| STINAPA - OUR PERSONNEL
Elsmarie Beukenboom
 Born on Bonaire on February 26th 1956
Present position: Director
I started working for STINAPA on December 1st 2002.
I applied for the job because I believe in the vision of Bonaire, which is: ‘Sustainable development, while preserving the nature and culture of our island’. While working for STINAPA I can be an active player in achieving this vision. I strongly believe that Bonaire can have economic development and at the same time safeguard its nature and its culture. To be able to achieve this, though, everybody on this island needs to understand what this means and what it takes. That is the hardest part. Bonaire is a unique island and many things that we have done on this island, and should be doing, have not been done elsewhere. That is what makes it difficult for people to understand that on this island we have to do things the ‘non-conventional way’; we have to look outside of the box. If we don’t, we will very soon be just another island in the Caribbean.
In my daily work I represent the Board of Directors on the work floor and ensure that our staff keeps to the foundation’s mission and objectives. I am the first Director of the foundation. I work with the managers and together we form the Management Team. When I was hired the board gave me the assignment to make the foundation financially sustainable; to increase the awareness of the users and the local population about nature protection; and to make the work of the foundation and its parks known locally as well as internationally. To be able to do this we made a strategic plan for the first three years. At the end of this period our work was evaluated – 78% of our objectives were achieved during the three years. What was not achieved were mostly due to lack of manpower or financial resources. The great thing about my job is being able to work with many different people, internally and externally, and on different levels and on different issues – every day is a different day!
The importance of STINAPA is that we’re safeguarding nature for today’s use and for future generations. Decisions made today will have lasting affects for future generations.
« back to the previous page
Ramon de Leon
 Born in Uruguay on November 1st 1962. I came to Bonaire in April 1998
Present position: Manager of the Bonaire National Marine Park
I applied for the job because a group of friends convinced me to do so. I wasn’t the only one, more than hundred people applied, but I am a marine biologist and I had been working in the dive industry of Bonaire for a long time. Since the main stakeholder of the Marine Park is the dive industry I thought this double background would be useful to work in this function. Also I love nature and I love Bonaire and I think this is a great way to do something for the people of Bonaire. I started working at STINAPA on August 1st 2004. I collaborate with the other managers involving the long-term strategy for the foundation and on a daily base I am responsible for all the maintenance, law enforcement, education and different monitoring programs. The nicest thing, without any doubt, is the interaction with the people. This park is a multi use park and we have many users like water sport operators, fishermen and people who live on the shoreline. Being able to interact and help these people to solve their problems is very satisfying for me. I also strongly believe that this is a protected area to use, so I like to work with the people to find possibilities to use the park in a sustainable way.
The importance of STINAPA: Since the main income of the economy of Bonaire is tourism, especially dive tourism, I think that having an organization like STINAPA warranties the sustainable use of the natural resource. Bonaire now has the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean and this is not a coincidence since we have protected the reefs of Bonaire for 30 years now.
« back to the previous page
Fernando Simal
 Born in Asturias, Spain on November 28 1963
Natural and Historic Resources Unit Manager.
On October 1st 2000, I was hired as the first manager of the Washington Slagbaai National Park. My mission was to bring the park to the best possible level in the areas of infrastructure, facilities, human resources, finances and nature management. For the last ten years I've been running and organizing projects in all these areas. When STINAPA asked me if I wanted to apply for the job I was living in Venezuela working a few different jobs at the same time. I am a biologist with a Masters in Nature Management and Conservation but in order to properly support my family I created a company to do high-rise buildings maintenance using rock climbing equipment and techniques. At the same time I was in charge of the SCUBA diving department of the University of Isla Margarita and I was teaching sports in a high school and I owned an excursion center and also I used to do biology related volunteer work. The best part of my job for the past 10 years was to see the park improve, achieving our goals and to see the results of my work and both locals and foreigners enjoying them.
After almost 10 years of service to the terrestrial park I was ready to undertake my real passion, which is Nature Management. In my judgment, STINAPA Bonaire was also in dire need of a department dedicated only to managing the nature of the island, since it is not realistic for the same person to do both the park administration and all the ecological work that needs to be done for the conservation of our natural and historic resources. Therefore, in 2009, I proposed to STINAPA the creation of this department and the hiring of a new park manager for the terrestrial park in a more administrative and operational role. It worked out!!
Since we manage and protect the main engine that drives the economy of this island –our natural resources-, the importance of STINAPA as a key player in the achievement of a sustainable development for Bonaire is easily ranked at the highest level possible. No question about it!
