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A dedication to Rob Stewart

In March 2015 the Turks and Caicos Islands had the honour of hosting Rob Stewart, world renowned shark conservationist and film maker. While on his visit here, he impacted the lives of a number of students, in particular students from the British West Indies Collegiate’s Reef Action Team, who had the pleasure of diving along side Rob.

In February of this year, Rob was involved in an unfortunate diving incident, and after a 5-day long search, was found at peace with the ocean. Our RATs team members spoke about the tragedy of this loss and decided we wanted to mark our respects for his passing, for the impact he had on so many people, and for the voice he gave to environmental issues so close to our own hearts.

The DECR also wanted to acknowledge the involvement Rob Stewart had with our community, so current and former members of the RATs group got together and donated funds to make a lasting dedication to the work of this passionate, hard-working man, which could be hung in the Turks and Caicos National Environmental Centre. We hope it reflects our thanks for how fortunate we felt to meet him, and for some of us, to dive with him when he brought ‘Shark Week’ to Turks and Caicos Islands in 2015.

On Tuesday, 9th May, the Turks and Caicos Islands Department of Environment and Coastal Resources ( DECR ), The British West Indies Collegiate Reef Action Team, RATs,  (along with some of their parents), The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund, Big Blue Unlimited and Amanyara, paid tribute to Rob and his legacy. We were also extremely fortunate to be joined by Rick MacPherson from PEW Charitable Trust, who was a personal friend of Rob as well as being part of the team who came to deliver ‘Shark Week’.

When next you visit the National Environmental Centre (NEC), please take a moment to appreciate Rob Stewart’s work and his impact on the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands. A second photo tribute, with messages from those present at the ceremony, will be also be hung in Miss Rankin’s English room – so please come and take a look.

RIP Rob Stewart.

Miss Rankin.

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