of $225. old plantation sites. DMR Molina (Rincon), Divi-Divi Airline,
Printed by: DeStad Drukkerij, Curaçao
Founders: George and Laura DeSalvo
Flotsam & Jetsam, continued on page 7 © 2020 The Bonaire Reporter
COVID-19 road map for re-opening on page 12
Page 2 The Bonaire Reporter July 1 - July 15, 2020
Communications
chief appointed Volunteers clean Sabedeco road
The first of two major cleanups of Sa-
badeco road heading to Queen’s high-
way was held June 27. Area residents
Sara Matera and Rhonda Lockhart or-
ganized the cleanup of the litter filled
road. This road receives litter from
locals, tourists and construction crews
traveling north. They carelessly toss out
their trash or it blows out of the back of
the truck and ultimately it will eventu-
ally reach the ocean.
Some 35 people from Villa, Terrace,
Keys, Ridges, Shores, Court and even
some FORSA students lent a hand in
the cleanup. They brought gloves, bags
In June 2020, Favell Maduro was
and even rakes to pick up the trash. Se-
been appointed head of the communi-
libon graciously agreed to pick up all
cations department of the public entity
the bags set along the side of the road.
Bonaire (OLB).
Sara said, “This was a great commu-
As a journalist, Favell Maduro has
nity effort! Now if only we can keep
reported in Europe, Latin America,
it clean. Please contractors and all the
and the Caribbean. In the Netherlands
public of Bonaire, help us keep Bonaire
he helped Antilleans write and tell
Clean.”
about their past. Maduro re-emigrat-
The next Sabadeco area cleanup will
ed to his native island of Curaçao af-
be held Saturday July 11.
ter living in the Netherlands for nearly
30 years. As a freelance reporter and
Top photo: Residents of Sabadeco
presenter, he has worked for various
cleanup volunteers
media. At the same time, because he’s
interested in human development, he Bottom photos: Forsa kids lend a hand
also worked as an intervention assis-
tant, guiding young people in their Top photo and story : Julie Morgan
development toward adulthood. Bottom photos: Sara Matera and
Source: Writers Unlimited; https:// Rhonda Lockhart
www.writersunlimited.nl/en/
participant/favell-maduro More Sabadeco cleanup photos on
our FB page
The Bonaire Reporter July 1 - July 15, 2020 Page 3
Letters Ask Kate
Dear Sirs, him and his mother, Luvia. In February Bonaire real estate advice
I am doctor Marco Fantozzi, an Italian they stayed in my clinic, Casa Di Cura Dear Friends,
ophthalmo surgeon resident in Switzer- San Rossore, in Pisa for 15 day. We hope you all stay healthy during this crisis, and we
land. The operation went well; However, look forward to seeing you again on Bonaire. Please send
Since 2013 I have been spending my this kind of surgery requires the surgeon your real estate questions to Kate and Jean at kate@bonaire-
holidays together with my family in your to regulate the sutures. I was supposed homes.com
beautiful island. Two years ago I bought a to check on him during Easter holidays
villa there as we thought it would be our in Bonaire as it is not possible for him
Opinions
retirement in Bonaire. to come back Europe, but unfortunate-
Of course I love Bonaire and Bonarian ly my flight was canceled due to the
people and in order to help people with COVID-19. I agreed with him to check
my great experience in cornea surgery on him as soon as Bonaire would open
the airspace from Europe; therefore, I The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors
last February I decided to operate your and forum participants do not necessarily reflect the opinions,
citizen Zarzinio Josephia, a young fish- rebooked the flight for the 5th of July as
KLM allowed me to do so. beliefs and viewpoints of The Bonaire Reporter.
erman from Bonaire. I met him and his
lovely family last summer and we talk- I live in Switzerland together with my
ed about his huge problem with his eye family. I read that Switzerland visitors are
which neither in Colombia nor in Holland not yet accepted in Bonaire even though
could be solved. the COVID-19 cases have been very low.
I checked him and I organized for In short, I am concerned not to have
February a delicate operation of cornea the possibility to check on him, and this
transplant with stem cells implant for could cause failure of the graft. I am
complete leuchoma and limbus disease. kindly asking to have the possibility to
The eye was completely blind and only in come to Bonaire with my family in order
this way we could try to help him. to check him and see if he needs some
suture regulation or removal.
The operation was going to be very ex-
pensive; for this reason, I decided not to Hope in a prompt reply and thanks a lot
charge anything to him and to provide an for everything
accommodation and the flight tickets to Best regards,
Marco Fantozzi M.D
Workers demonstrate on Curaçao The new view on tourism in the tour- This is about how we deal with nature,
ist recovery plan as recently announced the way of living, culture and the island.
