RECOMMENDATIONS

> In 2002, I had the opportunity to visit and dive the second largest barrier reef in the world in southern Belize led by Steve Roper. Along on this trip were several members of the Board of Directors of the World Wildlife Fund.

During the trip out, Steve explained in great detail the wonders of the barrier reef system and the need for people to respect and protect this wonderful resource of ours. He carefully explained the dive to us and led us along a remarkable visit. I happen to recall his charm when he commented on how good a diver I was. He made us all feel at ease.

His commitment to our oceans impressed me as he outlined his vision to reduce commercial fishing vessels and install moorings along the barrier reef to preserve this pristine environment, a vision I share.

I am pleased that he is continuing to contribute knowledge and insight into ways others can protect our Oceans. Keep up the good work Steve.

Kathryn Fuller. Past President. World Wildlife Fund.

> We first met Steve and Yim in early 2002 when we were guests at The Inn at Robert’s Grove in Belize.

During our stay at Roberts Grove we had ample opportunity to observe Steve and Yim interacting with guests, managing their staff and running all the other details of a first class resort. We subsequently returned for two more visits to Robert’s Grove primarily because of Steve and Yim’s personal service and the way in which they ran the operation. While the facilities at Robert’s Grove were excellent, it was their efforts that turned into a truly world class experience.

Yim managed the operation of the Inn and the restaurant. She was there at all hours and would personally and expeditiously handle any extraordinary or special guests needs. At the same time, while working in a difficult labor environment, she spent considerable effort developing the staff and over our multiple visits we saw the staff become more experienced and professional at dealing with customers and the operation of the resort. Yim was also involved in planning and implementing the expansion of the Inn and developing it’s time sharing business.

Steve built and managed the dive operation at Robert’s Grove. As a dive instructor Steve personally got my wife over her concerns about diving to the point where she is now an experienced diver. He imparted to our whole family a love of the sport, safety consciousness and concern for the marine environment. At the same time he hired, trained and managed the staff of the dive operation including dive instructors, boat captains and deck/dock hands.

His responsibilities included not only overseeing the technical details for diving but also arranging for guest hospitality such as lunch and side trips for non divers. He also personally handled the more technical details of designing the dive shop and marina area as well as installing the equipment. I was always amazed at the end of a long day when we returned to the dock.

The guests would return to the Inn to relax under Yim’s care while Steve would supervise the clean up at the marina and preparations for the next day’s dives. He was indefatigable. After finishing all that he would return to the Inn to help out wherever he could and to socialize with guests, reviewing that days dives and briefing for the next day’s outings.

We are pleased to highly recommend both Steve and Yim as managers for any resort operation and will be frequent guests wherever they are in charge.

Colin Cuskley. NYC

> I had the opportunity to dive with Steve Roper in 2001 in Belize, where he ran and operated the best of a handful of dive operations. He managed the dive operation with meticulous detail and maintained order during the morning rush of getting multiple boats out on time.

His ability to place safety first and oversee all under his charge was most impressive. He maintained an attitude of calm and was most enjoyable to be with throughout our numerous expeditions. He was also highly knowledgeable of the local waters and the underwater environment.

His ability to instruct was exceptional and he demonstrated tremendous patience with an elderly lady who was attempting to be certified, going out of his way to help her pursue her certification. At no time did he compromise the stringent requirements necessary for certification and instruction for novice divers.

I consider him an exceptional addition to the scuba diving industry and highly recommend pursuing your dive certification with him.

G. Robert Kletzker. MD., FACS, St. Louis, Missouri

> Hi Dolly,

Just wanted you to know that we all are still on a "high" since the great, good, gourmet time at Roberts Grove - that you survived our arrival (thanks so much for securing the bus - it was part of the adventure) is short of a miracle, but it all really worked out better that I even imagined.

The weather had been a lot of my concern, but it even obliged, as the stormy nights were perfect and the days following even better. Am passing on to all, our tremendous experience, but not everyone has a family as diverse in interests as ours - can't believe the fun with Placencia soccer team, Dockside and Sea Inns for night life - there was something for everyone, and Chuck and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.

Please thank all the staff for their smiley, hospitable demeanors, and especially, Steve, for accommodating such a big group. Am accumulating some candids which will be sent some time in the future - have a good rest in Montreal, and again, many thanks for a special vacation and "50" anniversary.

Tommy Solberg. Illinois

> Dear Steve and Dolly,

CHF International had a wonderful experience in Belize in 2002 and we sincerely thank you both.

We gathered our staff from seven different countries, and you made everyone feel welcome and relaxed. The conference was both productive and enjoyable thanks, in great part, to you and your staff.

Everything was fantastic, from the meeting arrangements to the beautiful poolside reception, and especially the diving trips!

