People

News about People on, from, and going to Bonaire

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Ned and Anna DeLoach Are on Bonaire and Available for Book Signings

The popular marine educators and authors, Ned and Anna DeLoach, arrived back on Bonaire this past weekend, and they will be hosting a full schedule of activities at Buddy Dive Resort during September, as they have for the past five years.

During this one-month event, Ned and Anna host seminars and slide shows on fish behavior, coral and fish identification, as well as guided dive trips. One activity which is open to everyone are the book-signing events.  Those wishing to meet Ned and Anna can do so during the Happy Hour and Manager’s Rum Punch Party on each Friday evening in September from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.  For those who do not yet own their own copies of the popular “Reef Series,” including Reef Identification (Fish, Creatures, or Coral) and Reef Fish Behavior, they are available for sale in the dive shop at Buddy Dive Resort. (Source:  Buddy Dive Resort)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

A Day in the Life of Dr. Sylvia Earle, Champion of the Oceans, on Bonaire

Dr. Sylvia Earle visited Bonaire this past week to help commemorate the island’s Celebrate Our Planet week and also receive Bonaire’s first Lifetime Achievement Award.  The Bonaire Insider chronicled one day of this amazing woman’s visit.  Images of the day are available on the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here. 

The Lifetime Achievement Award is certainly deserving, as this is one gutsy lady.  Throughout her career, she has forged many “firsts” in the field of oceanography, but here’s just a few:  Dr. Earle set the women’s depth record of 1250 feet (381 meters) in an open-ocean JIM suit dive, and she also holds the women’s record for a solo dive in a deep submersible (3280 feet, 1000 meters). She was Chief Scientist for NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), while even today, Dr. Earle continues as a consultant to The National Geographic Society.  Her most recent accomplishment was to work with the folks at Google to post the world’s oceans on Google Earth (version 5).

I had the good fortune to spend a day with her during her visit.  Dr. Earle is a petite woman with a modest demeanor, but she’s one powerhouse of a woman when speaking.  Her goal is to get the word out that everyone simply must begin taking better care of the world’s oceans.  Her mantra, “without the blue {oceans}, there is no green {land}” should sound a resounding warning bell for not only divers, but everyone, as the health of the planet’s oceans will directly impact every human being on earth.  We all must be more aware of what we are putting into the oceans, as well as what we are taking out.  She wishes to see less pressure on fish stocks throughout the world and advocates eating less seafood to give fish stocks time to replenish themselves.  In many cases, ten pounds, and sometimes up to 100 pounds, of by-catch (the killing of non-desired species for desired species), are wasted and killed for every pound of food produced.  In recent decades, the demand for seafood has exponentially exploded, and the seas simply cannot withstand the demand and impact anymore.

We began our day by making a dive to Captain Don’s Reef at Klein Bonaire.  Dr. Earle is an excellent diver, making no impact at all on the reef.  She spotted a total of six turtles on this dive, along with a plethora of other marine life--moray eels, grouper, snapper, flounder, hamlets, as well as other invertebrate species (corals, sponges, and mollusks), which are commonly sighted on Bonaire. 

After the dive, there was time for a quick lunch, and then Dr. Earle presented an impromptu seminar about her global mission--to educate the public about the importance of keeping the world’s oceans healthy.  We then viewed her “wish” speech, from earlier this year when Dr. Earle was named a recipient of a TED Prize.  For those not familiar with TED, it’s a small nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design, but since then, its scope has become ever more broad.  The organization chooses three recipients each year and does its utmost to grant them each one wish.  Dr. Earle’s wish is:  “I wish you would use all means at your disposal--films! expeditions! the web! more!--to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, hope spots large enough to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet.” (View her speech by clicking here, and then click on Watch the Talk.)

Dr. Earle congratulated Bonaire for its past and present efforts in ocean conservation, but urged even yet stronger efforts.  She said that Bonaire has the capacity to be the benchmark for the Caribbean, as well as other regions, in leading the way to healthier reefs.  Even though Bonaire’s reefs are in better condition than many other areas in the region, there are signs of stress.  However, Dr. Earle strongly feels that there is still time to make changes that would allow full recovery.

The day closed with the participants of the morning dive reviewing images with Dr. Earle.  She pointed out signs of healthy areas on the reef, as well as those which are showing stress.  Afterwards, Dr. Earle met champion freediver, Karol Meyer.

