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 informationthey will be searching for boat yards too. Captain Don’s Habitat dive manager permits for other projects. visit: www.boatyardbonaire.com. DMRThanks to the specialists at Boat Yard Roger Haug just brought in their second Van Dijk explained that initially the Photos Julie MorganBonaire, located next to WEB on the boat for major repairs. His own crew does government was very cooperative andwaterfront, cruisers no longer have to go most of the work at the boatyard. promised the permits in six to eightto 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 thatdone right here on Bonaire, as can local afraid to spend the money to get things the government has yet to decide whereboat 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 isin 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 withproperty and made major upgrades. The what we’re doing. What we do here is sonew yard draws cruisers to Bonaire and rental, a sail shop and Go4Clean, and yachtbrokercaribbean.com operated by important because the boats don’t comecontributes significantly to the economy. to Bonaire because there is no place forAccording 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 plansneed 50 employees once they are fully for expansion. Within the newly fenced The boat yard welcomes everyone fromoperational. 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 hold60-70 boats. The yard can perform exte- grease separators. They plan to widen the Willem van Dijk, former restaurantrior 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 tenpainting, 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 aand 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 3Government extends the US citizens can fly home Workers demonstrate on Curaçao 4 Loans without permits illegal 5emergency 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 6the emergency package for residents and businesses on Bo- U.S. citizens and residents in Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, and Sint Chess club graduates 8naire, Sint-Eustatius and Saba for four months until the 12th of Eustatius should take advantage of these flights immediately or Street Colors Bonaire 8October. The support for residents and businesses in the Dutch be prepared to remain abroad indefinitely. People can contact DCNA advises Schouten 8Caribbean will continue to be comparable to the measures the air carriers for flight schedules. The U.S. Consulate main- WEB maintains water tanks 8taken 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 12the Caribbean Netherlands. Although the islands have largely information. DMR Gifted kids present projects 15escaped the coronavirus in terms of health up to now, the *https://cw.usconsulate.gov/news-events/covid-19-information/ Justice triangle tackles violence 15tourist sector, which drives a large part of the economy, has ZUK medical travel insurance 15ground to a halt. Departments State Secretary Raymond Knops announced, on behalf ofthe 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 sametime 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 whilecrisis 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-yeargovernment and society together, will pull through. With this bean Netherlands from the European Netherlands, Belgium, vehicle tax; hospital “sues” ZVK; Pullmanturextension we are protecting jobs and incomes in the coming Germany, Luxembourg, and France. bankrupt) 2period 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) 4sures to the extended package. For example, a temporary laration. They must have tested negative for COVID-19 within Letter (Swiss ophthalmo surgeon) 4income support scheme has been introduced, the temporary the preceding 72 hours. And they must have remained for 14 Opinion: Bolivia preservation 4reimbursem*nt of fixed costs has been extended (up to a max- days in the area of their departure. Police Report (Burglaries solved) 5imum 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) 6also making 1.3 million euros available to the public entities. the ABC islands a complimentary PCR-test until August 31st, Did You Know: (Conch) 10DMR 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) 12Get 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 13flights that were canceled because of the corona crisis no lon- eco-tourism favored Ask a Geek: (Plane spotting) Business Directory 13 14ger have to settle for vouchers. They can choose cash refundsinstead. The EU reminded airlines in March that refunds must Bonaire’s main economic assets are nature, space, tranquili- Pet Of The Week: Mauricio - cat 15be given for canceled services. But airlines, including KLM, ty and authenticity, features which contribute to the prosperity Shelter News: (Terrific teenagers) 15offered 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 17-22for 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 membercountries 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 Martinustheir mobile phones while driving. This violation will incur provided in the new eco-tourism centers to be created at the Distribution: Marlene & Co. (Playa), Yuchia 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 12Page 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 pageThe Bonaire Reporter July 1 - July 15, 2020 Page 3
Letters Ask KateDear 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 weland. 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.combeautiful island. Two years ago I bought a to check on him during Easter holidaysvilla there as we thought it would be our in Bonaire as it is not possible for him Opinionsretirement in Bonaire. to come back Europe, but unfortunate- Of course I love Bonaire and Bonarian ly my flight was canceled due to thepeople and in order to help people with COVID-19. I agreed with him to checkmy 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 authorslast 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 hislovely family last summer and we talk- I live in Switzerland together with myed about his huge problem with his eye family. I read that Switzerland visitors arewhich neither in Colombia nor in Holland not yet accepted in Bonaire even thoughcould be solved. the COVID-19 cases have been very low. I checked him and I organized for In short, I am concerned not to haveFebruary a delicate operation of cornea the possibility to check on him, and thistransplant with stem cells implant for could cause failure of the graft. I amcomplete leuchoma and limbus disease. kindly asking to have the possibility toThe eye was completely blind and only in come to Bonaire with my family in orderthis 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 lotcharge anything to him and to provide an for everythingaccommodation and the flight tickets to Best regards, Marco Fantozzi M.DWorkers 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.comPage 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, 2020Yale 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- Majestic Freedom | Comfort | Royal Treatment Comfortable bankingPetrich in front of Sterling Memorial Library at Yale New Haven LibraryLouis Petrich of Severna Park, MD, who has been visiting Bonaire since2006 and owns a condo at Sand Dollar, had an interesting summer in 2019.He commuted from Bonaire, twice, where he was vacationing with his fam-ily, to a summer lecture series he was teaching on The Merchant of Veniceby William Shakespeare and The Bacchae by Euripides, at Yale Universityin 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 posewith The Bonaire Reporter in two locations! He spent the night, duringhis commute, in Hartsdale, NY, stopping by fire headquarters to take hisfirst photo, and then in front