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10
- 15 years |
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AWARDED: |
Kim
Smedley, Montgomery, Alabama, USA |
Kim receives
her Bronze Ambassador award after celebrating her
tenth year of visits to Bonaire . She is delighted
to join her husband, Tom, who received his bronze
medal, also at Bon
Bini Divers, in March, 2003.
Kim tells
us, " Ten years ago friends wanted to join us
on a diving vacation. I began to research and talk
with other people. One place consistently received
raves. We booked the trip and fell in love with Bonaire.
Our first trip here the plane was delayed from take-off
because of Flamingos on the runway! I have enjoyed
so many things here especially exploring the island
both topside and under the water. Bonaire is just
as beautiful now as it was ten years ago. Thank you
for the honor of being named an Ambassador. I feel
like I should give you an award for the joy I have
experienced here. I can’t wait for year eleven."
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AWARDED: |
Austin
& Lorrie Headland, Dothan, Alabama, USA |
It was
Thanksgiving week of 1994 when Lorrie and I first
visited the island of Bonaire on a diving vacation.
Fellow underwater photographers had raved about the
ease of diving and the abundance of marine subjects
to shoot. We made our reservations to stay at Coral
Regency Resort and dive with Bon
Bini Divers. Before that first week was over,
we were giving thanks that we had chosen Bonaire as
the site of our diving vacation. We knew there would
be more visits to this beautiful island paradise.
In 1999,
we arrived just two days after the western side of
Bonaire was damaged by the storm surge of hurricane
Lenny. Dive sites that we had frequented in the past
were not available on this trip. It was gratifying
to see in subsequent years that the dive sites and
the people on this island rebounded from the damage.
Bonaire
has a special meaning for us. Our last dive of the
week in November of 2000 was at Salt Pier (one of
our favorite sites). I had placed a written note together
with a trinket in a water-tight container. I secured
it to a cable in 35 feet of water amidst the pilings
at Salt Pier. Several yellow tail snapper and a couple
of angel fish were on hand to witness Lorrie finding
the treasure that was attached to that cable and accepting
my proposal of marriage. We then made our way to shore
and upon surfacing, celebrated our engagement with
a kiss.
Thanksgiving
week of 2003 marked our 10th year of vacationing and
diving in Bonaire. We have stayed at different locations
but continue to dive with Bon Bini Divers. We have
made several friends on the island and enjoy our annual
visits. God willing, we’ll return for years
to come.
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AWARDED: |
Marletta
& Robert Hoffman, Michigan, USA |
Marletta
and Robert Hoffman from Michigan, USA are new Bronze
Bonaire Ambassadors. They have been visiting Bonaire
since 1990 and always stayed at Divi
Flamingo Beach Resort.
Their first trip and until now has been with US Scuba
Center Groups. We must say that the group leaders
from US Scuba Center Groups, Bud Uren and Heather
Solleck, are Gold
Bonaire Ambassadors themself. They have been visiting
Bonaire for over 20 years.
From Left to Right:
Bud Uren ( group leader bringing 2 groups of 40/50
persons a year for over 20 years ) Marletta &
Robert Hoffman, Rolando Marín from TCB.
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AWARDED: |
Joan
Liva, New York, USA |
Joan is
completing her eleventh consecutive year of visits
to Bonaire. She stays at the Lions
Dive Resort and dives with Bon
Bini Divers.
Joan, of
Hastings-On-Hundson, New York, comes to Bonaire for
the diving, but over the years has made many friendships
with the island residents.
Among her
favorite restaurants are the Blue Moon, Croccantino,
and Lions Den. Joan adds, "Bonaire has the best
values and prices, especially for diving."
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AWARDED: |
Mike
Blanchard, New Jersey, USA |
On October
28, 2003, while visiting Lions
Dive Resort and Bon
Bini Divers, Mike completed his 10th consecutive
year of visiting Bonaire, and thus received the Bronze
Medal!
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AWARDED: |
Mike
Terpak, New Jersey, USA |
On October
28, 2003, while visiting Lions
Dive Resort and Bon
Bini Divers, Mike completed his 10th consecutive
year of visiting Bonaire, and thus received the Bronze
Medal!
