February 6, 2007
BONHATA Release

BONHATA 10th Annual Awards

Below is the text of the presentation of the 10th Annual BONHATA Awards, courtesy of BONHATA:

Our first award goes to a company who is:

• Breaking new ground in the Tourism Sector of Bonaire.
• Filling a much needed gap in Hospitality Training.
• Professional in their work & dealings with clients.

And the award goes to – Match Consultancy

Our second award goes to someone who is:

• Always pleasant and helpful be it on the phone, in person or over e-mail.
• Professional in her work & dealings with co-workers, as well as clients.
• Willing to challenge herself in tasks that do not come easily to her.
• Multi tasked, knowledgeable and willing to learn more.
• Respected and well liked by her peers
• As a single mom, with no extended family on Bonaire, she has been able to meet the challenges of a demanding work schedule wherever she has worked (weekend work, 10-hr days, etc)

And the award goes to – Maribelle De Woolfe, Bonaire Tours & Vacations

Our third award goes to a company who has:

• Been in the island of Bonaire for many years and whose name is associated with very high quality.
• Is a household name to every local and tourist alike.
• Their commitment to the tourism product of Bonaire is unparalleled and who has recently celebrated their 25th Anniversary of doing business on Bonaire and who threw a party for the whole island to attend in celebration of this and even asked many organizations to set up stalls at the party to sell goods and food for their organizations benefit.

And the award goes to – Littman Jewellers

Our fourth award goes to a company who has:

• Made an art form out of sponsorship! Any worthy cause on the island makes their application to this company and it seems that they are never turned down.
• From the Special Olympics to the Old Age Pensioners, from The King of the Caribbean to BONHATA – they give and they give generously.
• This company also shows friendliness and service in banking to all its customers – locals and tourists alike.

And the award goes to – Maduro & Curiel’s Bank

Our fifth award goes to someone who has:

• Progressively expanded his horizons and in the process has also expanded and upgraded the tourism product of Bonaire.
• Who has worked diligently and at great length to make the small hotel concept in the forefront

And the award goes to – Marcel Olij

Our sixth award goes to a company who has:

1. Been involved with training the children of Bonaire to expand their horizons and get them involved in competitions which in the end has benefited the whole island.
2. Their business is also one of the most popular places for tourists and residents alike – with a great location, good service and fantastic atmosphere.

And the award goes to – Bonaire Windsurfing Place

Our seventh award goes to an individual who as a bartender:

• Has shown the island she has the creativity and won the Bonaire Balashi Bartender Competition in 2006 and then went on to show the Caribbean she had what it takes to be a Gold medal winner in Taste of The Caribbean.

And the award goes to – Jenmarie Coffie

Our eighth award goes to an individual who will probably refuse to accept it on the grounds of protocol. However, I took Executive Privilege and overrode her decision.

The award goes to someone who has shown:

• An unflagging commitment to getting Bonaire's youths to understand and appreciate the culinary arts, with exchange trips to Italy.
• Combined with the driving force she provides in helping Bonaire compete in Caribbean-wide culinary competitions, has helped open whole new worlds for many teenagers.
• That she also has time to run a major resort, as well as be an active member of Bonaire's Rotary Club, are testaments as to why this person should be recognised for her contribution to Bonaire.

And the award goes to – Sara Matera

Our ninth award goes to a company who has provided:

• A unique addition to the tourism product of Bonaire and is one of the founding fathers of the Motorcycle Club – who dedicate a great deal of time, money and effort towards many social issues on the island and who also organises the annual bikers weekend.
• And who has shown great social concern for the youth of Bonaire by giving the youngsters on the island a chance to learn something more than what they do in school by giving them work around his shop.

And the award goes to – Orlando Francisca

Our final award goes to a company who is:

1. One of the oldest businesses on the island that provides excellent service and keeps up to date with new developments and whose employees are helpful and professional – service above self.
2. Whose business provides a vital and well run service to many of Bonaire’s tourism businesses as well as to private individuals – our link to the world
3. The owner has also worked hard to help out the Bonaire community.

And the award goes to Marisela Croes

We now have a very special award to hand out.

1. This company has been a part of Bonaire for over 15 years and as such they have been instrumental in its success as a tourism destination.
2. They have stuck with us through thick and thin and helped guide us with their creative and imaginative marketing.
3. It is no secret that two of their Directors are particular friends of Bonaire and tonight we would like to recognize them and their company and thank them from the bottom of our hearts for all they have done for us and the island.

Candice Kimmel & Marie Rosa – Adams Unlimited