of the Sterling Memorial Library at Yale NewHaven Library for the second picture. Hartsdale Photo by Alan Zale, NewHaven Photo by Lise von Boxel. Comfortable banking Orco Bank is your personal banker in Curaçao, Bonaire and St. Martin. Entrust all your banking Petrich and his family are past winners of the Picture Yourself feature. needs to us and be sure to receive the most courteous and competent of services available.Louis and his family were living in Iraq in 2011 while he was teaching at With ample experience operating in the international arena, we offer expert advice and thethe American University of Iraq in Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan. perfect platform to design a mortgage tailor-made to your needs. At Orco Bank, it’s all about your comfort: knowing that your finances are well taken care of,WIN A PRIZE! Are you elsewhere? We’d love to see you in The Reporter. so you can enjoy a carefree lifestyle!Hold up the printed cover, or go digital and pose with The Reporter on your Orco Majestic: the ultimate feeling of freedom and comforttablet, computer, or phone. Please identify everybody in your photo, andtell us about yourselves. All the 2019 submissions that we were unable to Orco Majestic is our private banking service for select customers only. No other bank in Curaçao, Bonaire or St. Martin will offer you more personal attention orrun will be published in 2020. All photos run in 2020 photos are eligible privileges. We provide a complete package of extraordinary banking products featuringfor the annual prize. attractive conditions and lots of extras. Your freedom, comfort and flexibility are our first priority. Majestic Current Account | Majestic Savings Account | Majestic Mortgage | Majestic Car Loan Advertise in the Reporter. Reach your market in Kaya Grandi #48, Bonaire print and online Tel: (599) 717-2000 Fax: (599) 717-2035 www.orcobank.com email: John.soliano@orcobank.comPage 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 spokeStashi in Antriol on June 25. including: Rudsel Leito (director Selibon The cleanup project for residents to NV); James Kroon (deputy), Nina denget their barrio in order began June 29 Heyer (deputy); Elvis Tjisn Ajoe (depu-in the Antriol neighborhood. Residents ty); Derchlien Vrolijk (Blue Destinationare asked to clean up their yards, hous- representative); Pierre Perigault Montees and the trashy areas where litter and (Integral neighborhood development andrefuse 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 theunwanted furniture, etc. If there is an cleanups will extend to the end of theoverflow of large items, Selibon will set year. They have mapped out a threeup 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, Augustborhood. 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 andas 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 circ*mstances, 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) atThe 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 goplayers with tournaments and an award in math and science. He has had sever- the project.” live in about week. More informationdinner 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. SEach tournament yielded medals for chess club members continued playing The mural is supported by the people Story and photo by Julie Morganthe 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 DelftUniversity of Technology in the fall to games in August and are looking for new members and sponsors. The play- DCNA tells Schoutenstudy 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 neededUniversity 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 thein 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 796-9660school 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 parkWater and Energy Company Bonaire (WEB) is on schedule with maintenance work of impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic) has management organizations play a centralHato’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 theand 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 Kühnastsupply.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 andhad caught this snook and was using the screwdriver-like moulo) or anchovies, who travel in shoals of uncountabledevice 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 theMaybe the fish suddenly wriggled, maybe its movement fish are divers with good buoyancy control who swimthrust the tool right through the fish and also yanked it smoothly and economically, right? Divers who fin without 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-pressurevery 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 ofthe other snook, with one exception: Miracle was much Wouldn’t it be nice if we hom*o 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 Scarrmany of the divers and snorkelers who saw Miracle’s along each side of the fish, below and parallel to thesituation 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 thatbe 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 pressurefish’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 depthits 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 MITto 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, 2020
Reports 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 on1-2. Carmabi Foundation, Feb Bonaire and recommend conservation of1998 and update March 1998 significant tracts of this vegetation.” 7. The Washikemba woodlands in The inventory was conducted by the southern part of Bolivia: whichCarmabi researchers in November 1997. represent some of the best wooded areasIt is clear from this report that there are of Bolivia. Conservation of “significantcompelling reasons to preserve as much portions” of this region is recommended.of Bolivia as possible. Some of the pres- From their observations, the authors ofervation 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 naturalLora: 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 halvesmented 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 needes for native species: the large stands of to be conserved to fulfill this longtermkadushi and datu cactus are considered “a function.keystone species (and a) key food source When some might argue that withfor the terrestrial fauna including the vul- Washington-Slagbaai Park in the northnerable endemic subspecies of West In- and Lac Bay in the south, Bonaire hasdian 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 tocal 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 reportgered Barn Owl.” “Without these bats states, while Bolivia has also been heav-the terrestrial ecology of the Leeward ily grazed. “Bolivia appears to possessIslands would literally collapse.” Bolivia greater vitality at this point. In the futureharbors the most important concentration the wildlands of Bolivia may prove vitalof (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 inhabitat” would be a “crucial mistake” as Washington- Slagbaai Park are quitewas made in Barcadera. “Conservation small and the only relatively large cavesof an individual cave is meaningless un- outside Bolivia (Barcadera and Onima)less its ecological connectedness to the are threatened by tourism and, in the casesurrounding areas is also recognized in of Barcadera, pollution.the form of conservation of sufficient Published compliments ofsurrounding wilderness areas.” Foundation Save Plantation Bolivia Moreover, the presence of knownand, perhaps, yet undiscovered pre-Co- To read the 22 summarized reports onlumbian Amerindian petroglyphs make Bolivia please visit the Bonaire Reporterthis area important to the Netherlands online at bonairereporter.comAntilles for both cultural and scientificreasons.The Bonaire Reporter July 1 - July 15, 2020 Page 11