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AWARDED: |
Jim
Drennan, New Jersey, USA |
On October
28, 2003, while visiting Lions
Dive Resort and Bon
Bini Divers, Jim completed his 10th consecutive
year of visiting Bonaire, and thus received the Bronze
Medal!
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AWARDED: |
Ilene
and Kenneth Epstein |
11 Years
of Visits to Bonaire, Captain
Don's Habitat
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AWARDED: |
Neil
Stern, Texas, USA |
Dr. Neil
Stern hails from Arlington (near Dallas), Texas, where
he is Vice President of Administration and Accreditation
for Parker College of Chiropractic. When we first
asked Neil what kept him coming back to Bonaire, he
replied, "I had to stop and think about what
first brought me here fourteen years ago. I made my
first trip here with my instructors, Paul and Bob,
on one of their trips. Well that was it! I fell in
love with the island, the people, and the diving that
week." What is Bonaire?
B |
eautiful |
O |
|
N |
atural
wonders |
A |
ccessible
diving |
I |
ncredibly
friendly people |
R |
elaxing |
E |
xciting |
"Bonaire
is all of the above and more, much more. The incredible
service of Lions Dive Resort and the 24-hour-a-day
diving freedom at Bon
Bini Divers--all of these things have kept me
coming back year after year and again next year in
2004! I cannot imagine going anywhere else. I am honored
and humbled to be named an Ambassador."
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AWARDED: |
John
Henry Levin, Chicago, Illinois, USA |
John,
at ten years of age, receives his 10-year bronze award! |
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AWARDED: |
Jim
& Kim Locraft, Great Falls, Virginia, USA
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Jim Locraft,
retired from the U.S. federal government, has been
diving since 1993. He began diving with "The"
Dive Shop (Fairfax, Virginia) in 1994, and visited
Bonaire for the first time that year, with his daughter,
Kim, on the store's family trip to Bonaire. Jim became
a dive instructor, and continued to travel to Bonaire
with his family. Diving is definitely a "family"
sport with Kim achieving the rank of Divemaster and
Lindsay Rescue Diver.
Kim Locraft
is a graduate student at Virginia Tech in the area
of French Studies. She learned to dive in Bonaire
on one of the family trips from "The" Dive
Shop in 1994. Since that time, she has obtained her
Divemaster and even worked at Bon
Bini Divers for one summer as an intern.
Both Jim
and Kim are definitely aficionados of Bonaire and
hope to be returning for many years to come!
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AWARDED: |
Michael
& Janice Davis, Florida, USA |
Mike and
Janice Davis tell us, "Our receiving these awards
is truly one of the most memorable hightlights of
our international travels. We have come to enjoy the
genuine sincerity of the Bonairean people, as well
as this premiere dive destination, as envisioned by
Captain Don Stewart."
They continue
to say that the worst of Bonaire is by far superior
to the best they have seen in other Caribbean dive
destinations, and they always look forward to their
return.
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AWARDED: |
Chris
& Richard Antonak, Indiana, USA |
Eleven
years ago, Chris and Richard discovered Bonaire and
the Carib
Inn Hotel (which feels like their second home),
and since then they have been to Bonaire every year
without ever missing a year!
Chris and Richard told us that they love the diving
here, and especially shore diving. In addition of
the fabulous diving, it is a small friendly island,
populated by warm and gracious people who show respect
for the natural wonders of the island.
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AWARDED: |
Alexander,
Zachary, Taylor, Fatin and David Graham, Grosse
Pointe, USA |
The entire
Graham Family received bronze medals to commemorate
their tenth anniversary of visiting Bonaire!
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AWARDED: |
Charles
Karjala, Royal Oak, USA |
Charles
received his bronze medal on the anniversary of his
fourteenth year of visiting the island.
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AWARDED: |
Tom
Smedley, Montgomery, Alabama, USA |
On Friday,
March 28th, Tom received his bronze medal on the dock
of Bon
Bini Divers for ten consecutive years of visiting
Bonaire.
When asked
how it felt to receive the Bonaire Ambassador Medal,
Tom replied, "I feel like I should be thanking
the people of Bonaire for their hospitality - I feel
honored that they actually recognized me for coming
back. This is one of those special moments in my life.