On June 24, angry demonstrators bor agitation on the island, was one of by Mr Elvis Tjin Asjoe is encouraging. The only way to safeguard it is to look
stormed the cabinet building on Curaçao the leaders. He demanded Rhuggenaa Mass tourism and over development can at the bigger picture. And then you have
to demand the resignation of Prime Min- speak to the protesters on the govern- destroy the unique strengths of the island to acknowledge that Bolivia needs to be
ister Rhuggenaat and new elections. ment square in Fort Amsterdam. Rhug- and should be stopped. The transition to protected, not altered, not developed into
They were eventually joined by looters genaath offered to meet with a few lead- sustainable tourism could actually be a nature or have 1,500 houses and cliff vil-
who broke into shops. Rhuggenaat’s car ers indoors. That offer was refused. On renewed focus on what we already have las on important birding areas.
and a police car were vandalized. The Wednesday evening Miutueel was arrest- instead of inventing new concepts. After There are many other reasons to pre-
ME (mobile riot unit) were pelted with ed by the police. Subsequently a group all, most current tourists already are pret- serve Bolivia other than tourism. We
stones and fired warning shots. Several of demonstrators gathered in front of the ty aware of the uniqueness of Bonaire. believe the importance of Bolivia is so
officers were injured and an unknown police headquarters in Rio Canario and However, nature is not like a product great that anything happening there will
number of people were arrested. The threatened more action if he was not re- that needs to be developed and adapted to affect the rest of the island. It reaches
police chief resigned, the U.S. consulate leased immediately. tourists. Tourists should integrate them- way beyond this former plantation. We
warned Americans to take precautions, Minister Girigorie of Justice an- selves into nature. That is ecotourism. need broad support to address more is-
and Punda and Otrobanda were closed nounced that police chief Mauricio Not the other way around. Education, sues than just the nature of Bolivia. There
for three days Sambo has resigned in response to the commitment and respect should be at the are the matters of economy, conservation
Worker frustrations have been building situation. According to the minister, the core. If we fail, the risk of just another and ecology, culture, archeology, history,
on Curaçao. Even before the COVID-19 demonstrators should never have entered area exploited is real, and it will have the recreation, infra, education, tourism but
pandemic wiped out hundreds of jobs, Fort Amsterdam and Sambo made mis- opposite effect on eco and nature loving also social issues like jobs, housing and
the economy was already in decline. takes. visitors. So before coming up with ideas income to be considered.
The Isla refinery laid off 400 people, for The chairman of one of the unions that and plans, let’s start with proper protec- We also think we should set right what
example. Then, when the island govern- has been opposing virtually all govern- tion. should have been done in the past, return
ment turned to the Netherlands for finan- ment policies for years, Frensley Sillié Bolivia is already visited by tourists this land to the people of Bonaire. We
cial help because of the coronavirus, the of BTG, declared the protest was also and residents. It is already there and support Elvis’ ideas of protecting and ob-
Netherlands responded with an offer of meant on behalf of other civil servants, ‘used’. It is a unique wilderness with dry taining the land. His stance on this takes
loans rather than cash grants and required such as the people in education. How- tropical forests, 700 year old trees and courage. But now it all depends on actu-
strict conditions, including downsizing ever, those groups do not seem to have full of life. Vast and of stunning beauty, ally being able to protect it, and exactly
of the island government. participated. DMR untouched and with unspoiled views. The how Bonaire wants to do this.
The demonstration began when work- Sources: Bonaire Now, The Curaçao tranquility, its biodiversity, the survival Recently we published a kick off video
ers from Seliklor, the garbage collection Chronicle in harsh conditions, the purity, these are about Plantation Bolivia. You can find it
service, occupied Fort Amsterdam. Lon almost symbolic for what Bonaire is. And at facebook.com/fivemonumentsbonaire/
Mutueel, a person with a history of la- way more than just a piece of unused And if you would like to get involved or
land. Saving it for the people of Bonaire make a donation, contact us info@five-
and future generations is the right thing to monumentsbonaire.com
do. That is the reason. Protecting it can be Arno Verhoeven
the cornerstone of Bonaire’s vision, set- Fondashon Preservashon di Herensia
ting a global example and becoming an
Trouble finding a printed copy of The Reporter? authority in the world. Such credibility
Boneiru
Read us online! is what more and more tourists want. The
real thing. Authenticity.
https://bonairereporter.com
Page 4 The Bonaire Reporter July 1 - July 15, 2020
Permit required to loan money
The Caribbean Netherlands Police lates, among other things, that a license
Force (KPCN) has launched an investi- is required, that irresponsible credit may
gation into the illegal provision of loans not be granted and that a maximum in-
/ credits. Information from the Criminal terest rate may be requested (max. 22%
Intelligence Unit (KPCN) suggested a per year).
large-scale and unlicensed lending at The rules have been created to protect
very high interest rates, so-called usury consumers, despite the fact that it is com-
rates. mon practice in some cultures to obtain
In this investigation, among other loans or credit elsewhere. Intentional Cruise ships seen tion. He also gave them a time limit,
which they exceeded.
things, several witnesses were heard and failure to comply with the rules laid
in last January a search took place in a down in the BES Financial Markets Act off Klein The ship, Caribbean Princess, has
house / business on Kaminda Djabou. is a criminal offense. Deliberate lending / been in Curaçao since June 10. The ship
The investigation showed that loans / unlicensed loans is punishable by a max- The morning of June 25, 2020 Bo- has a capacity of 3600 passengers but
credits were indeed provided on a large imum prison term of four years or a fine naire’s residents were surprised to see a currently has only crew on board. Ship-
scale at an interest rate of 10 to 20% per of USD 56,000. cruise ship close to Bonaire, first near the ping company rules do not allow the
month (which is actually 214% to 792% wharf in Playa, then behind Klein Bo- crew to disembark.
