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Saleh, a Bonairean, on behalf of the majority of the government for the manner in which he was disregarded by Komproe last week as chairman of the evaluation committee for corporate law. Cova announced an investigation "to rectify the matter."  In the past Komproe threatened retaliation to the prosecutors who were handling the trial that convicted his fellow party members of corruption.
Governor Saleh was supposed to be appointed chairman of a committee to evaluate the practical effects of the new corporate statues. However, last Friday Komproe did not proceed with his induction during a meeting specifically held especially for that purpose. The reason is unknown. Komproe was not available for comment. 

u  There has been an increase in volcanic activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano on Montserrat. Persons in the evacuation zone were told to leave the area immediately, according to an announcement on the government-owned Radio Montserrat. Members of the Scientific Advisory Committee, a team of top volcanic experts, were meeting on the island.
The last major volcanic eruption occurred on July 12, 2003. Major eruptions several years ago devastated the island and it now has only a small portion of its former population.

u  Due to the heavy rains, Croccantino's monthly jazz and regional Italian cuisine evening last Friday was postponed to this Friday, March 12.  This month's fare, a three course menu, will be Tuscan, home of Chef Antonio. Cool jazz will be performed by Curaçaoans Ronchi Matthews on keyboard and Herschel Rosario on bass. From Bonaire will be Benji on guitar, Guus on sax, Lando on bass and vocalist Linda Anthony. As well, Gil O'Gawa will perform on banjo, and there will most likely be other surprise guests. Call now for reservations. There are a few seats left. Tel. 717-5025.

u  Want to know what the BonairExel fares and schedules are?
Bonaire - Curaçao round-trip 7 x per day NAƒ 55 one way / $31
Bonaire - Aruba round-trip 3 x per day NAƒ 112 one way / $63
Curaçao - Aruba round-trip 2 x per day From NAƒ 86 one way / $48
And there are Special BonairExel weekend round trips:
Bonaire - Curaçao round-trip 7 x per day NAƒ 85 round trip / $48
Bonaire - Aruba round-trip 3 x per day NAƒ 175 round trip / $98
Curaçao - Aruba round-trip 2 x per day From NAƒ 175 round trip / $98
The fares exclude fuel surcharge and taxes.
You can save even more with ExelPlus.  ExelPlus is the loyalty program of BonairExel and its partners. Passengers on BonairExel flights can save for free tickets using this user-friendly stamp system.
How it works: One flight segment gets you one stamp. When you fill your ExelPlus card (containing 20 stamps) after 10 round-trip flights you're entitled to one free round-trip ticket on a BonairExel flight.
Passengers can participate in the ExelPlus program by asking for a card at the BonairExel check-in at the Bonaire, Curaçao and Aruba airports. Show your boarding pass to the flight attendant to get a stamp during the flight. Redeem a full card at the BonairExel reservation offices. The tickets can be used by the participant her/himself or can be used someone else. See ad on page 3.

u  Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 27. There will be  a Fashion Show of designs from Venezuelan couturier Juan Carlos Padrino at Croccantino at  7 pm. All proceeds will go to the Special Olympics Team Bonaire.
Juan Carlos Padrino is a young and very talented Venezuelan designer who has become the major influence in Venezuelan theaters as lead costume designer for all major performances. For this Special Olympics Team Bonaire benefit fashion show Padrino will share with us another scope of his talent, Padrino Haute Couture.  Your donation of NAƒ125 includes a three-course dinner, including wine, and an evening of beautiful, romantic clothes modeled by people from the island. Tickets are available at TCB and Croccantino.

uWanna Be Irish? Last year's St. Patrick's Day Party at the Caribbean Club (Hilltop) became legendary. It was Ireland, you were Irish, the Paddy's, the Jameson and the Guinness flowed. The atmosphere was like that of an Irish pub except it was in a tropical location! Everyone was in high spirits. This year's St. Pat's day celebration at Hilltop will top even that. There will be live music, door prizes, even Irish Stew! Come join the fun starting at 6 on Wednesday, March 17. More information call 717-7901.

u Remember we are seeking some good APRIL FOOL stories. Send them by e-mail (fool@bonairenews.com) or drop off at our office. Call for more info 717-8988/785-6125.

u  The LEO Aggression Management free workshop, conducted by Leo Regeer last Friday, was a huge success with 125 participants. Mr. Regeer, founder of the LEO Aggression Management education institute in Amsterdam, will return the end of May or June with some of his trainers to give additional two- to four-day courses in Bonaire and Curaçao. The Reporter will keep you informed.

u  Beginning in this issue The Bonaire Reporter will provide coverage of Referendum 2004. In June voters will go to the polls to vote on alternatives to the present form of government and their relationship with Holland and their sister islands. The Reporter pledges to take no side in the issues. However, we've assembled a team of writers, chroniclers if you will, who will bring forward pertinent information on a weekly basis. The first article begins on page 12.    G./L. D.

Fundashon Mariadal photo

u  Fundashon Mariadal, which runs San Francisco Hospital, has a website- www.fundashonmariadal.org. On it you'll find lots of helpful and informative news about the hospital including facilities like the recompression chamber, history, projects and mission. Currently it's in English and Dutch but a Spanish language version is planned.

u You can see their colorful sails three days a week.  Easily one of the most active groups on the island, the kids from the Bonaire Sunfish Association (BSA) are out on the sea learning, training and racing on a regular basis.  These sailors participate in monthly races and are a favorite at the Bonaire Regatta.  The BSA, which meets at the Regatta headquarters, is in need of a shelter in which to store boats and gear.  Support Bonaire recently donated $1,000 to the BSA that was used to construct the first half of the shelter (the foundation and the support beams).  Support Bonaire, Inc. is a tax deductible US 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial and non-financial support to educational, social, and environmental charitable organizations and projects on Bonaire.  To learn more, you can visit their website, www.supportbonaire.org.  Many thanks go out to those who have donated funds to Support Bonaire.  Your thoughtfulness makes a difference!  The BSA is still in need of funding to finish the project (to build the roof and protect the boats from the elements). If you're able to help out with a donation or if you want to find out more about the BSA, contact Artie DeVries at 717-7972.