Thanks go to Sara Matera and Serge de Groot from Divi Flamingo Beach Resort for hosting the morning dive, and to Jack Chalk at Captain Don’s Habitat for being the property sponsor for Dr. Earle and for providing conferencing facilities for her seminar. (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter, photo gallery images by Dr. Sylvia Earle and Susan Davis)

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Karol Meyer Does It Again--New Records Set, Day After Day

Karol has had a busy week here on Bonaire, where she is continuing to break records right and left on each successive attempt.  Since her first attempt last Saturday when she dove to 84 meters (about 275 feet), Karol has since made two other attempts, each one breaking her own record. 

On her second attempt, Karol hit 87 meters (about 285 feet) and on her third attempt, she hit 93 meters (about 305 feet).  With this dive, Karol currently holds the world third place record in the discipline of variable weight freediving.

Karol tells the Bonaire Insider, “I’m certainly opening the door to even greater depths now, but we must wait first wait for the best conditions.” She and her coach, Patrick Musimu, do fear that Hurricane Bill, although far, far away from Bonaire, could alter sea conditions.  However, Karol is hoping to do another attempt on Saturday, when she hopes to reach 100 meters (about 328 feet) at Klein Bonaire.

Over the next few days, Karol will be conducting a freediving seminar, along with four days of freediving clinics, at Buddy Dive Resort, the host property for the event. Those interested in participating can contact the resort for more information.  To wrap up her time on Bonaire, Karol will do a talk show about Freediving Bonaire on August 26th, 2009 at the Pool Bar at Buddy Dive. (Source:  Karol Meyer)

Monday, August 10, 2009

Mr. Bonaire 2009 Was Crowned on August 8, 2009

Each year the bodybuilding tournament which crowns Mr. Bonaire is a popular event, providing standing-room only if one arrives too late.  Images of this year’s competition can be found on the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

Trophies are awarded in each of four divisions by weight or age (Juniors, Masters, under 85 kilograms, and over 85 kilograms), while medals are awarded for second or third place.  Additionally, there are trophies for Best Overall and Most Popular.  This year’s winners are:

—Adimir Wanga, First place Junior Division, Second place Under 85 Kilos
—Grensley Pieter, Second place Junior Division, Third place Above 85 Kilos
—Cherry Pekeri, First place Under 85 Kilos
—Ruben Sanchez, First place Masters Division, Third place Under 85 Kilos
—Jose Saleh, Second place Above 85 Kilos, Second place Masters Division
—Arien Cado, First Place Above 85 Kilos, and Overall Winner
—Wendell Pieter, Third place Masters Division

Many of these winners will now continue on to the Antillean finals, held in Sint Maarten in September.  We wish all the Bonaire competitors good luck!  (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter)

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Bonaire Visitor, Tonya Eaton, Named Honorary Ambassador

Recently, frequent Bonaire visitor, Tonya Eaton, received the honorary title of “Bonaire Ambassador” by the Tourist Corporation Bonaire, who bestowed upon Tonya a silver medal and certificate of appreciation.

Tonya lives in New York, U.S.A., but states that, “When I am on Bonaire, I feel at home.  I am part of the Bonairean family.  She has completed sixteen years of consecutive visits to the island, but nevertheless, was surprised and thrilled when she learned that her loyalty to Bonaire had been recognized.

Ralph Stewart, more commonly known as “Moogie”, a well-known singer on Bonaire who plays regularly at Captain Don’s Habitat, had the honor of informing Tonya of her award, and placing the medal around her neck. Bigalda de Marchena, a very good friend of Tonya’s from Bonaire, was also present at the ceremony. (Source:  TCB-Bonaire)

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Bonaire Windsurfers Race to Curacao to Help One of Their Own

March 8th will be a day to go “into the books” when Constantin “Patun” Saragoza and Elton “Taty” Frans windsurf from Bonaire to Curacao. The event is a fundraiser for one of Bonaire’s own, Erwin Muller. 

Erwin, a dive master and former windsurfer, suffered a serious stroke in January. He is recuperating in Curacao and has a long rehabilitation ahead. Erwin is well known in the community for being a man who loves adventure--whether it’s riding his quad or delivering a yacht across the Caribbean.

Locals and tourists are rallying to support Erwin and his family, Ellen and Jason. The March 8th race is dedicated to Erwin, one of the original founders of windsurfing on Bonaire.  Saragoza, a former Olympian, will race across to Curacao with Pro Windsurfer, Taty Frans. Taty, one of the top freestylers in the world, recently circumnavigated the island in 2008. He is perhaps the fastest slalom sailor presently on Bonaire.

