These categories are specially created for the many very interesting visions and stories of 'the' Captain Don.
If you don't know this fabulous person, please read the stories, if you know, read the stories too!
There are 3 chapters in 3 categories, #1, #2 and #3. So please, start with #1.
Think about it, talk about it and your comments are more than welcome!
No. of the THIRD
I greet you as a Bonaire Alumnus: A person who has been a visitor, perhaps many times to Bonaire. One who even though far away at home still maintains a devoted feeling for this little island.
I am sure that it was our environmental attitude and practice and not only the diving which had attracted you. Your continuing interest in us via Bonaire Talk or the Bonaire Reporter confirms this.
Have you ever wondered why out of all the islands in the world Bonaire was the one to become a world leader in environmentalism? Perhaps by a Divine Providence? Possibly by destiny or fate? Whatever the reason, the incredible fact remains; Bonaire has become an environmental Mecca, and those who have once visited the island wear their visit as a badge of environmental pride.
These people have inspired others to "get involved" and to do something to protect and educate about nature. We all need to better understand nature, its myriad forms of life and their interactions. Collectively recipients of the Accolade have had wide impact on people young and old. The Foundation aims to spread the word about their efforts so as to recognize what they have accomplished and inspire others to follow the paths that they have illuminated.
The world’s countries, all of them, appear to be besieged in a crisis of some dimension. Overpopulation, AIDS, bickering over the bomb, WMD’s, and the price of gasoline. Over the course of history, wars were fought, some won, others lost, but our oceans have remained basically unchanged… Until now!
We humans from the beginning have always had the will to foul our own nest. However, before this century we never have had the power to impose total planetary destruction, chaos, and irreparable damage, as we cascade toward an irreversible abyss.
I refused to accept this insanity and have been questioned? Why squander your effort on trying to prevent this mad folly when it is known that you can not win? Perhaps. However, saving our reefs and oceans is my inherent responsibility. It is my life’s commitment. I came from the sea and now as a diver, I have returned. With whatever abilities I have, I will strive for it’s ongoing health, However, I cannot do this alone.
The effort needed to save world reefs from environmental degradation is a Herculean task. While individuals can and do have significant success with environmental issues, collectively we can be a “force majeure” whose power will be acknowledged locally, nationally and internationally. I see this to be the spark that can ignite worldwide collaborative effort to promote sound environmental management practices.
The power of one multiplied by thousands can and shall be heard from mountains and valleys and across oceans; from villages and cities to the leaders of all governments. Then and only then will begin the healing process to stop environmental degradation.
With the technological and electronic wonders of today we have for once the power to communicate instantly across the globe. Let us start the conversation. Let the small clapping of hands from Bonaire resonate to the thunderous wave of activism around the world.
Join us in this fight. No money. No promises. Just being a part of the Bonaire spearhead scrapping for world’s reefs and oceans. I need your input and ideas. Contact me at callingintheclan@yahoo.com, Captain don/ Chairman, Bonaire Accolade Foundation.
However, my instincts said otherwise. From the beginning of tourism 43
years ago, innumerable returning guests have expressed an overwhelming
aura of love and respect for this island.
don/
Posted by: Captain Don | September 03, 2006 at 07:23 PM