It is always nice to hear when an individual is presented with a prestigious award especially if you know the person or is a close relative. But when a Sanpedrano receives an award it is even more special since we are a very closely knit community and we all feel as proud as a peacock.
Well we have another reason to feel proud since this past weekend a Sanpedrano, a pioneer in the tourism industry for our beautiful island, received yet another prestigious award. Diving legend Ramon Nuñez Sr. was presented with the Giant Stride Award by International Legends of Diving.
On Saturday, December 3, Ramon Nuñez Sr. was given recognition for his contributions to the world of diving as the first native of Belize to be certified as a diver. Ramon Nuñez enjoyed the privilege of serving as guide to Jacques Cousteau and the crew of the Calypso during their famous trip to the Blue Hole. This phenomenal expedition resulted in the photo of Belize’s Blue Hole being featured in international magazines and images of Belize going around the world thereby attracting thousands of diving enthusiasts and legends to visit Belize for that specific purpose.
The ceremony began with an inspiring speech by International Legends of Divers, Mr. Jeff Rice explaining why this prestigious handmade “blown glass” award in the shape of a diver was being given to Mr. Ramon Nuñez Sr. Hall of Fame Diving Legend and founder of Underwater Adventure Seekers (UAS) and National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABs), Dr. Jose Jones stated that he was very honored to make it for this very important event and also to present the prestigious and unique award to an icon like Ramon. Before presenting the award he gave an excellent statement:
“Out of all the 60,000 dives I’ve done around the world, Belize has the best place ever for diving. Make sure to keep this beauty this way & save the reef,” stated Jones.
Besides receiving the Giant Strides Award, another award given by Hedricks and the staff of Ramon’s Village Resort was presented by Mr. Einer Gomez. The ceremony ended with a touching and inspiring speech by Mr. Angel Nuñez about the outstanding and interesting life of a Mayan boy and his contributions to San Pedro and Belize.
Nunez compared Ramon to King Midas. While everything the king touched turned to gold, everything Ramon touches becomes an immediate success because it touches the lives of thousands of people. This is the accomplishment of a humble Mayan boy, hence leading to the announcement of a book being written & published very soon about the legendary Mr. Ramon Nuñez Sr.
Click Here to Read Mr. Ramon Nuñez’s Bio presented by the International Legends of Diving website