"Bonaire
continues to be special because of the efforts of
the Bonaire people to protect their delicate coral
ecology. I tell everyone that once you see what they
are doing with the money - you won't mind paying the
Marine Park Fee. This is the only place that I have
been to year after year where the reefs are actually
prettier every time that I see them. I also like the
freedom - this is the perfect place for experienced
divers. I can be on my own schedule - dive as often
or as little as I like, where I like, and when I like.
What more could I ask for in a totally relaxing vacation?"
Tom tells
us that back in the spring of 1993 some friends from
Germany asked he and his wife to pick a spot and set
up a Caribbean vacation with them. Tom's wife did
some research and they liked what Bonaire had to offer.
The travel agent set it up - all worked out well and
the Bonaire monkey has been on their backs since then.
His wife would have been here to see Tom receive his
award, except she couldn't come on this trip due to
an illness.
When asked
his impressions on Bonaire: "Wonderful and friendly
people - pristine coral reefs - delicious restaurants
- sun - sand - no traffic lights. Keep it up, you're
the best."
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AWARDED: |
Gene,
Jennifer, and Maggie Gallagher, Mystic, Connecticutt,
USA |
Carib
Inn
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AWARDED: |
Bob
and Mary Fakelmann, Califon, New Jersey, USA |
Carib Inn
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AWARDED: |
Tony
and Bobbi Kerridge, Riegilsville, Pennsylvania,
USA |
Carib Inn
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AWARDED: |
Linda
Householder,
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
10 years of visits to Bonaire, this visit staying
at Lighthouse Beach Resort.
"Bonaire is my favorite place on this planet,
which is why I come twice or more a year to visit
my special place."
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AWARDED: |
John
van het Veld, Ontario, Canada |
13 Years,
Carib Inn: It
must be pointed out that John van het Veld lived on
Bonaire for two years as a child (back in the late
50's), when his father was a teacher at the Technical
School.
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AWARDED: |
Bill
& Susan Tinsley, Ohio, USA |
Visiting
for their 15th year, Bill and Susan, staying at Carib
Inn, state they are very fortunate to be among
the people who have enjoyed the island for so many
years.
"Besides
the beauty of the island and the diving, we have made
many friendships, both local and from all parts of
the world, and we look forward to seeing them each
year."
Bill and
Susan first came to Bonaire because they were looking
for a quiet, tropical island which did not have a
large population. They continue: "Over the years
we have watched many changes take place--some for
the good, others not. We are afraid that with all
the shoreline construction, the reef and its sealife
that we love so much will continue to be damaged."
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AWARDED: |
Bob
& Lisa Yarusso, New York, USA |
13 Years:
Carib Inn
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AWARDED: |
Mary
Petty & Cindy Patton, Vancouver, Canada |
11 Years:
Carib Inn
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AWARDED: |
Dennis
McDermott,
Maryland, USA |
12 Years:
Captain
Don's Habitat Hotel: "This feels great! It
is nice to know the people of Bonaire care so much
about my being here year after year."
Although Dennis first came to Bonaire for the great
diving, now he returns for the great diving and the
great people! Dennis continues, "
I hope to be able to come back to Bonaire for many
years in the future."
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AWARDED: |
Joel
Simon
California, USA |
15 Years:
Captain
Don's Habitat Hotel
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AWARDED: |
Alan
Berne
Ellicott City, Maryland , USA |
On February
17th, 2003 at Captain
Don's Habitat Hotel, during their weekly Managers
Cocktail Party, Alan Berne from Ellicott City, Maryland
USA was awarded with the Bronze Bonaire Ambassador
Medal. Mr. Berne has been coming to Bonaire for 15
years in a row.
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AWARDED: |
Jim
Nuckolls
Georgia , USA |
Jim Nuckolls
was just added to our long list of Bonaire Ambassadors,
after being awarded the Bronze Medal. He started to
coming to Bonaire back in 1992 and, since then, has
returned every year, at least two times or more. Jim
first came to Bonaire because he heard of the fantastic
diving and wanted to check it out for himself. Now
he returns because the original claim was definitely
true, and because of all the friends he has made on-island.
He always stays at Captain
Don's Habitat because he feels very welcome there
and is always greeted by friendly faces. Jim told
us that he even has purchased his own car here now,
due to the fact that he visits so often.
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AWARDED: |
Edward
& Cathleen Goetz
Connecticut , USA |
11 Years,
staying
at Divi
Flamingo Resort & Casino.