« back to the previous page
Kerenza Rannou
 Born on Bonaire
Present position: Accounting manager
I started working for STINAPA in August 5th 1996. I finished my studies and had been working abroad for several years and I wanted to come back to the Antilles. I’m doing the administration and everything that comes with it for the foundation and the two parks: Washington Park and the Marine Park. All managers are members of the Management Team and we carry out the policy directed by the board, but we also bring ideas about how to professionalize STINAPA even more. The best thing about my job is that STINAPA is always moving on to a higher professional level and although my work is quite standard I get the opportunity to do different things in the foundation. I also participated in the special police powers training, I got my first aid diploma and I’m going to do a boat-handling course. For me it’s not a must but I do it for fun!
STINAPA is important because our income comes from nature. We live from tourism and STINAPA protects nature in a way so that coming generations will also be capable of enjoying our nature. Sustainable development is very important for the island. I also think that it is very important that STINAPA is educating the children; it’s one of the most valuable contributions STINAPA is giving to the island.
« back to the previous page
Edwin (Din) Domacassé
 Born on Bonaire on July 5th 1964
Present position: Chief Ranger of the Bonaire National Marine Park
I started to work for STINAPA on February 7th 1993. I’d been a dive master at a dive shop for ten years and I got tired of baby-sitting the visitors….you have to be a good baby sitter you know! J In the beginning I didn’t make a lot of money with STINAPA compared to what I was earning at the dive shop, but I was doing something I really enjoyed! The sea is in my blood, in my genes, and now I have to protect nature and I put my whole heart into it. Before I didn’t see it like that; I loved the sea but I was not using it the correct way. Protecting the sea has now become my second nature! I am also the intermediary between the rangers and the manager and I have to organize and plan the work for the week and check that it gets done. However, I am also a ranger and I have to do the same job as the other rangers.
The thing I love to do best is to catch someone in the act of breaking the rules! That’s action! I love action!
The people on Bonaire make their money with tourism and visitors come for nature, without nature – no tourism! STINAPA protects nature, that’s why STINAPA is important.
I received an award on June 23, 2006 for my dedication to the preservation of the marine environment: the Accolade Award. It was presented to me by Captain Don.
« back to the previous page
José (Junny) Janga
 Born on Curacao on November 10th 1963
Present position: Manager of Washington Slagbaai National Park.
I started working for STINAPA on March 9 th 2010.
I studied electrical engineering and after which I received my mathematic teaching degree on Curacao. I decided to go to Holland to study further, concentrating on electronic engineering and computer science. After a couple of years in Holland, I felt that it was time for me to head home (Bonaire). Why Bonaire? Because Bonaire has a special place in my heart, both my parents are from Rincon and as a kid I had spent many school vacations on the kunuku's in and around Rincon. And the most important reason was the virgin nature of this Island.
I was a scout from the age of 7 ‘til 23 that awakened my love for nature and made me want to take care of the environment. I really started looking at culture and nature with a conservationist's eye when I came back to the N.A. I realize how pristine, beautiful and unique our nature and culture are.
Bonaire, on land and under water is well preserved. I feel that everybody has the obligation to help with the conservation of our natural resources. It is good to educate people on why we need to protect our island. I totally support the concept of our communication campaign, “NOS TA BIBA DI NATURALESA” (sustainable development), and the economic vision of Bonaire (since 1993) which is “Groei met behoud van Cultuur en Natuur” (economic growth while maintaining culture and nature resources).
For 10 years I worked in the tourism industry on Bonaire. The last 6 years as the General Manager of a dive resort. Being in the tourism industry I got the opportunity to work with divers and a variety of nature conservation (minded) people worldwide.
When STINAPA hired me as the new Washington Slagbaai National Park Manager, I realized how fortunate I am with the opportunity to turn my hobby and my passion into my job. How lucky one can be!!!
My job is to manage the park on all levels. Marketing, human resources, guest services, financial, infrastructure, history, historical structures and maintenance. One of my major tasks is to look for ways to substantially raise the number of visitors of the park.
« back to the previous page
George Thodé
 Born on Bonaire on January 26th 1963
Present position: Chief Ranger of the Washington Slagbaai National Park
Since April 1st 1981 I’ve been working in the Washington Park. The park was founded in 1969 and I’ve been with the park for more than 36 years already. I lived in the park for many, many years but nowadays I am living in Rincon. We’ve been sent by Jesus to do our work here and to register everything that’s going on in nature. Before I became Chief Ranger I was a ranger and my work was here at the entrance but also in the field. I do everything. I don’t know about working hours. I stay as long as I want and I come whenever I feel like it, but always before 8.00 am and after 5.00 pm! I do the maintenance in the park and since July 15th 1970 I document and register everything. It is a never-ending task.
