Hi, everyone! Sean Paton (our environmental champion and watchdog on Bonaire)and Hendrik Wyuts have produced a new film regarding the destruction of the natural environment on the East Coastline of Bonaire.

Apparently the destruction you will see taking place in this film is for the benefit of construction of new structures on Bonaire. (I believe they might be making their own cement and crushed rock from the islands coral and rock surfaces.)

Joe and I had noticed this destruction last year in May 2007 while cruising the island. It horrified us and I took pics of the process as it was was being performed. I don't think the heavy equipment operators were too thrilled with what I was doing with my camera so we did not stay too long....but long enuff to get some shots of what was happening one year ago.

It has now progressed up and down the Eastern coastline of Bonaire where it was "centralized" near Boca Onima last year....my how time flies and destruction progresses when you're not watching.

Here is the link to Sean's new film and a few of my photos from 2007. Joe did not want to venture too far along the coastline this month as it depressed him so much to see the destruction last year. I feel the same way.

OK folks...time to start writing to folks on Bonaire again to ask them "why" and for "how long"??? At what price/cost??? All in the name of Progress.......Carole

Here's the link to Sean's new film:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVQavcQAT9k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVQavcQAT9k




(Message edited by Carole on June 17, 2008)

(Message edited by Carole on June 17, 2008)

For some reason I can't get the web address to become a hyperlink to get directly to the film. Sorry about that folks! Carole

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVQavcQAT9k

It worked for me.

The link in my 8:07 p.m. posting does work. Thanks, Bill. cb

Carole...I posted on the other thread about this video. Have you seen the documentary Manufactured Landscapes? Sean's video eerily reminded me of that documentary.

HI, Jeanine..no, I have not seen Manufactured Landscapes...where can I Locate that one for viewing? Hope you're still having a ball down on the island!

You and Sean should try to get together while you are on Bonaire...maybe chat a bit on his Forum radio show on Sundays?? Let me know....cb

Here is a link to more information on it. I'm not sure who is carrying the film. My university got it from the distributors. If there is a university near you, check their on-line holdings for the library.

http://www.mongrelmedia.com/films/ManufacturedLandscapes.html

I met with some grad students doing work on successful reef preservation in the Caribbean. I referred them to Sean. I hope they were able to contact him.

Hi, Jeanine! Thanks for the link. I will view the film once I sign off BT.

I do hope the students are able to meet with Sean and perhaps go "on air" with him on a Sunday to discuss the topic and the work they are performing, etc. It sounds very interesting and would be enlightening, as well. Thanks! Carole

PS You are soooo lucky to still be on island!! Our two weeks just flew right by...maybe 3 weeks next year for us and then "forever" some day! cb

The trailer for Manufactured Landscapes was terrific. I just ordered the DVD via Amazon.com. Can't wait to view the 90 film in its entirety. Thanks again, Jeanine. cb

PS Ordered a second copy for someone else, as well!

I'm so happy you ordered it! I cannot wait to speak with you about it. The reactions of my students varied greatly. The opening is a little strange, but wow when you realize what is going on, the impact is astounding.