"This was true surprise - a very special way
to make us feel special!
"What makes Bonaire so special for us are the
people, the people, the people and, of course, the
spectacular diving, the unique topography and the
beautiful environment.
"The dignity of the Bonairean people, the warm
hospitality, the natural beauty of the island and
the strong emphasis on preserving the ecology makes
Bonaire the perfect paradise vacation."
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AWARDED: |
Andy
Uhr and Lee Bray
Virginia, USA |
14 Years,
Carib
Inn: Andy and Lee tell us how gratifying it is
to know that the island appreciates her visitors and
guests. The People, the Sea, and the Sun are the main
reasons they keep returning, although it was the lure
of great diving which first brought them to Bonaire.
Andy and
Lee offer this: "Change is inevitable, but we
hope the people of Bonaire will never lose sight of
the things that make the island so special."
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AWARDED: |
Jerry
& Jane Goldberg
Massachusetts, USA |
14 Years,
Carib
Inn: Jerry and Jane tell us, "It feels like
someone appreciates the fact that we continue to return.
We also think the Ambassador Program is a wonderful
PR tool on the part of the Tourism Bureau (TCB)."
When asked
what makes Bonaire special after so many years, Jerry
and Jane report that it is the weather, the water,
the snorkeling, the relaxed atmosphere, the friendliness
of the people, the good food, and the friends that
they've made and continue to make.
Although
Jerry and Jane had, in the past, visited many Caribbean
islands, after seeing Bonaire advertised in a magazine,
they decided to try it. They've never gone to another
Caribbean island since!
"See
you next year-and the year after-and the year after,
etc!"
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AWARDED: |
Keith
Priest & Kathy Maxwell
Nebraska, USA |
10 Years,
Carib
Inn, Keith and Kathy tell us that it's very special
and nice to be honored by the people of Bonaire. The
many reasons why they keep returning are the people,
the climate, the clear water, and the relaxed lifestyle.
Keith and
Kathy first came to Bonaire when friends asked them
to come along on a trip. They will definitely be back
for another visit soon!
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AWARDED: |
Rich
& Betty Dzuirsynsky (Jones)
Georgia, USA |
10 Years,
Carib
Inn: "Hospitality is a wonderful thing! This
program shows that the island of Bonaire welcomes
and appreciates the loyalty of the tourists.
"We
first came to Bonaire for the diving, which is wonderful,
but now return because of the people who we've grown
to love. Delno is a great ambassador for the island.
We'll see each other again real soon!"
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AWARDED: |
Mark
& Pat Crawford
Nebraska , USA |
11 Years,
Carib
Inn: "This was special, and fun, too!
"In
1969, we read in the Frommer's Guide that Bonaire
was a great spot for diving, and we made our first
trip that year. We started coming back the very next
year, and the next year, and the next year.............
We have now visited Bonaire 16 times!"
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AWARDED: |
Steve
& Jimmy Jones
Anchorage, Alaska, USA |
10 Years,
Carib
Inn: "We were very pleased to be recognized
for doing something that we enjoy so much--visiting
Bonaire!
"The
friendly people, the wonderful weather, and the great
diving all are reasons why Bonaire continues to be
so special. We have visited several other islands
and decided to try Bonaire based on magazine articles.
Once we came to Bonaire, we have never gone elsewhere!"
Steve and
Jimmy offer this advice to Bonaire: "Please do
not over-develop Bonaire--it is great as is!"
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AWARDED: |
Marion
Harrison and Mimi Wallace
Tennessee, USA |
Marion
and Mimi were enjoying another vacation on Bonaire
and were staying at Sand
Dollar Condominiums when they received their bronze
medals acknowledging 15 years of consecutive visits
to Bonaire!
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AWARDED: |
Sue
Southwood
Indiana, USA |
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AWARDED: |
Doug
& Jeri Reineger
Florida, USA |
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AWARDED: |
Gretchen
Kromer
& Paul Kuznets
Indiana, USA |
"Though
we have been diving in the Florida Keys, Belize, Honduras,
Little Cayman, San Salvador (Bahamas), Anguilla, Provo,
and Grand Turk, Bonaire is the one place we have returned
each year for the past ten years. We come back for
the excellent diving, the island's pleasant ambience,
and its fine restaurants. We also return because the
Carib Inn... with its outstanding dive service...
has become, for us, a home away from home."
