Bonaire

SECOND LARGEST of the Netherlands Antilles, Bonaire is the least populated and developed of the "ABC" (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) islands. From the thou-sands of pink flamingos to the raspberry coral reefs, Bonaire is enveloped in a pink hue. Not only is it surrounded by coral reefs, Bonaire is a reef, harboring an incredible variety of sea life.
This, coupled with excellent underwater visibility, makes Bonaire one of the fore-most diving and snorkeling spots in the world. Strict laws prohibiting spear fishing and the gathering of coral protect the delicate ecological balance of marine life in Bonaire's waters.
When discovered by Amengo Vespucci, sailing for Spain in 1499, Bonaire was the home of the Arawak indians. Vespucci named the island after the Arawak word bovnare, which means "low country." The Spaniards sent some of the natives to Spain and others to Hispaniola to work the copper mines; as a result, within 20 years no Arawak Indians were left on the island. Several caves around the island, particularly those at Boca Onima, bear Indian inscriptions that have never been deciphered.

In 1834 control passed to the Dutch, who realized that the abundant sunshine and scant rainfall created ideal conditions for the manufacture of salt through evaporation. It was the Netherlanders which first brought slaves to work the salt-pans at the southern end of the island, an endeavor that thrived until abolition curtailed the labor supply and caused production to cease. The area, already agreeable to flamingos, became even more attractive, and the colorful, exotic birds moved into the deserted saltpans to build thousands of nests.

The Antilles International Salt Co. has revived the industry using an updated version of the old methods, Thanks to a sanctuary set aside from a portion of the old saltpans; the flamingos continue to exist in harmony with people. Bonaire's other industries are an oil storage terminal and rice packaging.

Autonomous within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Bonaire is administered by an island council and has its own representative to the Crown. Though Dutch is the official language, Spanish, English and the colloquial tongue of Papiamento are still widely spoken.

Shopping is not Bonaire's main attraction; even so, the island has good buys on jewelry, china, crystal, leather, linens and perfumes, Most of the shops in Kralendijk are on Breedestraat, J.A. Abraham Boulevard, Simon Bolivarstraat and Kerkweg. Such stores as Bonaire Craftsmen and Fundashon Arte Industria Bonairiano sell island handicrafts made of wood, shell, black coral, goatskin and sterling. Shopping opportunities also are available at Les Galeries, a mall in downtown Kralendijk.

The Divi flamingo Beach Resort & Casino, Harbor Village Beach Resort, Plaza Resort Bonaire and Sand Dollar Condominium Resort all have shops that offer fashions, jewelry and perfumes. The Harbourside Mall in Kralendijk has several shops and restaurants. Store hours are Mon-Sat. 8-noon and 2-6. Banking hours are Mon-Fri. 8:30-4