The Netherlands Authority for the Fi-
per year). naire. The ship, Caribbean Princess, was A second cruise ship, Seaborn Od-
nancial Markets (AFM) and De Neder-
in Bonaire’s waters to test its evacuation yssey, arrived north of Klein Monday
An official report has been made landsche Bank (DNB) jointly supervise
procedures and life-saving equipment, morning, June 29 and stayed into the
against a 39-year-old and a 65-year-old financial companies in the Caribbean
as required by law. After the ship left night. The ship also had permission to
man, both of Dominican descent. The Netherlands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and
Bonaire in the afternoon, it returned to carry out the drill known as Safety of
case will soon be heard by the Common Saba). For more information, visit the
Curaçao. Life at Sea (SOLAS) in Bonaire’s waters.
Court of Justice. website of the Netherlands Authority for
the Financial Markets or De Nederland- Harbourmaster Gunther Flanegin ex- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no
The provision of loans / credits is
sche Bank: www.afm.nl or www.dnb.nl plained that the cruise ship first wanted cruise ship with tourists will dock in Bo-
subject to various rules laid down in the
Source: BES news, June 26. 2020 to test its emergency procedures in the naire until November, according to the
BES Financial Markets Act. This stipu-
sea in front of the airport, BIA, but he government.
sent them elsewhere as a safety precau-
Saturday, June 27, on Kaya Grandi the
KPCN reports eight
POLICE REPORT driver of a car was distracted by some-
thing that fell on the floor in the car, so
she could not see the car stopping to turn. burglaries solved
Property crime man, 24, was arrested on Kaya Princess As a result, she crashed into the back of
On Monday, June 15, a burglary was Marie for disturbing public order, not the car. The fellow passenger of the car Burglary house on the Kaya Haarlem,
reported in a house on the Kaya Dr. J.G. following an order, and opposition to an that had been bumped into complained of between 9 and 10 March 2020
Hernandez. Thieves entered the house by official in office. back pain, and was checked on site by the A suspect, 32, arrested for burglary
forcing a bedroom window and took away ambulance personnel. and fencing, is linked to the burglary in
a television, a laptop, a camera and cash, Traffic accidents & violations A unilateral collision took place on Ka- a house on Kaya Haarlem. Police seized
among other things. Police issued various official reports on minda Turístiko at around 2pm on Sun- jewelry during a search. A second sus-
Theft and destruction were reported on Tuesday, June 16, between 6 - 7:30 pm day, June 28. At the dive site Tolo, the pect, 34, was summoned and questioned
June 16. Thieves destroyed a car’s right for non-compliance with the road traffic driver of a buggy lost control of the steer- for fencing.
rear window between 6:30 and 9pm and regulations. During inspections, various ing wheel causing the buggy to tip over
stole some tools. The car was parked in a fines were written for driving without in- Burglary Bulevar Gobernador Nicolaas
and lie on its side. The fellow passenger Debrot, between March 20 and 21, 2020
parking lot at the Kaya Libertador Simon surance, a driving license, and a driving suffered abrasions and was taken to the
Bolivar. plate. Fines were also issued for driving A suspect, 27, detained for burglary
hospital by ambulance. and fencing, is linked to the burglary in
On Tuesday, June 23 between 8:30 and without a helmet, dark-tinted car win- Sunday, June 28, a moped collided with
5:30 pm, thieves took away an orange dows, and not wearing the seat belt. Fines a house on Bulevar Nicolaas Debrot. Po-
a donkey at Kaya Nikiboko South around lice seized stolen goods during a search.
Poulan chainsaw, a drill and two black of $225 were issued for having a mobile 8:45pm. The driver and passenger of the
Samsung phones, one Note and one Gal- phone in hand while driving. During one A second suspect, 41, was interrogated for
moped both complained about pain in housebreaking and fencing.
axy S5 from a house on Kaya Bulado. of the checks, a scooter was seized as the different places on their body. They were
driver did not have a driving license, in- taken to hospital by ambulance. Burglary Kaya Mazurka and Kaya
Arrests surance or a license plate. The scooter has Mendelsson
On Saturday, June 20, a check-up took been taken for further investigation. Public safety In the period between April 4 and 16,
place in a house in the bario Santa Rosa. At around 3:10 pm on Friday June 19, On Sunday, June 21, around 11:55 in 2020, a group was busy breaking into sev-
Based on information that suggested that two cars collided near EEC Bulevar. One the morning, news came of a fishing boat eral homes on Kaya Mazurka and Kaya
theft had been committed. No one was of the drivers had a cut wound and was in distress. The steering wheel was broken Mendelsson. Six people were arrested,
found at the location, but the officers taken to hospital for further treatment. and it was impossible to steer the ship. two of whom are minors. In addition, two
learned that a bag had been given to a mi- In the afternoon of Saturday, June 20 a The boat was located at Boka di Lagun. suspects, one of whom was a minor, were
nor by a group of men who were sitting drunk driver ran his car into a fence. After Eventually police managed to sail the summoned for burglaries and fencing.
