tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post3448553416134040538..comments2023-05-05T07:13:41.889-04:00Comments on Corruption-free Anguilla: DolphinariumUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-47792273298210202782008-02-07T18:57:00.000-04:002008-02-07T18:57:00.000-04:00My husband and I are going to be on St. Maarten in...My husband and I are going to be on St. Maarten in Feb. 2008. I thought it would be fun to swim with thi Dolphins on Anguilla, but after reading all the stuff that was written, there is no way I will help the island of Anguilla with my US dollars. JB.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-66032708415205230242008-01-06T00:31:00.000-04:002008-01-06T00:31:00.000-04:00Dolphins belong in the ocean, not in captivity whe...Dolphins belong in the ocean, not in captivity where people of means (aka vacation $$$) get to swim with them. If you're lucky as my husband and I have been, you'll get to see them diving in and out of the waves along each side of a boat we hired to go fishing in Anguilla years ago - a heavenly sight. At what price do humans want to jeopardize dolphin life and even their own health swimming in bacteria? This is very sad.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-65002847984878278532008-01-02T16:49:00.000-04:002008-01-02T16:49:00.000-04:00I have tried for months to get a volunteer positio...I have tried for months to get a volunteer position at this facility only because I am concerned with the animals care. I hate this kind of facility but if they must exist the least I can do is try to lookout for any mistreatment and let someone know. This place is a joke.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-38580906328974389662007-12-29T22:55:00.000-04:002007-12-29T22:55:00.000-04:00Anguilla has always be somewhat of a rebel state a...Anguilla has always be somewhat of a rebel state and the things that are going on now are a prime example of that rebel mentality. We feel that we can and will do as we please with no accountability. Well, times have changed but it appears as if no one has taken the time to inform most Anguillians. We are not foolish people by a long shot but we are swayed by impulses and our own inate desire to show and prove to the rest of the Region and the world that we are self-sufficient. This arrogance is often the root cause of our careless and reckless activities. While it is true that we have advanced a great deal from the 60's and 70's era we have yet to achieve the independence of self awareness and competent governance. Acting impulsively or doing things on a whim will always create problems for us in the future. This type of behaviour is what’s fueling the present crises we are experiencing. We may try to deny this but ultimately we have to face facts and see a spade as a spade.<BR/><BR/>Changing our mentality is an arduous job but it has to be done in order to accomplish the goals and dreams of our forefathers and protect our children's future. We have to honor treaties and regulations that are embedded in our laws and the laws of the UK that pertains to us. If we look next door we will see this in effect in the US Virgin Islands. They have to comply with the legislation passed down by US mainland. These are things that are necessary to keep funding and protection going. If they were to act unilaterally and with disregard to US policy the consequences will be tremendous. We are in the same situation as they are but we seem to think that we can do what we chose with no accountibilty and consequences. So far, we have been fortunate that the UK has not pressured us into compliance but has chosen to give us some latitude. Yet still we bicker and moan. We are not equipped to function as an independent state and would be easily taken advantage of on the world stage. Our economy will collapse and our people will suffer greatly. Why can’t we understand this and act responsibly in this respect?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-62413380500534206492007-12-29T22:49:00.000-04:002007-12-29T22:49:00.000-04:00While we rant and rave about the dolphins and thei...While we rant and rave about the dolphins and their present condition, we are forgetting one obvious fact and that is that the facility is not open but in a transition period waiting on approval to be moved to a new location. These are not the usual condition that exists while the facility was operating and open to the public. Of course, there will be some neglect evident and while people are free to visit and explore the facility and its grounds, the taking of pictures for propaganda purposes does not do DD justice.<BR/><BR/>It is true that the captivity of the dolphins, even though not accepted by everyone, is a means by which some Anguillians make their livelyhood. As such, until Gov't is made to correct and act on policy and regulations, we can raise holy hell to no avail. These mammals are here with us regardless of how we feel, thus it might be a more appropriate tactic to find an alternate location until we can settle this.<BR/><BR/>I am not an advocate of DD but merely an Anguillian who believes that we have to reach a compromise for now but continue working to close down the operation in the future. As a previous poster suggested, a location on the western most tip of the island will benefit everyone for the time being since all the pollutants will flow out to the open ocean with the currents and away from our protected and prized beaches. It is actually quite normal for there to be compromises reached whenever there are a potential deadlocks or empasses over issues. It doesn’t mean that we have failed or have given up the fight, but that we have lived to fight another day and tackle the issues from another perspective.<BR/>I believe that all Anguillians, and the Gov't included, are aware of the issues at hand but who is it among you are forthcoming with suggestions and or solutions to correct these problems? We are very adept at criticizing and pointing fingers but in the realm of finding solutions we are quite lacking.