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AWARDED: |
Catherine
Skwiot
Massachusetts, USA
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"I
am honored and delighted to be recognized as a Bonaire
ambassador, for as my husband already said, many
of our friends think that we have long been ambassadors
for Bonaire. Talking about Bonaire to whomever will
listen and to those who make the trip themselves
is one of our favorite hobbies.
"How could one not love coming back to Bonaire
year after year: Bonaireans are wonderful, warm,
and friendly. The island is gorgeous, as is
the sea. The park is one of the most special places
I've ever been, and it's a treat to see Cultura
and Clifford each year.
"My husband Larry Gross first brought me to
Bonaire twelve years ago. If that visit was a ploy
to get me to fall in love with him, well, it worked
better than even he could have imagined.
"I hope that I will be able to return each
year for the rest of my life to visit the island
and people I have met and to meet more people and
learn more about the island's culture, history,
and language. I sincerely hope that future economic
development in tourism and other sectors will provide
good jobs to Bonaireans and thus enable them to
stay and prosper in their homeland."
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AWARDED: |
Marisa
& Bob Ten Eick
Illinois, USA |
14
Years of visits to Bonaire, and visiting Carib
Inn on this trip!
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AWARDED: |
Hansje
& Frans Hazewinkel
The Netherlands |
On
January 21, 2003 at the Plaza
Resort Bonaire, Frans and Hansje
Hazewinkel from Haren, The Netherlands received
their Bronze Bonaire Ambassador Medal from the
Bonaire Tourism Corporation. For 15 years consecutive
they have been coming to Bonaire and never missed
a year.
Back in 1988 they decided it was about time
to visit all the Dutch Caribbean Islands. Bonaire
was love at first sight and they continue to
enjoy the tranquility, the clear ocean, the
beautiful fish, the nice Bonairean people with
their friendliness, and not to be forgetten,
all the wild animals that roam free around the
Island.
Frans and Hansje are both very enthusiastic
snorkelers and they told us that there is no
better place to do this than here on Bonaire.
They have also donated funds for Klein Bonaire
since they think the island should belong to
Bonaire.
They told us, "We are very proud to receive
these medals, and we are looking forward to
our 16th consecutive visit next year so we can
upgrade our Bronze Medals to Silver Medals.
And who knows--perhaps we'll be shooting for
the Gold in about 5 years."
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AWARDED: |
Christine
(Tina) Wall
USA |
Christine
Wall, more commonly known as Tina, received
her bronze medal. Tina first started coming
to Bonaire 15 years ago when she was 6 years
old, and has returned for at least one visit
(and many years had multiple visits) each year.
Further, guests of Bon
Bini Divers who visited Bonaire during
the summer months, may remember Tina from the
boats—she interned with Bon Bini Divers for
the summers of 2001 and 2002 as a divemaster
and later an instructor. Tina returns frequently
to Bonaire, as it is one of her favorite places
same goes for the parents, but unfortunately,
her return visits are dictated by her college
schedule. Tina is majoring in Photography and
Visual Arts. She needs only to return once more
in 2003 so that she, too, can upgrade her bronze
for a silver medal!
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AWARDED: |
Corinne
& Sy Halberg
USA |
10
years
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AWARDED: |
Edgar
Ribiero
Brazil |
Edgar
Ribiero is the father of a son and a daughter
and grandfather of 2 ½ (3rd grandchild expected
in June), and has been coming to Bonaire since
March, 1991. He became a certified diver in
1991 after being introduced to Bonaire by a
good friend from Brazil. He returned twice in
1992, brought his son and future daughter-in-law
in 1993, and has made annual visits thereafter,
with some years visiting up to 3 times! Edgar’s
wife accompanies him whenever her schedule permits.
Edgar claims Bonaire is by far his favorite
place not only to dive but also a marvelous
place to stay. For comparison he has been to
the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Saba, St. Maarten,
British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Turks &
Caicos, Cocos Island and Costa Rica, but always
returns to Bonaire and
Bon
Bini Divers. A school headmaster
in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Edgar enjoys the
relaxed pace of Bonaire. Getting away from the
pressure, crowds and stress of the large city
affords him the opportunity to take the time
to "meet himself, put his ideas in order, and
assess how his life is going." Mostly he visits
Bonaire alone. He says he immediately felt comfortable,
secure; a sense of "coming home"--even on his
first visit. The people are always friendly
and helpful – dive masters, shopkeepers, wait
staff. The island is small and yet has everything
one needs--you can dive, relax, meet people,
enjoy wonderful meals, or wander about. Being
small, it has many points of meeting – he often
encounters other hotel guests in stores, on
the street, or at festivals. Edgar looks forward
to his next visit (hopefully within 6 months)
with great anticipation.
