KRALENDIJK – For decades, Bernabé Dominga Evertsz, better known as Machi Mimi, sold fish on a square in the heart of Kralendijk (Playa). Fishermen brought their catch here, residents gathered, and later vegetables and fruit were also sold. In this way the square became a familiar meeting place for several generations of Bonairians. Now that square officially bears her name. The Public Entity of Bonaire unveiled the name sign in the presence of her family and deputy Dennis Martinus.
Throughout those years, Machi Mimi’s family kept her name and history alive, they had already placed a sign of their own on the square. With the official name sign, the Public Entity of Bonaire now gives that recognition a formal and permanent character.
During the unveiling, deputy Martinus reflected on the importance of preserving Bonairian history. "A people that knows its history knows where it comes from. This sign helps us to keep telling the story behind the name Machi Mimi and gives recognition to the people who have contributed to Bonaire."
Grandson Max Erwin Juan di Grijze was also present at the unveiling and shared memories of his grandmother and his childhood around the square. For him, the place is more than a piece of local history: it was behind that very square that he learned to swim as a child.
For the family, the official name sign is therefore more than a formality, it is the confirmation that Machi Mimi and the place she brought to life will not be forgotten.