together under a tree. The officers stopped checking the ambulance employees, the boat in the “boka di lagun” after which In the Netherlands, persons under the
the boy and examined the bag. In the bag man was asked to cooperate for a respi- the customs and KMar together did the age of 18 years are considered minors by
they found several ready-to-sell bags, pre- ratory analysis in the office. The analysis other rescue work. law. The minors in the group were aged:
sumably of marijuana. The father of the indicated a UGL of 955UGL (220 UGL 14, 15, and 16 years. Two of the adults in
minor child reported on the spot that the is allowed). The driver was banned from Around 3 o’clock on Sunday night, an
argument was reported that threatened to the group were aged 18, two 19, and one
bag with contents was his. The 37-year- driving for several hours and fined. was 31 years of age.
old suspect was immediately arrested. At around 7:30pm on Thursday, June become a brawl. On arrival of the offi-
cers, three men were found arguing and Four suspects in this case were released
In the late afternoon hours of Tuesday, 25, a car and a cyclist collided on Kaya on the condition that they not have contact
June 23, two men, 30 and 38 years, were Nikiboko South. When the driver of the running back and forth. When the men
did not respond to the police, the officers after school and be at home between 9pm
arrested for stealing a cool box from a car car wanted to drive onto the Kaya Karko, and 6am. All four suspects were arrested
in the Center area on May 16. he overlooked the cyclist and was hit by used pepper spray. A man was taken to the
police station for questioning. Later in the again during the investigation for violat-
In the night hours of Thursday June 25, the cyclist. The bicycle had no lighting. ing the suspension conditions.
around 00:15am a man, 22, was detained The cyclist had abrasions on his right arm evening, the man was sent home.
(See online archives: “New laws com-
for assault and destruction. Later the same and was treated on site by the ambulance ing for dealing with juvenile offenders,”
day, around 6pm, a man, 26, was detained personnel. The driver of the car was quite The Bonaire Reporter, Issue 11, June 3,
for assault. shocked. The car had minor damage to 2020; pg. 5).
In the night hours of Saturday, June 27, a the front.
The Bonaire Reporter July 1 - July 15, 2020 Page 5
Picture Yourself Commuting to International Yoga Day, 2020
Yale University in New Haven, CT from Bonaire
Petrich in Hartsdale, NY, stopping by fire headquarters to take his first photo,
Approximately 30 yoga mats were spread in mony and peace.
a circle in celebration of International Yoga Day Yoga is an important source of exercise and
at Wilhelmina park on May 21. Yoga instructors spiritual practice. On Bonaire, several yoga
Sarah Sati and Daphne Nossels led the group studios offer different types of yoga, so stu-
of yoga enthusiasts through a meditation and dents can find the style of yoga they prefer.
then 108 sun salutations. This was the second year for International
The International Day of Yoga was proposed Yoga Day to be celebrated on Bonaire. Story
in 2014 and has been observed yearly since and photo Julie Morgan
2015 as a day to celebrate global health, har-
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ily, to a summer lecture series he was teaching on The Merchant of Venice
by William Shakespeare and The Bacchae by Euripides, at Yale University
in New Haven, CT via Hartsdale, NY.
Even though the commuting back and forth from Bonaire to New Ha-
ven, CT and back to Bonaire could be hectic, Louis took the time to pose
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his commute, in Hartsdale, NY, stopping by fire headquarters to take his
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Page 6 The Bonaire Reporter July 1 - July 15, 2020
Selibon-OLB partner for cleanups 1863 Slavery abolition observed
Selibon kicked off a neighborhood of taking care of your neighbor.
cleanup plan in a meeting at Parke den Shareholders and other officials spoke
Stashi in Antriol on June 25. including: Rudsel Leito (director Selibon
The cleanup project for residents to NV); James Kroon (deputy), Nina den
get their barrio in order began June 29 Heyer (deputy); Elvis Tjisn Ajoe (depu-
in the Antriol neighborhood. Residents ty); Derchlien Vrolijk (Blue Destination
are asked to clean up their yards, hous- representative); Pierre Perigault Monte
es and the trashy areas where litter and (Integral neighborhood development and
refuse have accumulated. Residents can Lupe Martis (Fundashon Avanti neigh-
bring everything to the curb for pickup. borhood foundation).
This includes big items, like cars, sofas, Shanelca Martha of Selibon said the
unwanted furniture, etc. If there is an cleanups will extend to the end of the
overflow of large items, Selibon will set year. They have mapped out a three
up large trash collection containers. month schedule so far, that includes:
Deputy Nina den Heyer explained, Antriol, den Stashi, den Tuna and sur-
we are trying to bring back the neigh- roundings, June/July; Tera Kora, August
borhood. Cleaning up is only part of this and Noord Salinja, September. Story and The Team (L-R): David Martinus, Beverly Martis, Jendric Janga, Angelo Alberto and
as we are hoping to bring back the idea photo by Julie Morgan. Jose Martis
On July 1, 1863, slavery was made
Flotsam & Jetsam, continued from page 7 illegal in Surinam and the Antilles. The
Electrical bills to go up Bulevar J.A. Abraham 17. The Finance Dutch were among the last to abolish
Department reminds us that we must re- slavery. After Denmark abolished slav-
The variable usage rate for electrici- port all changes in ownership of our car ery in 1803, Britain in 1834 and France
ty is adjusted twice a year on July 1st or license plate to them. (To see how in 1848, the many thousands who
and January 1st. This July the electrical much you have to pay, you can go to the worked on the plantations in the Dutch
consumption of an average household on online archives for The Bonaire Report- West Indies were finally released.