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AWARDED: |
Don
Brooks
USA |
Don
Brooks of Hinsdale, Illinois, began visiting
Bonaire in early 1992. An avid diver, this is
his 11th year on Bonaire and his 20th trip to
the island. Don is a PADI Divemaster and has
logged over 1200 dives around the world (from
Bonaire, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, Cayman
Brac, Bahamas, Florida Keys, Turks & Caicos,
Hawaii, Red Sea, Coral Sea, Fiji, Indonesia,
Cocos Island to Galapagos). He has logged over
300 of his dives in Bonaire and Bonaire has
become home to Don and his many guests that
have visited with him. Thanksgiving Week in
Bonaire is a special week, as it is a gathering
place for his family, which has grown to 13
now. "The island is a diver's paradise. The
ease of diving makes it great for beginners
or advanced divers." It is Don's family's favorite
dive destination; his 4 grandchildren (3 out
of 4 dive) love to come to Bonaire for this
special family week. Don and his groups have
done numerous trips to various dive destinations
around the world, but each year they manage
to visit Bon
Bini Divers and Bonaire at least once, twice
or occasionally three times. At home Don is
President of McCrone Associates, Inc., Westmont,
Illinois, an analytical laboratory specializing
in materials analyses.
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AWARDED: |
John
Barnes
USA |
John,
from New York, at a loss for words after receiving
his medal at Carib
Inn, said it was symbolic of the friendship
shown to him and his friends over years of visits.
Bonaire is truly a divers paradise.
10 years to Bonaire.
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AWARDED: |
Michael
Miller
USA |
Michael,
from Virginia: "Great recognition by the
Tourism Corporation that I really appreciate.
A great personal touch. Bonaire has great diving
and great people make it a very desirable island
to visit. Bruce and Kitty of the Carib
Inn make us feel like part of their
family. Will be back with my group for sure
soon."
13 years to Bonaire.
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AWARDED: |
Gary
Knisely
USA |
Gary,
from Virginia: "I very much appreciate
the acknowledgement and look forward to the
Silver and Gold! Bonaire specializes and caters
to divers. Its shore diving offers maximum flexibility
to divers and allows a very relaxed, go at your
own pace atmosphere. Continue to fight for conservation
and try to regulate and control the development
and commercialism on the island so it does not
over shadow the values that set this island
apart."
13 years to Bonaire, and visiting Carib
Inn.
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AWARDED: |
Joe
Wargo
USA |
Joe,
from Virginia, was very pleased to be recognized
when he visited Carib
Inn. "The people of Bonaire have always
been very friendly to us ..... we never feel
like tourists here. I have been to over 25 countries
and the friendliest people anywhere can be found
on Bonaire!"
13 years to Bonaire.
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AWARDED: |
Barbara
and Tom Wilson
USA |
Recently
visiting for their 13th consecutive year, this
trip they chose BelMar
as their base. "We love so many places
and it is indeed hard to choose where to stay,"
said Tom. TCB congratulates Tom and Barbara
and is looking forward to many more years of
welcoming them to Bonaire.
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AWARDED: |
Gary
and Leanna Schranz
USA |
10
years, visiting Carib
Inn on this trip.
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AWARDED: |
Doug
and Roxanne
Hook
USA |
11
years to Bonaire, and visiting Carib
Inn on this trip.
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AWARDED: |
Milly
and Hart Anway
USA |
15
years to Bonaire, and visiting Carib
Inn on this trip.
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AWARDED: |
Sandy
and Ernie
Chandler
USA |
Several
years ago Ernie's brother came with us to Bonaire
and the Carib
Inn. During our stay, he made the
comment that we had "found a home."
Although I hadn't thought of it quite that way,
I realized he was exactly right. Bonaire and
the Carib Inn had become our dive home.