The race commences at 9 AM outside BOPEC. Spectators are welcome to attend the send-off. Helicopters and chase boats will accompany the two sailors across the passage to Curacao. The record, set back in the 1980s by Erwin himself, is 4 hours. They will race to Light House Point on the East side of Curacao and then head down to the pier near Breezes Resort.

Donations for this fundraiser may be contributed via Paypal to Erwin2CanDive@gmail.com or by depositing funds locally into an account at Maduro & Curiel’s Bank (Bonaire), #400 050 800 c/o Linda Baker.  For those who wish to contribute, but cannot do so via these methods, contact Elvis Martinus at 786-2288.

For those wishing to accompany the flotilla, it is important that clearance be authorized in advance.  Contact Elvis at the number provided above for clearance. The safety of the two windsurfers is paramount, and this will be an exciting yet intense voyage. We wish them well as they race for a fellow man of the sea, Erwin Muller.  To follow Erwin’s recovery, click here. (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)

Note Update March 8, 2009: The event is postponed until March 22, 2009, due to a Mariners/Small Craft Advisory. Call 786-2288 for further details.

Note Update March 27, 2009: The event should now take place on March 28, 2009.  Call 786-2288 for last-minute confirmation.

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Frequent Bonaire Visitor, Greg Grimes, Wins MSNBC’s Photo of the Week

With an image built upon the bright color contrast of the buildings at Boca Slagbaai set against the deep blue of the ocean, frequent Bonaire visitor, Greg Grimes, recently won MSNBC’s “Photo of the Week.”

Greg and his family first came to Bonaire in August, 2007, and since that time, they have been returning every six months and also extending the length of their visits.  They enjoy the island because of the diving freedom Bonaire’s shore diving offers (Greg admits he has never been on a boat dive on Bonaire), as well as having a touch of Europe in the Caribbean. 

It’s a family tradition to spend their last day on Bonaire in Washington-Slagbaai National Park, as it’s always a non-diving day.  In Greg’s opinion, the colors of the recently renovated buildings at Boca Slagbaai are so intense, that a photo stop is always a must. There are usually some feeding flamingos near the buildings, and with the picnic area, it’s a dynamic stop for some photos, lunch, and scenery on every trip.

Greg tells us that what really appealed to him for this image, taken on January 18, 2008, were the beautiful colors of the building set against the tranquil backdrop of the Caribbean Sea and the way the lines draw a viewer’s eye to the center of the frame.  Greg has other Bonaire images available at his web site, viewed by clicking here.

Greg has been in the wood truss manufacturing industry for over 25 years and received his PADI Open Water certification in the summer of 1992.  He later continued his diving education with Advanced Open Water in 2005 and Rescue Diver in 2008.  He is an active videographer in the water and photographer topside and loves to go out into nature and compose shots using all of nature’s elements. Greg is an active member of the Houston Underwater Photographic Society where he serves as Workshop Coordinator and on the Board of Directors.  He returns to Bonaire with his group in June, 2009. (Source:  MSNBC)

Friday, February 27, 2009

Edwin “Din” Domacasse Completes 15 Years of Service at the Bonaire National Marine Park

Din Domacasse, Chief Ranger of the Bonaire National Marine Park, has recently completed his fifteenth year of employment and service with STINAPA Bonaire.  Back in February, 1993, Din began his career with the marine park, and he has been working for the betterment of Bonaire’s reefs every since.

Long-time visitors will remember when Din began his diving career as a popular divemaster at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino.  After several years within the island’s dive industry, Din moved to the marine park in order to assist with conservation and preservation efforts.

Recently, with his family, colleagues, and board members of STINAPA, he celebrated this milestone at Washington-Slagbaai National Park.  Representing STINAPA, Evo Cicilia presented Din with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of his colleagues.  It’s hoped that Din continues with many more years of service.  (Source:  STINAPA)

Friday, February 06, 2009

New DVD Review:  The Beauty of Bonaire, By Marlis Seelos

The Bonaire Insider has previously highlighted the photography of local resident, Marlis Seelos.  Marlis has just recently published a new DVD of the best of her Bonaire images.

The DVD runs for about 20 minutes with hundreds of images covering all facets of the island, including its flora and fauna, historic architecture, and, of course, the Caribbean Sea.  Affectionately known on Bonaire as the Bird Woman of Bonaire, Marlis’ love for birds and other island animals clearly shines through in the stunning closeup images she displays on the DVD.  Throughout the DVD, relaxing background music plays, which meshes well with her photography.