The planning for our conference was superb, but it was your personal touch that really distinguished this conference from others we have held before and since.

Wishing you success and many happy adventures,

Staff of CHF International
Silver Spring, Maryland USA
Building a Better World since 1952

> Dolly and Steve,

We wanted to write and thank the both of you for our trip to Robert's Grove in Belize. You both made it a wonderful experience for us.

Dolly made everything about operating a 32 room resort in Belize looks effortless and always seemed the perfect hostess in the evenings.

Steve, you made running the dive operation and marina look much easier than it must have been and our trips to the barrier reef with you were well planned and we always felt you were in total control of every aspect of giving us the best trip we could have hoped for.

We understand why The Magnum Belize Report named you two as a couple one of the top Five Star Resort Managers in Belize. We couldn't agree with them more.

Bill Roberts. CEO. Vision TV. Toronto

> Dear Dolly and Steve:

It is a pleasure to write about our experience in Belize. As you know, Robert’s Grove is a beautiful but isolated resort in southern Belize. It is really a haven for divers, which my husband and son both are. We spent a lot of time with both of you while on diving expeditions. You are both true professionals who know and do their jobs well. Each outing was well run and extremely enjoyable.

You both added a great deal of friendliness to our visit. It was a pleasure dealing with you at Robert’s Grove and we would definitely look forward to “guesting” with you again.

Best regards,

The Ronen Family
Helaine, Ron, Laura and Elliot

> I have known Steve Roper for several years, first as an dive instructor, and later as businessman. I cannot more highly recommend ANYONE as a dive instructor.

Steve has extraordinary insight and patience in the teaching of diving. He is very conscientious, and communicates his passion in an infectious way. He has a lifetime of experience, and is a fine businessman who protects the interests of his employers also.

Now I am diving all month in Belize thanks to Steve. He taught me first, and he set me on fire.

Frank Domurat. MD., Alaska

> Dear Steve,

I wanted to thank you again for making my recent trip and first diving experiences particularly wonderful. I couldn't have asked for more consideration and encouragement. Conrad and I hope to bring some diving friends back down next year. (I will be able to consistently clear my mask by then!)

If I could write like my husband, you would have seen a scuba story instead of a fishing one in the Philadelphia Inquirer this past Sunday. At least he was able to weave you into the story.

Also, if he'd heard my 2-cents worth you would have been described as more than simply "affable". I would have at least added patient and professional.

Brenda Grove. Philadelphia

> My husband and 3 children were divers. At 50+, they didn't think I would ever have the nerve to "take the plunge". I wanted to prove them wrong. A resort course with Steve in Belize convinced me I could do it, He was very patient and let me take everything at my own pace. Before I knew it I was enjoying the reef flora and fauna and not thinking about how I got there!

Steve did a great job of supervising the other dive masters and divers under his charge. We had divers with a wide range of ability on our trips. He has a great ability to tune himself to everyone's needs while never comprising safety.

I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the sport of diving and I highly recommend Steve as an instructor.

Sarah Jones
Banker, New York

> Steve,

Dianne and I wish you best of luck in your new adventures. It was a pleasure to know you while you were managing 'Robert's Grove'.

We get the sense that things are not quite the same since you left. Boats failing and stranding people on the sea, arguments among staff and just the need of a good polishing generally. To remain a first class resort the owners need first class management... they need you back!

John and Diane Aronian. Belize

> I had the pleasure of experiencing the knowledgeable and friendly service of Steve and Dolly on several occasions while in Belize, Central America. I found them to be always ready, willing, and able to help with any and all needs. They added a large degree of warmth and familiarity to my visits that made me regret leaving, and look forward to my next return!

They definitely made the sun shine a little brighter in the Caribbean!

Janet Neel. Palermo, Italy

> Dear Steve,

It's hard to believe some of the places pictured at www.oceansedge.com really exist. They are like fantasy locations made up by some mad art director. Ranguana Caye, your "office" for two years, made me especially dreamy, although I was wondering how you got to see any movies. I didn't spot a cineplex or satellite dish.

Your images reminded me of an anecdote told by Martin Scorsese (the movie director) who was invited to spend some time at Marlon Brando's Tahitian island.

Scorsese was with DeNiro or a writer, I can't remember, and they were ostensibly working on a script idea for Brando. But Marlon, who was on the island, didn't show up the first day, or the second, or after a week.

Gradually, under the influence of the Tahitian sun, the men did less and less work each day, until finally, around the tenth day, they were doing nothing at all, except lying around, and talking and eating. Which was when Marlon showed up. The men told Marlon they didn't know what day it was and were losing their sense of time.

Wasn't it wonderful, Marlon said.

Yes, I can see why you're itching to move.

George Tabah. Montreal, Quebec, Canada