STINAPA protects nature and they teach the people what this means.
« back to the previous page
July-Ann Frans
 Born on Bonaire on January 9th 1975
Present position: Jack(y) -of-all-trades. I was hired to do light-administrative work but now I’m helping everyone!
I came to fill in for a month but when the lady I was filling in for left for good they wanted me back, so I started here October 7th 1997 and I am still here and I love it! I handle the phone, make the appointments, make copies, make the forms for Washington Park and the Marine Park, take the notes at the general meeting, fill in at Washington Park when the rangers have something else to do and… when I’m three days off and I call them, they ask me: “When are you coming back, we’re looking for something and we can’t find it, we don’t know what to do, we miss you!!!” I feel important! I only take my holidays because I have to, but it’s really not what I want! Only when I have to take care of my baby I stay at home. Everything about my job is great and my colleagues are very sweet. I also like to work with the visitors at the entrance of the park.
STINAPA is important because they protect our plants and fishes and our reefs and many locals don’t realize how important that is. We have to inform and educate the Antilleans, so they know more and they can help the rangers with their work. In 2006 I received a promotion and now I am the Administrative Assistant. I am now responsible also for the management of the office and also to make sure that our building is well maintained.
« back to the previous page
Clifford Cicilia
 Born on Bonaire on April 20th 1969
Present position: Ranger of the Washington Slagbaai National Park
I’ve worked in Washington Park since November 1st 1995 and every day is different! I sell tickets at the entrance, cut branches, and help the visitors when they get lost or when they have car problems, check on the fences and repair them and I do the maintenance of the buildings and the cars. Also I attended a bird watching course in Portland, Maine. What I like best? To work out-doors, in the field!
STINAPA takes care of the park and makes sure that everything is going well and better.
« back to the previous page
Nestor Janga
 Born on Bonaire on February 27th 1953
Present position: Ranger
I’ve been working for Washington Park since April 6th 1998. I was living in St. Maarten when hurricane Luis destroyed the whole island in 1995. Since I am the only son and the youngest child of my mother she wanted me to come back to Bonaire. I was looking for a job in communication and I ended up here at STINAPA; most of the time I’m working at the Visitor Center, selling tickets to the visitors and giving them information. I also work in the field; cutting branches, repairing the road and I help the visitors if they have problems with their car and if I can’t do it I contact the car rental agency. What I find the nicest thing about my job is the communication with the visitors.
STINAPA is here to prevent people from harming nature; if they do so anyway they'll face the consequences, including arrest. If STINAPA wouldn’t be there to protect our nature everything would slowly but surely disappear.
« back to the previous page
Derchlien Vrolijk-Dijkhoff
 Born on Aruba on May 30th, 1981
Currently working as Communications Coordinator at STINAPA Bonaire
Since very young I have been introduced to the nature, which fully surrounded my grandparent's house in Aruba. Being able to experience and interact with the different species from a young age gave me the inspiration to always keep that feeling and especially to hand over the same experiences and feelings to others. After living abroad in different countries throughout my youth, I always kept in my mind to return to the Caribbean to experience the island feel again. Looking at how many of our sister islands have overdeveloped and the “mondi” is becoming scarce, together with my family we opted to come to Bonaire. Bonaire has the feel and scenery I so much longed for, now after returning to the Caribbean. This is what I want my kids to grow up knowing, experience, be passionate about and to make it part of their lives to protect, preserve and maintain. My contribution to the work that STINAPA does will surely make a difference as we are aiming for every one that lives on our beautiful island of Bonaire to get to know and learn all about what STINAPA stands for, works towards and protects. This will strengthen the campaign “Nos ta Biba di Naturalesa,” that has been successfully executed for five years.
« back to the previous page
Sally Thodé
 Born on Bonaire on April 6th 1965
Present position: Housekeeper
I started working for STINAPA on March 2nd 1990; first my sister was working here but then I took over the job from her. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday I clean the buildings in Washington Park and on Tuesday and Thursday I clean at the Headquarters at Barcadera. It’s a nice job; my colleagues are great, the atmosphere is nice, and it’s quiet here and I love nature. I feel good when I am at work. I like it a lot.
STINAPA is doing many good things for the people on Bonaire. They educate the children and they organize activities for them.
« back to the previous page
Ruthsel Paula
 Born on Curaçao on November 7th, 1977
Present position: Ranger of the WSNP
I started working for STINAPA on September 1st, 2005. I took this job because I wanted to learn new things. Now I work in the shop. I like to attend the visitors who are entering the park, we talk and I check if they have paid the entrance fee already or if they still have to pay.
