Page 21 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles
P. 21
Captain Don Stewart’s awards
Some men are meant to touch the lives of the
thousands that they meet. Captain Don and Bo-
naire go hand in hand. Each would be less and not
considered whole without the other.
B efore a small bank of microphones, the cutlass to form the diver’s flag that he origi- all who have enjoyed the wonders of the sea...
Lt. Governor noted that “With your arrival, nated almost 5 decades ago. He appeared at thank you.”
Bonaire became enriched with a golden piece Habitat once a week to narrative a slide show
of character, sensitive to its people, conscious on Bonaire’s early days of diving.
of its economic development, and caring for
its people...you are not interested in the gold, Among the many environmental awards
you are a piece of gold yourself.” Capt. Don, Captain Don reived was a framed 1977
who has been described as “arrogant, macho Sunday front page comic strip from the New
and bumptious,” admits even he felt humbled York Daily News in which Dondi is learning
that day. For his efforts in marine environment scuba from “Captain Don” on the island of
conservation Captain Don received many “Bonairy.”
awards and recognition all over the world. In
2005 Captain Don was inducted into the Inter- The plaque at Don’s Reef, a dive site on
national Scuba Diving Hall of Fame. Klein Bonaire dedicated to Captain Don
on his 30th anniversary, summarizes Capt. Don
Captain Don’s Habitat still uses his name Stewart’s contributions: “From all of the marine
and his famous symbol of the skull and life his efforts have helped to save, and from