Our trip to Bonaire is one of the best parts
of our year. We are always happy and relieved
to see that the island has not out-grown or
over-developed itself. Instead, the island and
the Carib Inn continue to improve. We want to
continue to visit for many years.
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AWARDED: |
Carol
and Bill Collins
USA |
Bill
and Carol came to Bonaire in 1988 on an anniversary
trip. And it's been a celebration ever since!
"Now that we are retired from teaching,
we are free to come any time of the year. We
have over 200 dives on Bonaire. We especially
enjoy the slow, relaxed pace."
The
Collins were visiting Carib
Inn on this visit.
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AWARDED: |
Iris
and Glenn Scott
Texas, USA |
They
received bronze medals for visiting Bonaire
over 10 years.
They come to Bonaire for 2 weeks each year,
and the main reason they visit Bonaire is the
friendly people and the diving.
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AWARDED: |
Susan
Llewellyn
and
Mike Mc Vicar
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Susan
and Mike started coming to Bonaire in 1991 on
the advice of a Canadian divemaster who said
this is the place to come, and Carib
Inn is the only place to stay. "We
come back every year! Bonaire is a photographer's
paradise and perfect for our children, too."
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AWARDED: |
Doug
and Connie Wisse
Vermont, USA |
In
1991 while vacationing in Aruba, Doug and Connie
Wisse decided to "hop over" to Bonaire
to do some snorkeling.
They had the opportunity to participate in a
resort diving course. That was the beginning
of their love of diving. Each has logged over
600 dives of which 400 – 450 dives have
been on Bonaire. Their favorite dive locations
are: north – Andrea II; south – Invisibles;
and, boat dive – La Dania’s Leap.
They are adamant that Bonaire’s shore diving
is unsurpassed.
Since
that first visit in 1991, they have introduced
their family to the island. Both their daughter
and son-in-law obtained their dive certifications
here. They are timeshare owners at Lions
Dive and have also stayed at Ocean
View Villas, and always dive with
Bon
Bini Divers.
When
asked why they enjoy Bonaire so much, the reply
was "the people on the island." Throughout
the years, they have experienced only graciousness
and assistance in solving all types of problems
they have incurred – both equipment and
health. They have never had the feeling they
are regarded as "just tourists."
When
not diving or just relaxing, they enjoy Sunday
afternoons at Lac Cai, lounging at Lac Bay watching
the windsurfers, and exploring the island by
car and on foot. In the past avid runners, Doug
says they’ve now slowed down to a brisk
walk.
Sports
have always played an important role in their
lives. Upon retiring they moved to Vermont to
be close to the ski slopes. They now divide
their year skiing each winter, diving in the
spring (Bonaire) and fall (a variety of locations)
and golfing during the summer months.
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AWARDED: |
Nancy
Buzzard and
Dorothy 'Dottie' Di Orio
Montgomery, USA |
Dorothy
and Nancy are longtime friends living in Montgomery,
Alabama where they find their daily lives keep
them from visiting each other as much as they
would like, even though they live a short distance
from each other. Thus, at least once a year
for the past 11 years they have come to Bonaire
for two weeks to renew their friendship. Dorothy
has visited Bonaire 15 times in the past 12
years. Nancy has made 14 visits in the past
11 years.
Dorothy is a retired professor emerita of foreign
languages at Auburn University. An accomplished
violinist she has performed with orchestras
and chamber groups in the U.S., France and Germany.
She is a literary author who has published books
and literary articles. Additionally, she has
been the recipient of many awards including
the prestigious Chevalier in the French Order
of the Academic Palms and the Faculty Award
in the Humanities at Auburn University. Currently
she is a caretaker for a long-time friend with
medical difficulties.
Nancy is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. During
her tours of duty, she served as protocol officer
in the U.S. and Europe, trained management consultants,
and served as military aide to a former President.
Since retirement she has been active serving
on boards of various museums, singing in a chorale,
and is the head of the Montgomery Humane Society.