The Beauty of Bonaire can be purchased at Marlis Sail & Canvas, Island Fashions & Gifts, and Chat ‘n’ Browse.  It’s a highly recommended addition to the media library of any Bonaire aficionado.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Bonaire’s Dee Scarr Receives Coveted NOGI Award at DEMA Show 2008

Last Thursday evening at the 49th Annual NOGI Awards Gala, held in conjunction with DEMA Show 2008, Bonaire’s Dee Scarr of Touch the Sea was honored with the presentation of the 2008 NOGI Award for Distinguished Service by the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences (AUAS).  The “NOGI” is the oldest and most prestigious award in the diving industry, and is given to four divers and undersea luminaries who rank at the top of their fields in Arts, Science, Sports/Education, and Distinguished Service. 

Accepting the Award from Bonaire’s Director of Tourism, Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes and Cathy Church, a long time friend Scarr commented, “When I came to Bonaire as a dive instructor in 1980, I learned the joys of guiding divers on protected reefs.  It’s a real privilege for me to work in the Bonaire National Marine Park and to be able to discuss the wonderful residents of our Marine Park--and how they’re protected--in my presentations.”

Since her arrival in Bonaire in 1980 and founding of Touch the Sea in 1982, Scarr has logged thousands of dives and introduced hundreds of divers to dozens of marine animals. The significance of this is great: once introduced to Scarr’s very personal perspective on marine animals, divers feel a sense of belonging in the sea rather than simply visiting. Their instinct to protect marine ecosystems is enhanced.

Scarr’s current project is her first that is primarily educational rather than hands-on. She created Action in Behalf of Coral in 2005, when she realized that dive training agencies don’t provide critical information about living coral to their students: the information that explains why coral is fragile. Dee’s website, www.touchthesea.com, provides more information about the ABC Project, as well as the Living with a Razor Sharp Skeleton sticker. 

Between 1988 and 1991, Scarr and her buddies tied more than 600 sponges back onto pilings beneath Bonaire’s Old Pier (aka North or Town Pier) in Touch the Sea’s Sponge Reattachment Project. In the mid-90’s she surveyed Bonaire’s harbor area (from the marina to the piers), removing recent trash, establishing which areas were being misused, and communicating this information to the Bonaire Marine Park for the education of the mis-users. She promotes the carrying of a small net bag she calls a Pocket Cleaner Station, so on the occasions divers see trash, they can bring it up right away rather than waiting for a dedicated cleanup dive.

Scarr has written three books: Touch the Sea, about interactions with marine animals, The Gentle Sea, a personalized look at the undersea creatures divers are likely to encounter, and a children’s book, Coral’s Reef, about two children and what they learn from snorkeling – and from an octopus named Oliver. Dee wrote monthly articles about marine animals and their behaviors for Dive Training magazine for more than a decade, and currently writes about marine animals for The Bonaire Reporter. Dee was the photographer for the original Guide to the Bonaire Marine Park and contributed to the second edition of the guide. Her work has appeared in numerous publications.

The first major recognition of Scarr’s work was in 1991, when she was the second recipient (after Jacques Yves Cousteau) of the PADI/SeaSpace Environmental Awareness Award.  She’s received the Boston Sea Rovers Diver of the Year Award, the Beneath the Sea Diver of the Year Award, and the Underwater Club of Boston’s Paul Revere Spike (2007.) Dee was an inaugural member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame and SSI’s Platinum Pro Divers (those with more than 5000 dives; Scarr has logged over 7000 dives). She received Captain Don Stewart’s Accolade Award in 2006 for “making knowledge of the sea fun and spreading desire in others to learn and become themselves part of our sea.”

Scarr’s presentations teach about marine animals in an entertaining way. She speaks weekly on Bonaire at Captain Don’s Habitat; she has spoken before dive clubs, dive symposiums, and even non-diving audiences – including school groups – in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Curacao, and Antigua, to name a few.

Scarr received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English and Rhetoric and Public Address from the University of Florida. She taught high school English, public speaking, and debate before beginning her diving career on the Bahamian island of San Salvador. Dee became a SCUBA instructor in 1974. In 1985, she married David Batalsky; they adopted Sweetie Pie, a very special Bichon Frise, in 2005.  (Source:  TCB-NY)