Nature all around the world is under big pressure, which is why we all have to make a bigger effort to protect and preserve it. Plants breath and give us clean air, we have to take care of them.
« back to the previous page
Diana Sint Jago
 Born: on Curaçao (by accident).
Present position: Pride Coordinator:
Project: We are the world, restoration of conch in Lac Bay, Bonaire.
I used to be a boardmember for STINAPA and now I am an employee. This is where I always wanted to be.... in the thick of the action.
Since my childhood I am crazy about everything that has to do with nature; the ‘mondi' of Bonaire is beautiful, and so is the sea. I am very upset to see beautiful and valuable parts of the island disappear in the name of development. I am not against development, but there is room enough to pick other areas instead of the most pristine areas of the island.
The importance of STINAPA is that it watches everything that affects nature like a hawk and takes action against those that try to hurt Bonaire's nature on purpose and educates and informs those that want to be educated and informed about our nature.
Bonaire is beautiful, Bonaire is unique. It is my duty now to inform the community of Bonaire the importance of nature conservation.
I am very proud to be a member of the STINAPA family.
« back to the previous page
George Saragoza
 Born on Bonaire on August 2nd 1958
Present position: All around Person
I’ve been with STINAPA since January 1st 1992. I started as a ranger of the Marine Park. We put in moorings, give snorkel lessons to children, and check if the divers have paid the entrance fee to the park. Now I work full time at the Washington Park doing maintenance; we cut branches along the roads, we paint the buildings, check on the cars and all kind of small repairs that need to be done. For me every day is fun!
STINAPA is like a special star for Bonaire; its light shines over the island because they protect Bonaire’s nature, on land and in the sea.
« back to the previous page
Henry Beaumont
 Born on Bonaire on February 19th 1969
Present position: Maintenance man
I started here at the Washington Park on April 1st, 2003. I am a Jack-of-all-trades. I do the maintenance, clean the cars and service them, cut the branches, I paint, I do masonry and I also do carpenter’s work. When you work at the Washington Park you have to like everything you’re doing and I like everything! If there’s something I don’t know, I’ll ask someone and my problem is solved! I really do like this place!
STINAPA is doing everything for Bonaire because if they wouldn’t be here the people would take everything and Bonaire wouldn’t have any nature left. Then Bonaire would not be important anymore, because it doesn’t have anything else than nature to offer. I will do everything I can to help STINAPA and the people that are working here.
« back to the previous page
Jonathan Pourier
 Born on Curaçao on December 16th, 1980
Present position: Maintenance department of the WSNP
I started working for STINAPA on August 1st, 2006. Here I learned the value of nature, discipline at work, as well as the meaning of wearing a uniform.
I find it important that the entrance of the Park (Visitor Center) is always clean and tidy also that the roads are free of branches that can scratch the cars. I service the vehicle we use to manage the Park so that they work well and have a long life. One of my tasks also is to ensure that the different cisterns have water in them. The animals need water too. STINAPA conserves nature - that is very important for humanity because nature is our livelihood.
I love to be in the field. Every day I see many beautiful things, for instance, it is so impressive how Se Yuwa (Yuwa hill) shines in the morning sunlight.
« back to the previous page
Joi Jenkins
 Born in Texas on August 13, 1983
Present position: Ranger of the Bonaire National Marine Park
I have been with STINAPA since December 2008. I do a lot of patrolling to make sure that everyone using the Marine Park is applying to the rules & regulations.
I also handle maintance of the buoys and dive markers around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. The favorite part my job is doing underwater clean ups. Taking the harmful trash out of the water, especially from the reef which gives me great satisfaction and encourages me to do my job a little better every day. Interacting with the visitors and the local people of Bonaire and helping them in any way possible also makes me happy. Right now I am the only female ranger in the Marine Park, but I’m in my element and get along great with the guy’s. STINAPA is important because of the voice that we bring to nature in general, and more specifically to the underwater world.
Bonaire is a paradise let’s keep it that way!
« back to the previous page
Desiree Croes
 Born on Aruba on April 20th 1969
Present position: Education Coordinator
I came to Bonaire in June 2009, to become the Nature and Environmental Education Coordinator for STINAPA. This position is funded by the Government of Bonaire and with good reason. The continuity of this work is important for the future generations of Bonaire.
I applied for the job because I wanted to come to Bonaire to help with the nature protection awareness on the Island. It is like a nature virgin Island to me coming from Aruba. With economic development the protection of nature becomes more challenging and the ones we really have to approach are the children.