Dorothy introduced Nancy to Bonaire 11 years
ago. Nancy was a non-diver and had no intentions
of learning to dive. In fact, she did not swim
or snorkel and was claustrophobic. She rode
along on the boat when Dorothy would dive. Observing
the divers, she was astonished to see the variety
of people diving - young, old, various stages
of physical fitness - yet when in the water
they all looked
the same. She decided then it was "mind
over matter" and returned to Alabama saying
"I, too, can do this". She completed
a physical education course in diving at Auburn
and has since logged over 200 dives. She uses
herself as an example of a person who can dive
but is not necessarily a swimmer. Interestingly
the same year she learned to snow ski. Dorothy
is also a snow skier and maintains a home in
Sun Valley. In addition to skiing, Dorothy has
also enjoyed mountain climbing including the
illustrious Matterhorn at Zermatt, Switzerland.
When the question was posed "where else
have you been diving and why do you prefer Bonaire",
their response was: Nancy with over 200 dives
has been to: Cozumel, Saba and Barbados. "Ditto"
was Dorothy's answer with additional locations
of (over 430 dives): Turks & Caico, Martinique,
Guadeloupe, Belize, Honduras, Cancun, Cayman
Islands, Eluthera, Hawaii, Thailand, and an
archeological dive on the French Riviera. Bonaire
rates highly because they feel it's impossible
to have a bad dive here, variety of coral and
fish, the proximity of sites by boat transportation
coupled with the intimacy and kindness of Bon
Bini Divers' operation. "Attitude
of personal service permeates through the staff
- never feel like a number." "We bring
all our friends: divers, snorkelers and non-divers.
"
When informed they were to receive an Ambassador's
award, their comment was: "We don't feel
worthy of this recognition, finding this place
(Bonaire) is recognition and reward enough."
They have traveled the world but always feel
on landing on Bonaire "We've arrived home."
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AWARDED: |
Al
and Gloria Schroedel
Cumming, USA |
Al
and Gloria, began visiting Bonaire yearly after
attending their first of many Nikonos Underwater
Photo Shootouts in June, 1990. The Schroedels
began diving in 1987 with an introductory dive
on Kauai, Hawaii. Gloria has since become a
Master Scuba Diver and Al is a Padi Open Water
Padi Instructor with 5 specialty ratings. They
have logged hundreds of dives throughout the
Caribbean (Barbados, Bequia, St. Vincent, St.
Lucia, Antigua, Nevis, the Virgin Islands, Bahamas,
Florida Keys, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize),
The Sea of Cortez and Hawaii.
They feel Bonaire is unique and special amongst
all the places they've traveled and rate it
as their favorite destination. They've had many
enjoyable experiences here on land and under
water. The combination of diving, restaurants,
value, and especially the friendly people on
the island, is simply unmatched anywhere else.
Now that Al and Gloria (parents of 4 sons and
grandparents of four granddaughters) have retired,
they intend to spend much more time diving with
Bon
Bini Divers in the coming years.
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AWARDED: |
Poduska
Family
Colorado, USA |
15
years visiting Bonaire.
We must say that they were very happy to receive
the medals and are very happy to visiting Bonaire
year after year and to Carib
Inn too.
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AWARDED: |
Dave
Schorbus
Kentucky, USA |
Coming
to Bonaire since 1991, and on this trip visiting
Captain
Don's Habitat.
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AWARDED: |
Donna
and Marvin Trippett
Virginia, USA |
10
years visiting Bonaire.
Scuba West has brought groups to Bonaire and
to
Captain Don's Habitat
every year since 1986, and seven members of
this years group have visited Bonaire for more
than 10 years.
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AWARDED: |
Roger
Lewis
Pearl Bunner
Danny Graham
Virginia, USA |
Left
Roger Lewis: 14 years visiting Bonaire. Center
Pearl Bunner: 11 years visiting Bonaire. Right
Danny Graham: 11 years visiting Bonaire.
Scuba West has brought groups to Bonaire and
to
Captain Don's Habitat
every year since 1986, and seven members of
this years group have visited Bonaire for more
than 10 years.
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AWARDED: |
Family
Cardinale
Connecticut, USA |
This
family
was awarded Bonaire Ambassador Bronze Medals
on August 26th, 2002 at Captain
Don's Habitat. They have been coming to
Bonaire for over 10 years now.
Originally they came to Bonaire to scuba dive
and they fell in love with Bonaire their very
first visit. Now they've discovered windsurfing,
too. Joe, Filomena, Amanda and Elise Cardinale
said that the people of Bonaire make this a
special place. "We love the water and the
diving."
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TOURISM
CORPORATION BONAIRE
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