Rich, N6KT will be active as PJ4K from Bonaire Island, IOTA SA - 006, in CQ WW WPX SSB Contest, 29 - 30 March 2025.
He will operate in Single Operator All Band Category.
Recent DX Spots PJ4K
QSL via KU9C.
Ads for direct QSL:
STEVEN M WHEATLEY, PO BOX 529, Mount Freedom, NJ, 07970-0529, USA.
Bonaire Island
Bonaire is a small island in the Caribbean Sea with an area of less than 300 km², with a unique ecosystem and cultural diversity. It is part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, together with which it is an overseas possession of the Netherlands - the so-called Caribbean Netherlands. Bonaire is known worldwide for its symbiosis of ancient traditions, original cuisine and tragic history. All this makes it an absolutely unique island, which has no analogues not only in the Caribbean, but also on the whole planet.
A pleasant climate with vagaries
The geographical feature of Bonaire Island is its special location. It is almost never hit by hurricanes and tsunamis, and the climate is pleasant and warm at any period of the year. The average annual air and water temperature is 28-29 degrees Celsius. The island is also sunny during the rainy season - the rains often fall at night, allowing you to fully enjoy nature during the day. The only disadvantage is the strong wind, which requires appropriate clothing.
Natural disasters for centuries bypassed the island, which positively affected the local infrastructure and urban development. But in the 2000s a terrible thing happened - Bonaire was affected by a powerful hurricane, which damaged the coral reef and many architectural structures. Fortunately, the islanders were able to repair the damage in a matter of months - all but the priceless coral reef.
A former center of the slave trade
“Black gold” - two hundred years ago it was not oil, but black slaves from Africa. European states enslaved, sold and bought slaves for centuries, establishing entire black colonies. The island of Bonaire also experienced many tragic events associated with the dark period of the slave trade. The first to exploit the island were settlers from North America - prison inmates who were sent to serve their exile on the Caribbean island. But the Americans did not own Bonaire for long - soon it was claimed by the Netherlands, which turned the island into one of its many colonies.
Slaves from Africa were brought to Bonaire for grueling plantation work. The less fortunate worked day and night in the salt mines. It was also the site of a slave sale and exchange center, which is still remembered by the locals today - the white slave huts along the seashore serve as a reminder. In the 19th century, Bonaire briefly came under the British Crown, resulting in the arrival of English settlers. After the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Netherlands managed to regain control over the island, and a few years later an official decree was issued on the abolition of slavery. But it was not until the middle of the 20th century that racial inequality was completely eliminated.
Yellow-shouldered Parrot, Bonaire Island. Author - George Stubbs.
Original flavor motifs
The island's traditional cuisine is characterized by variety and unexpected combinations of salty and sweet foods. You can trace the influences of different cultures around the globe, which turns an ordinary visit to a local restaurant into a real feast of flavors. Each dish is more of a culinary delight than a simple and hearty meal. On Bonaire you can try Caribbean, Dutch, British cuisine. Familiar European dishes here acquire a completely new sound - the islanders generously use spicy seasonings and herbal spices.
The basis of local cuisine is sea fish, different kinds of mollusks, seaweed and exotic fruits. Meat of large animals is considered a delicacy here and is cooked only on holidays. Some recipes include chicken and wild birds, which are more than enough on Bonaire. The peculiarity of dishes lies in the use of traditional Caribbean sauces and dressings, which are characterized by moderate sharpness and piquancy. The most popular drink is rum. In local bars you can try different types of this iconic alcohol - from white to brown.
Turtle, Bonaire Island. Author - Carl.
Authentic wildlife
Despite its tiny size, Bonaire impresses with its unique flora and fauna. It is one of the most unspoiled places on Earth, where rare animals are still able to preserve their populations unhindered. Tens of thousands of travelers from all over the world visit the island every year in search of adventure and new experiences. Locals offer interesting excursions through the wild part of Bonaire, where you should not wander around without the accompaniment of experienced guides. For a self-guided boat trip, you can rent a boat, runabout or comfortable yacht. Tourism is the main part of the income of the residents of Bonaire, from which the majority of the population lives.
In the Netherlands and other countries of the world, a small Caribbean island is known primarily for the Washington-Slagbaai National Park. In the middle of the last century, Dutch authorities realized the need to preserve the island's fauna and flora for future generations. At that time, modern infrastructure was rapidly developing on Bonaire, new buildings were being constructed and, as a consequence, the ecosystem was suffering. It was decided to allocate 20% of the territory to the reserve, which until today occupies a fifth of the island. In the national park you can admire green thickets of exotic plants, as well as meet huge spiders, lizards and snakes. But the real kings of the island are the birds.
Countless birds occupy not only the trees, but also the coral reef islands that rise above the water. Professional ornithologists and amateur birdwatchers can observe these majestic creatures from as close a distance as possible. The wettest part of the island is home to countless pink flamingos - many tourists come to Bonaire just to see these rare birds in person. It is also common to see photographers and cameramen hunting on the island for the same purpose.