STINAPA has programs to include and introduce the kids playfully to the nature and the environment they live in. We give them snorkel lessons including the theoretical part in the form of lessons in the classroom about underwater life. Of course we also have outside activities where we teach them about plants, trees, birds, mammals and all living species on the island. We want to teach the children the value of nature for their own future survival on Bonaire and in the whole world. The minute we have chance we also promote nature awareness to the adults too. We celebrate and plan yearly events for the whole community and every time there is something new. I love giving the information that is in my heart; Nature Protection.
« back to the previous page
Michel Meye
 Born on Bonaire on January 5th, 1979
Currently working as a Ranger of the Bonaire National Marine Park
The reason I came to work with STINAPA is to help protect and preserve our nature. We need to do this for our future, otherwise, in a few years, we will not be able to have a nature to enjoy. I am a person that really loves the sea that surrounds our island. For this reason I find it really important to protect and preserve our nature and waters that we have. Very few places in the Caribbean have the beautiful and nice marine life that we have here in Bonaire. As a ranger, my job is very important to me in every aspect, because I am protecting our nature and especially the marine life and the protected waters that surround our beautiful island.
« back to the previous page
Juan Mesquita
 Born in Dominican Republic on December 31st, 1984
Currently working as an Assistant Ranger of the Bonaire National Marine Park
Since I came to STINAPA for my internship, I have really liked every portion of the work that I was doing. After my internship I also worked during my vacation for a period. I really like the sea, and I've always wanted to learn how to manage a boat and dive, but I didn’t experience diving yet. All that STINAPA has to offer is very interesting and important to me. I would like to learn much more about the sea and the marine life, and this I will learn while working at STINAPA. Everything that STINAPA stands for I also stand for. My job is very important for me, because we need to protect and keep the nature and marine life unharmed in order for us and our visitors to enjoy it. Because of this job, I am learning a lot of different things that will help me develop and become a ranger. I really want to learn about the different trees, cacti and other aspects of the nature and, of course, the marine life.
« back to the previous page
Suradno Mercera
 Born on Bonaire on December 17th, 1974
Currently working as Ranger of the Bonaire National Marine Park
This is a really great job, you encounter and deal with different nationalities when it comes to answering questions from visitors and also locals. The more questions I encounter, the more I also understand what the people are interested in, and so I also learn from them. Being outside working on Bonaire's waters or within its nature is the best atmosphere and work environment I can imagine. The most important resource for us is the nature, and Bonaire lives and survives through the nature on land and also under water. My job is very important because I learn a lot, as I must communicate in various languages in the discussions that we encounter on a daily basis. When I started at STINAPA my English was not very good, but now it's much better. As a ranger, my job fluctuates a lot and this is also what I like. We live and breathe nature here on Bonaire, and so we have to keep on protecting it.
« back to the previous page
Christian Anders
 Born in San Antonio, Texas on July 7th, 1982
Currently working as an Assistant Ranger for the Bonaire National Marine Park
While living in Bonaire for more than 20 years, I have grown knowing that STINAPA was working hard to protect and conserve our nature. I feel that STINAPA and I are on the same page when it comes to talking about Bonaire. I have always been a fan of nature and the marine life. With my background in diving, great relationships with hotels and overall around Bonaire, this is the right job for me. STINAPA is vital for me because I have been able to get to know Bonaire from a different perspective which also gave me the opportunity to grow. My job is very important because we want to be able to maintain our virgin nature as is or even help it to become healthier for our future. I like to work "hands on" with the daily tasks, for example when patrolling the island and creating awareness of all that we are protecting.
« back to the previous page
Cymbert Sances
 Born on Curacao on December 14th, 1990
Currently working as a Ranger for the Bonaire National Marine Park
The beach is my life; I really like everything that has to do with the underwater world. There aren't any exceptions when it comes to learning and experiencing the marine life. Diving is one of my passions that I practice on a daily basis. I am very passionate about different water sports, so let's say you can call me the "Aqua Man." During middle school I formed part of the Junior Rangers group and so I was introduced to STINAPA. Immediately I liked everything that we were taught during the months that I formed a part of the group. After I returned to Bonaire from the Netherlands, where I had gone to further my studies, I felt that the perfect job for me would be to work as a ranger for the Bonaire National Marine Park at STINAPA. This is very important for me, because I can combine my passion with my job. I started as a general Marine Park Ranger and now I am a Marine Park Ranger for the Lac area. Now that I am the Marine Park Ranger for the Lac area, I really feel that this is meant for me, because my favorite sport is windsurfing and so I can protect and preserve what I also love. Our job itself is very important for everyone because we all live from the nature and it is important for us to protect it, otherwise tomorrow our grandchildren and great grandchildren will not be able to enjoy it.
« back to the previous page
|