Bonaire will increase by approximately er, Issue 2, Jan. 22, 2020, pg. 4) The awareness campaign “Don’t Let
USD 1.50 per month. Your Past Determine Your Future,)” an
WEB explains: “The fuel costs in-
curred by ContourGlobal Bonaire
Government not paying initiative of Bonaire Youth Outreach
Foundation (BYOF) and Mangazina di
(CGB) for the production of electricity hospital health insurance Rei Cultural Park, sets the stage for an
are passed one on one to the customers annual commemoration of the Abolition
According to Fundashon Mariadal,
of WEB. WEB emphasizes that no mar- of slavery on July 1. For this project the
it has taken legal action because it has
gin is charged on these fuel costs. Due to young adults from BYOF did research
not been paid for medical care delivered
unforeseen circumstances, CGB has had by talking to several local historians,
to government-insured patients. On 10
to switch temporarily from the usual fuel like Boi Antoin, Athur Sealy and Sid-
June, 2020, the hospital asked the Court
to an alternative (more expensive) fuel.” ney Maarten.
of First Instance BES to require the
The fixed usage rate is completely sub-
ZVK (Zorgverzekeringskantoor BES), A team that consists of David Mar- Dancers of Duo Mirasol, Monique Win-
sidized due to the emergency COVID-19
an implementing agency of the Dutch tinus (Film Director), Angelo Alberto klaar; Marcelino “Donny” Winklaar
measures. It is set at zero until the end of
Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, (Production Manager), Jose “Ito” Mar-
December 2020.
to appear before the court and justify, tis (Music Composer and Producer),
The full electricity tariff valid from
with documentation, why it has stopped Jendric Janga (camera man, editor and
July 1st 2020 can be found on www.
meeting its financial obligations to the researcher) and Beverly Martis (re-
webbonaire.com
hospital. The court hearing is scheduled searcher) wanted to make a symbolic
for Wednesday, July 1, 2020. film combined with local music. To
Driving license exams begin The hospital says in the past it suc- this end, they worked with several local
cessfully negotiated such issues with musicians and singers. The result can be
Now that the COVID-19 measures
ZVK but has been forced to appeal to seen on YouTube via https://youtu.be/
have been relaxed, starting July 6 people
the court this time. Fundashon Mariadal cw7saIuoMak. The project is financed
can take the practical exams to qualify
assures that patients will continue to re- by the Dutch Ministry of Education,
for driving licenses B, C, D and E.
ceive government-insured medical care Culture & Science and the Public Enti-
If you were scheduled to take a theory
while the case is being settled, and that ty of Bonaire.
exam in March, and it was canceled, you
it will continue to meet its own financial
can re-schedule your exam from July 13, Film musicians: Robert “Rob” Felisa,
obligations. DMR
2020. Juelmer Janga (Foyan Boyz) Juelston
People who wish to register for both “kabuya” Janga, Raigil Molina (JC &
the theory and practical exam for a driv- Pullmantur bankrupt Friends), Jonathan Clarenda, Mikaël
ing license can do so from August 3. To Janga, Rignald Mercera and Richmare
The Spanish cruise company, Pull-
take these exams, a person must be regis- A Rosaria.
mantur, has filed for bankruptcy. Partly
tered with the Civil Affairs Department. Singers were: Jurnick “JC” Clar-
owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises in Luiginio “Moka” Molina
Miami, Pullmantur had previously can- enda, Magrinda Clarenda-Francisca,
Vehicle tax is past due celed cruises until November 15 due to Wesley Sint Jago (Tuti Fruti), Luiginio
the COVID-19 pandemic. “MOKA” Molina, Emma Sint Jago (Tuti event where the whole community can
If you elected to pay your 2020 vehicle Fruti), Zahid Frans (JC & Friends),
Officials will now see whether a reor- reflect on the abolishment of slavery and
tax in two parts, you should have made Magindra Clarenda, Mikael Janga (Tuti
ganization is feasible. Pullmantur’s fleet also come up with suggestions on how
your second payment by now. The dead- Fruti) and Hermenegilda Anthony.
consists of three ships: the Horizon, the we as a community can work together
line was June 30th .You can pay with in- Dancers were: Monique Winklaar
Monarch and the Sovereign. They reg- toward the future development of Bo-
ternet banking or at your bank’s counter. (Duo Mirasol) and
ularly visited Bonaire and Curaçao. naire. The event will be streamed online
Put your CRIB number and plate number Marcelino “Donny” Winklaar (Duo
Source. The Curaçao Chronicle on the Facebook pages of Live 99.9FM
under “payment reference”. Your bank Mirasol)
statement is proof that you have paid. and DCTV. DTV will also broadcast the
If you own a car or motorcycle, but did On Wednesday July 1st 2020, from event on all its TV channels.
not receive an assessment letter in Janu- 8pm to 9pm there will be a special Dennis Martinus
ary 2020, then you can collect your as-
sessment from the Finance Department
of the public entity Bonaire (OLB) at
The Bonaire Reporter July 1 - July 15, 2020 Page 7
Chess club honors graduates Nort’i Salina is first street color project
Street Colors Bonaire is a year long At the end of the summer the group
neighborhood heritage awareness, art and will work with ‘Rewriters Rotterdam’, a
beautification program of Hofi Kultural. street art collective of artists. The visiting
Under the guidance of artist Karine de European artists will bring their talents
BYCC: Charles Lont (club secretary) Jaedan Crestian, Emanuel Lont, Wit the artists are expected to finish up to the various projects planned for the
Serapio Pop (club president and coach), Rudsela Coffie ( club treasurer) their first wall mural painting at the Cen- neighborhoods.
