Jan-Jaap “JJ” Brandt Corstius has been recognized
as a Bonaire Ambassador in appreciation of his longstanding contributions to the
island and the global diving community.
JJ first visited Bonaire in 1990, beginning a lifelong connection and deep
appreciation for the island that has now spanned more than 36 years.
During his distinguished career, JJ served as director of the Scott Haldane
Foundation, where he played a key role in training physicians in diving medicine and
helping develop the program into an internationally recognized English-language
course. Starting in 1995, he organized and taught diving medicine courses around
the world, conducting 179 courses (over 30 years), 80 in the Netherlands and 99
internationally. Twenty of these courses were held on Bonaire, where doctors from a
wide range of medical specialties received training.
In 1996, his colleague Sylvia Dermout, a gynecologist and diving physician, joined
him as a co-instructor. Their professional partnership soon grew into a personal one,
and the couple has now been together for 30 years. They currently own a home on
Bonaire.
Through his educational work and international professional network, JJ has played
an important role in promoting safe diving practices while also bringing many
professionals and visitors to Bonaire.
After a long and dedicated career in diving medicine, JJ retired on January 1 st , 2026,
at the age of 70. He now looks forward to spending more time enjoying life on
Bonaire.
In recognition of his contributions to the island, JJ was officially honored as a Bonaire
Ambassador on March 6 th , 2026.
We congratulate JJ on this well-deserved recognition and wish him a wonderful and
relaxing retirement on dushi Bonaire.
Jan-Jaap “JJ” Brandt Corstius Recognized as Bonaire Ambassador
