Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Bonaire

(Please also read the next post down the page for the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame ceremonies on Grand Cayman on November 9th).

In an earlier post I described a wonderful week on the island of Bonaire in August, where I was given a humbling honor for my work in urging reef conservation forty years ago.

Those who know the story have heard that the actual award was in a piece of luggage the airline lost for the entire week. So, the actual statuette was presented at the Diving and Equipment Marketing Association trade show in Orlando in early November.

Here, Ms. Lara Chirino, Director of Tourism, is presenting the award, flanked by two young people dressed as a trademark flamingo and an iguana, animals found in profusion on Bonaire.

In the next shot, Ms. Chirino, the flamingo lady and the iguana fellow are joined by Leslie Leaney of the Historical Diving Society (second from left) and the famed marine artist Wyland (second from right).

My new friend the Flamingo Lady joins me in the picture. Note that I kept my cold hand off her bare skin for fear she would let out a squeal and get me in trouble!

 My thanks to the government and the people of Bonaire for extending this unique honor.

 It will always have a special place in my heart, bringing back those precious memories from 40 years ago  http://www.divexprt.com/index_pics/Bonaire/BonaireAchievementAward.html