Kneeling: Frederic Simonis and Ralph Salimin tro di Bario of Nort di Salina on July 4. Each mural painted throughout Bo-
Karine said, “We work with a group naire will have a different theme.
Bonaire Youth Chess Club (BYCC) many years ago how advantageous of about 15 talented young people from According to Karine, www.streetcol-
honored their two graduating student playing chess is to learning, especially the island, five coaches and me running orsbonaire.com, a new website, will go
players with tournaments and an award in math and science. He has had sever- the project.” live in about week. More information
dinner on June 20 at Between 2 Buns. al students who have excelled in these Painted in bright colors, the Nort’i Sa- is available at www.hofikultural.com/
The tournaments were named for subjects once they began playing chess. lina mural depicts a native Indian portrait street-colors-bonaire.
Emanuel Lont and Jaedan Crestian. During the coronavirus threat the and a village of earlier times on Bonaire. The project is supported by OLB. S
Each tournament yielded medals for chess club members continued playing The mural is supported by the people Story and photo by Julie Morgan
the winning players, and gifts for the online. Some Zoom chess games had up from Nort’i Salina.
graduates. Frederick Simonis received to 40 players at a time.
a trophy for the overall winner. BYCC will resume the regular club
Emanuel, 18, will be heading to Delft
University of Technology in the fall to
games in August and are looking for
new members and sponsors. The play-
DCNA tells Schouten
study systems engineering policy man-
agement. Jaedan will be attending the
ers often take part in chess events in
locations other than Bonaire and need
resources needed
University of Groningen, pursuing a sponsorship for the travel.
degree in spatial planning. In addition, the club will be holding a
Educator Serapio Pop, president and kids and adult chess workshop in July.
coach for the club chess, began the club Anyone interested in supporting the
in May 1988. Pop has taught math and chess club or attending the chess work-
science for over 33 years in the Bonaire shop contact Sergio Pop at 796-9660
school system. or Charles Lont at 701-8000. Story and
Pop, an avid chess player, realized photo by Julie Morgan
Caribbean nature organizations do not cifically mentions that nature and ecol-
have the financial or structural support ogy conservation stands at the basis for
needed to implement the Nature and the sustainable economic development
Environment Policy Plan for Caribbean of the Caribbean Netherlands. The plan
Netherlands. That was the message given similarly identifies the individual park
to Minister Schouten of Agriculture, Na- management organizations as one of the
ture and Food Quality by both the Dutch main responsible entities to ensure this
Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) sustainability. However, the plan lists no
and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature firm financial considerations necessary to
(WWF-NL). ensure its proper implementation.
Island governments have mandated the The Dutch Caribbean is, according to
management of designated protected ar- the Convention of Biological Diversity,
eas to NGOs. The lack of structured fund- the most bio-diverse area of the Kingdom
ing (funding especially vulnerable to the of the Netherlands. The designated park
Water and Energy Company Bonaire (WEB) is on schedule with maintenance work of
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic) has management organizations play a central
Hato’s water storage and distribution tanks. One of the water tanks has been completed
resulted in the real possibility of parks role in the economic development of the
and is fully operational. It has a special paint job that can be seen from far away. The
having to scale back or cease operations. islands, including the support for the is-
design was painted by hand, in a period of four weeks by the artist Loes Praagman.
The Nature and Environment Policy lands’ critical, yet fragile, tourism sector.
Maintenance work started in July 2019. Periodic maintenance is necessary in order to
Plan for the Caribbean Netherlands spe- Photo credit: Naturepics: Y.+T.
comply with the Electricity and Drinking Water Act BES and to guarantee security of
Kühnast
supply.
Page 8 The Bonaire Reporter July 1 - July 15, 2020
The Bonaire Reporter July 1 - July 15, 2020 Page 9
Reef Glimpses
A miracle snook and understanding lateral lines
The explanation I hope is correct is that a fisherperson eral line sense that enables fish like scad (mas bangu and
had caught this snook and was using the screwdriver-like moulo) or anchovies, who travel in shoals of uncountable
device to hold the fish in place with one hand, while individuals, to move together as a single organism.
maybe trying to remove the hook with the other hand. You’ve noticed that the divers who get closest to the
Maybe the fish suddenly wriggled, maybe its movement fish are divers with good buoyancy control who swim
thrust the tool right through the fish and also yanked it smoothly and economically, right? Divers who fin with
out of the person’s hand. The fish was impaled by the their hands or otherwise move unnecessarily create pres-
tool, not good. But it was also back in the water, which sure signals that alarm fish, so the fish don’t stick around.
was good, and it was able to swim away, which was Economically-moving divers send few water-pressure
very good, and its body actually healed around the tool, messages and the ones they send are calm; as a conse-
which was ultra-good. For at least two years, whenever quence, fish are much more comfortable around them.
a group of snook hung out under the dive dock at Cap-
tain Don’s Habitat, this individual – let’s call it Miracle Were you ever part of a closely-packed group of div-
-- was with them. ers? Descending with a group on a boat dive, maybe,
or when gathering to look at a rare critter? It’s almost
Miracle looked just as healthy as the other members impossible not to get crashed into.
