➡️ #BONAIRE, #STATIA and #SABA
➡️ #ZEELAND

WE ONLY NEED A COUPLE MORE DECLARATIONS!

Do you want #BIJ1 back in Dutch politics? We can only participate in the upcoming elections with enough signed declarations.

Sign a declaration at your local municipality if you haven't. Ask a friend to also sign a declaration if you have. We are only missing a couple more declarations in:

📍Bonaire, Statia and Saba
📍Zeeland

1. Open the link below and print the declaration of support.

https://cloud.bij1.org/s/rrDTH3WWCQZtXct

2. Go to the municipality with the form and your ID.

3. Take a photo/copy and return it to us.

Return this to
✉️ [email protected].

The declaration of support is only valid if BIJ1 can print your signed copy and submit it to the Electoral Council, which will process it.

Sint Eustatius Sunset

As the sun dips below the horizon, it paints the sky with a breathtaking blend of colors—warm hues that invite reflection and inspire hope.

The transition from light to dark is a powerful reminder of life’s cycles, encouraging us to pause, cherish the memories of the day, and embrace the potential that lies ahead.

Me Through Another’s Lens

Photos of me during scuba dives are rare, largely because most divers don’t carry cameras. During a week in St. Eustatius, my dive buddy Dominique managed to snap a few shots of me in action—thanks, Dominique, for the images!

In the picture above, I’m getting ready to capture a moment with a Lobster.

Exploring a shipwreck off the coast of St. Eustatius.

Trying to blend in with schooling fish above the wreck.

An #Octopus jumping from the seagrass to a shipwreck.
https://youtu.be/MNp23tFkCh0

#sealife #cephalopod #scuba #diving #statia

Underwater Image From Statia

Sint Eustatius is nestled in the heart of the Caribbean. It is fondly called Statia. The island offers a vibrant underwater world teeming with life and history. During a recent dive trip, I had the privilege of capturing the island’s unique marine beauty through my lens. I documented everything from colorful marine life to remarkable relics of the past.

(Click on an image to enlarge)

The dives revealed a dynamic ecosystem, with schools of big-eye fish gliding gracefully over vibrant coral reefs. Among the highlights were encounters with stingrays and a curious octopus.

Coral formations and lobster sightings added to the tapestry of life along Statia’s reefs, showcasing the area’s rich biodiversity.

Statia’s waters also hold fascinating pieces of history. A dive at one of the island’s shipwrecks uncovered a historic anchor dating back to the 1800s, now encrusted with marine life. Nudibranch eggs nestled among the corals provided a smaller, more delicate glimpse of the ocean’s wonders.

Marine life, shipwrecks, and underwater landmarks that make Statia a captivating destination for divers and underwater photographers alike.

Stay tuned—over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing videos from these dives to give a closer look at the underwater wonders of Statia in motion.

Capturing a Green Turtle’s Graceful Approach

It was our first dive of the morning, and the soft glow of sunlight filtered through the surface of the water. Although a recent storm had stirred up the currents and clouded our view, we could still see several turtles gliding around the reef from a distance. The gentle sway of the ocean around us felt comforting, and there was an undeniable sense of excitement as we prepared for a closer look.

https://youtu.be/WkYRYbLOeW0

Suddenly, one of the turtles resting on top of the reef decided to swim toward me. I was not expecting such a personal encounter, but it moved with calm determination, cutting through the hazy water until it was nearly within reach of my camera. In that moment, my concerns about visibility vanished, replaced by a profound appreciation for this graceful creature choosing to share a brief, magical moment with me.

Scientific (taxonomic) classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Cheloniidae
• Genus: Chelonia
• Species: Chelonia mydas

#CheloniaMydas #ecotourism #greenTurtle #Nature #ScubaDiving #SeaTurtle #statia #wildlife

The Old Gin House: Best Sunset Spot in Sint Eustatius

The Old Gin House is a charming, historic boutique hotel located in Oranjestad, the capital of Sint Eustatius, a small Caribbean island known for its natural beauty and rich history. Nestled along the waterfront, this iconic property combines colonial-era architecture with modern comforts, offering guests a unique blend of elegance and tranquility.

https://youtu.be/BZ09WSv1_l4

The hotel’s oceanfront terrace is a perfect spot to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands like St. Kitts. Its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring Statia’s attractions, including the Quill volcano, Fort Oranje, and the island’s pristine dive sites, renowned for vibrant marine life and historical shipwrecks.

#oceanfront #oldGinHouse #sintEustatius #statia #sunset #sunsetPhotography

Chasing Clouds Challenge – Heading to Sint Eustatius

This month’s Chasing Clouds series takes us to the enchanting Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius, fondly known as Statia, located near St. Kitts and St. Martin.

Below you’ll find a collection of images focused on cloud formations.

I’m sure many of you share this fascination and have your own photos highlighting the beauty of clouds. Whether your shots are taken from land, sea, or high above, I’d love to see them! Feel free to join in by creating a “Chasing Clouds Challenge” post and tagging me—I look forward to admiring your work!

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#Caribbean #clouds #photoChallenge #sintEustatius #statia