Page 20 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles
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Captain Don has been recognized and the coral from anchors. And assuredly, a bet- new era, that of the horticulturist. He built a
awarded for designing safeguards to pro- ter understanding of the man/sea concept sizable nursery and commenced greening
tect Bonaire, man and reef. He spent over 30 evolved. the island. However, his heart has forever
years giving all his efforts and full attention to remained connected to the sea and its safety.
the building a proper under-sea industry that Thirteen years after he had the euphony So significant has Don Stewart’s impact been
has resulted in a diving industry on Bonaire and forever disavowed his spear gun on Bonaire that in May of 1992 the island
that is second to none in the world. He lead and all that used them, he envisioned a total celebrated his 30th anniversary on Bonaire
the efforts to establish better divers conduct-- resort for the Diver. 1976 saw his dream come with a reenactment of his arrival. When Capt.
the Council of Underwater Operators to true, when he established Captain Dons Habi- Don stepped ashore--accompanied by many
unify underwater procedures for Caribbean tat hotel. With the underwater world now old dive buddies--he was met by about 500
divers. He worked with government officials running on automatic, he was free to move applauding Bonaireans and the Lt. Governor,
to establish the mooring program, to protect in another direction. 1989 ushered in another Bonaire’s highest ranking official.