Miracle with her piercing.
of its school, and its behavior was the same as that of
the other snook, with one exception: Miracle was much Wouldn’t it be nice if we Homo sapiens aquaticus
evade divers is their lateral line system, which is partic- could develop lateral lines?
more cautious around people. It’s easy to imagine that
ularly easy to see in snook: it’s the dark line that runs Dee Scarr
many of the divers and snorkelers who saw Miracle’s
along each side of the fish, below and parallel to the
situation would want to help, and their instinct would Dee has been guiding divers on Bonaire since 1982.
spine. The lateral line consists of specialized cells that
be to grab the device. Miracle’s spookiness, and the She’s written about her undersea experiences in her
enable the fish to sense pressure – but not the pressure
fish’s ability to elude potential “helpers” probably saved books, Touch the Sea, The Gentle Sea, and Coral’s Reef
we divers usually think about, not the effects of depth
its life, because removal of the healed-in device would (for children), in Dive Training Magazine from 1990 to
on gas pockets.
surely have been more dangerous than its insertion turned 2000, with “Coral Glimpses” in the Bonaire Reporter.
out to be. As it is, Miracle displayed a wonderful ability The pressure that the lateral line detects is water pres- Dee’s books are available for purchase at Bonaire’s Car-
to get on with life. sure, including pressure waves set off by other fish in ib Inn or through touchthesea.com.
the school, or pressure waves created by an approaching
The main reason Miracle, and any other fish, so easily
predator, or any other such water movement. It’s the lat-
Did You Know?
conch shells were used in a study at MIT
to develop helmets and body armor?
ers! Reducing the amount of gasoline and electricity we
consume is a great place to start!
Queen conch shells are made up of three flexible, criss-
crossing layers that make the shell really difficult for a Conch are also really interesting because of their
predator to penetrate. To crack the shell, a predator has mass migrations and mating aggregations. In the past,
to use a lot of force and may instead choose to just give these migration and mating aggregations would include
up and go look for an easier snack. For this reason, MIT hundreds to thousands of individuals! Now it is rare to
has used the structure of conch shells to design light, see even one conch, let alone an aggregation. This is
durable material that can be used in the military for body a problem because it’s much harder for conch to find
protection. Conch need such a tough shell because they each other and successfully reproduce when there are
have many natural predators! Not only do humans find fewer individuals. The few aggregations that remain are
them a tasty treat, but so do loggerhead turtles, spiny extremely important for reproduction and the survival
lobsters and nurse sharks! of the species. Additionally, female Queen conch are
slightly bigger than male conch. This means that if only
As Dee Scarr pointed out in her Reef Glimpses ar-
the largest conch are removed from the water, this could
ticle in the last issue, Queen conch are well known in
drastically decrease the number of females in the water,
the Caribbean for their use in many tasty seafood dish-
making it even harder for their populations to recover.
es. They are an important part of this island’s cultural
heritage and, historically, were an important source of To help this important species to recover from over-
protein. However, for years their populations have been fishing, many countries, including Bonaire, protect
falling dangerously low. We have many types of conch Queen conch. Plus, the trade of conch is restricted by an
in Bonaire, including queen conch, fighting conch, milk international trade agreement, CITES, which means that
conch and helmet conch. Queen conch have an estimated a permit is necessary to import conch. No CITES import
lifespan of 40 years and can grow up to five pounds! permits have been issued for Queen conch in Bonaire for
Queen conch shells at Lac Cai - important fishery still many years. You can help restore Queen conch popula-
Now, we rarely ever see conch anywhere near that size. at risk
The size of the shell and the thickness of the lip at the tions in Bonaire by choosing seafood options other than
edge of their shell is the most accurate measurement of conch. If you’re lucky enough to see a Queen conch in
are used to determine sexual maturity in conch. How-
age in conch. In the 1970s and 80s in the Bahamas and the water, and if you stay back and wait a bit, you may
ever, climate change affects how conch grow, making
the Turks and Caicos Islands, it was common to find see its eye stalks sticking out and its little hopping step
it harder to determine their age. Snail shells, including
1000-3000 conch per hectare! In 2017, a STINAPA - then please let it be so it can go on to replenish the
conch shells, are made up of a compound called calcium
conch monitoring study in Lac Bay surveyed 49 sites population!
carbonate that they are able to take from seawater and
and found only 15 conch per hectare! AND they were use to make their shells. With increasing ocean acidi-
all juveniles and therefore not able to reproduce! Fur- Article written by STINAPA intern Mackenzie Stoeltje
fication, it becomes more and more difficult for some
thermore, when STINAPA rangers and police intercept and STINAPA biologist Caren Eckrich, STINAPA Bo-
reef creatures to build their shells - some may actually
conch poachers inside and outside of Lac Bay, almost all naire. Connecting People With Nature.
begin to dissolve! This is just one reason why it is really
of the conch poached are juveniles. These are signs of important for us to reduce our carbon footprint (use of
extreme overfishing. fossil fuels) so we do not lose our marine invertebrates
As discussed earlier, shell size and shell lip thickness that have shells like conch, lobsters, crabs and many oth-
Page 10 The Bonaire Reporter July 1 - July 15, 2020Reports on Bolivia 1998 - 2020
Over the past 20 years numerous studies have reported on the condition of Bolivia’s
natural environment and how that environment is threatened. The earliest of the 22
reports on Bolivia is presented below, and the remainder can be found in the online
Reporter*. The reports mention that the health of Bolivia’s ecosystems and its iconic
species is rated, without exception, as “moderately unfavorable” to “very unfavorable,”
and that without environmental protection the economic and natural consequences are
grave. *Go to https://bonairereporter.com .
4. The terrace edge area along the
length of the coastline: this area is “eco-
logically quite important” as it provides
shelter and water for birds, insects and
plants, many of which are threatened or
endangered. In addition, it is important
to protect the subterranean cavern water
from pollution.
5. The coastal rubble vegetation The three species of large columnar cacti Subpilocereus repandus, Stenocereus
between Spelonk and Boven Bolivia: griseus and Pilosocereus lanuginosus are ubiquitous elements of arid vegetation on
this area is principally important as a Bonaire. These species are listed in Appendix II of CITES and protected according to
protective covering for migrating spe- Island Legislation. See Report 11, on-line Reporter, page 19. Photo Julie Morgan
cies of land crabs which are important
to the terrestrial ecology as detritivores
and scavengers.
6. The Brasia terrace woodlands on
the plateau above Beneden Bolivia and
extending to Midden Bolivia: “We sug-
gest that this vegetation may be rare on
1-2. Carmabi Foundation, Feb Bonaire and recommend conservation of
1998 and update March 1998 significant tracts of this vegetation.”
7. The Washikemba woodlands in
The inventory was conducted by the southern part of Bolivia: which
Carmabi researchers in November 1997. represent some of the best wooded areas
It is clear from this report that there are of Bolivia. Conservation of “significant
compelling reasons to preserve as much portions” of this region is recommended.
of Bolivia as possible. Some of the pres-
From their observations, the authors of
ervation priorities as noted in the report
the draft have concluded that the “wild-
are:
lands of Bolivia serve the crucial eco-
1. Nesting habitat of the endangered
logical role (emphasis added) of natural
Lora: the rock cliffs and overhangs bor-
corridor for much of the native fauna be-
dering the coastal plain have been docu-
tween the northern and southern halves
mented to be “the most important breed-
of Bonaire. Therefore, to avoid ecolog-
ing area for the endangered Lora.”
ical fragmentation at the island level,
2. Ecologically important food sourc-
significant sections of Bolivia will need
es for native species: the large stands of
to be conserved to fulfill this longterm
kadushi and datu cactus are considered “a
function.
keystone species (and a) key food source
When some might argue that with
for the terrestrial fauna including the vul-
Washington-Slagbaai Park in the north
nerable endemic subspecies of West In-
and Lac Bay in the south, Bonaire has
dian parakeet, the endangered endemic
sufficient land set aside for preservation.
sub species of Yellow-shouldered Ama-
The CARMABI Report argues other-
zon parrot and various endangered bats.”
wise:
3. The cave systems of Spelonk and
• Washington-Slagbaai Park is cur-
Roshikiri: these “play a critical ecologi-
rently overgrazed out of necessity to
cal role as shelter for the endangered bats
use much of the land as a “goat park”
and other rare species such as the endan-
to raise operating funds, as the report
gered Barn Owl.” “Without these bats
states, while Bolivia has also been heav-
the terrestrial ecology of the Leeward
ily grazed. “Bolivia appears to possess
Islands would literally collapse.” Bolivia
greater vitality at this point. In the future
harbors the most important concentration
the wildlands of Bolivia may prove vital
of (undisturbed) caves on Bonaire.” The
to survival of the flora and fauna of Bo-
report makes special note that preserv-
naire in general.”
ing the caves without a concomitant ef-
• Most of the caves outside Bolivia,
fort to preserve “significant surrounding
including the cave of Seru Grandi in
habitat” would be a “crucial mistake” as
Washington- Slagbaai Park are quite
was made in Barcadera. “Conservation
small and the only relatively large caves
of an individual cave is meaningless un-
outside Bolivia (Barcadera and Onima)
less its ecological connectedness to the
are threatened by tourism and, in the case
surrounding areas is also recognized in
of Barcadera, pollution.
the form of conservation of sufficient
Published compliments of
surrounding wilderness areas.”
Foundation Save Plantation Bolivia
Moreover, the presence of known
and, perhaps, yet undiscovered pre-Co-
To read the 22 summarized reports on
lumbian Amerindian petroglyphs make
Bolivia please visit the Bonaire Reporter
this area important to the Netherlands
online at bonairereporter.com
Antilles for both cultural and scientific
reasons.
The Bonaire Reporter July 1 - July 15, 2020 Page 11You can also read