<BR/><BR/>There has to be a way out or solutions proposed because it means that many people will be losing valuable income. Who will supplement that lost income? Is it not the Gov't who will be held responsible for any and all loses? If that is so, then solutions are what is needed before we can expect any changes in policy that will adversely affect our people and our financial structure. It is important to remember that Gov't relies on the people and elected officials of their constituencies to remain in office, hence they will be reluctant to act on anything that will negatively impact the majority. It is a sad state of affairs that we are experiencing with this DD issue and it is rapidly causing a division among our people that has to end if we are to continue our economic growth.<BR/><BR/>It therefore behooves us to find solutions and find them fast.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-20176116414505565322007-12-24T11:16:00.000-04:002007-12-24T11:16:00.000-04:00If the dolphins were just freed, they would most l...If the dolphins were just freed, they would most likely die in the wild. They need to unlearn what the trainers have taught them. The dolphins get their meals thrown to them by humans. It's a totally different game in the wild. Only positive thing for them in the wild is no lawyers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-89547178943218289882007-12-22T19:42:00.000-04:002007-12-22T19:42:00.000-04:00I am beyond disgusted. Would caring people in AXA ...I am beyond disgusted. Would caring people in AXA just go free those dolphins!! Let them out to sea in the dead of night... or they will be dead long before this government or any ageny at home or abroad can help them. All the talk about studies is just a delaying tactic, while the powers that be and their cronies figure out how to line their pockets some more or, conversely, how to cover their behinds for the collapse of the facility and death of the dolphins. Sorry my hard working Anguillians, whatever $$ you got out of the dolphins is all you're gonna get; you are never going to realize more financial benefits from 'dolphin tourism'. They will be long dead, and Anguillians may be too. It's sad that we are all so afraid (me too) of retaliation that few of us are even willing to use our name. FREE THEM NOW! Damn the conquesnces.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-63643347803863279572007-12-22T18:41:00.000-04:002007-12-22T18:41:00.000-04:00I emailed Ric O'Barry with the link, he responded ...I emailed Ric O'Barry with the link, he responded to say he would come to help out, ifsomeone would cover his expenses.<BR/><BR/>My wife and I went down to the DD, scaled the tank on the sea side for a look on Dec. 20. Looked nothing like the photos here. 8 dolphins swimming, jumping. Four people in wetsuits milling about. Wasapporached by one of them who told us they have a vet on premises adn the dolpjhins are fed 5 times a day. What to believe??!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-91501848445556607112007-12-21T12:19:00.000-04:002007-12-21T12:19:00.000-04:00Barbara in St Maarten has also taken up the cause ...Barbara in St Maarten has also taken up the cause of the dolphins. See<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://barcann.livejournal.com/" REL="nofollow">Barbara Talks</A><BR/><BR/>IDMidmitchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08966173951425644722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-37453666297245488122007-12-21T12:15:00.000-04:002007-12-21T12:15:00.000-04:00Jess in St Maarten has also taken up the plight of...Jess in St Maarten has also taken up the plight of the dolphins. See<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://sxmliving.blogspot.com/" REL="nofollow">An American in SXM</A><BR/><BR/>IDMidmitchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08966173951425644722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-80112933175211874702007-12-21T12:06:00.000-04:002007-12-21T12:06:00.000-04:00There is a new site on the dolphin scandal in Angu...There is a new site on the dolphin scandal in Anguilla that is worth having a look at:<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.squidoo.com/SAVE-THE-ANGUILLA-DOLPHINS" REL="nofollow">A Plea to the Anguilla Government</A><BR/><BR/>IDMidmitchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08966173951425644722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-20497173238364944712007-12-20T18:46:00.000-04:002007-12-20T18:46:00.000-04:00It remains true that those who care don't matter a...It remains true that those who care don't matter and those who matter don't care. But our leader says Jesus is coming soon.<BR/><BR/>PS: Here's a picture of our Minister of Social Services (that means Health, Education and non-dolphin Prisons) with the famous Dr. Lana Hoyoung:.<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://anguillian.com/imagecatalogue/imageview/13286/?RefererURL=/article/articleview/5541/1/135/" REL="nofollow">Photograph</A>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-16682559976405464262007-12-20T12:25:00.000-04:002007-12-20T12:25:00.000-04:00Let's not make blanket statements about all celebr...Let's not make blanket statements about all celebrities because of the conduct of Matt Lauer. He does not speak for all of them, any more than Hitler spoke for all white people or Idi Amin spoke for all blacks.<BR/><BR/>Ignorant, insensitive people come in all colours.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-72254614839988946932007-12-20T12:13:00.000-04:002007-12-20T12:13:00.000-04:00Interestingly how this Dolphinarium debate has not...Interestingly how this Dolphinarium debate has not encapsulate the debate of animal cruelty to the forefront on Anguilla. For too long, Anguillians without any sense of compassion for God’s creation, killed and/or tortured indiscriminately innocent animals e.g. dogs, cats, birds, goats, sheep, lizards, snakes, chickens etc. with cruelty that is heart-breaking to described. <BR/><BR/>Animals are being killed with clubs, sticks and rocks; some are tortured - tied-up to trees while exposed to the raw elements without shelter. Some are injected with poison; food is laced to be picked up by strays. Animals hanging from trees seem to be a ritual or a form of animal death sentence. Some are bagged live before thrown into the ocean or a near-by cliff of over 50-100ft depths. Some are tied and held before a firing squad, sometimes by a licensed firearm user with permission… is also a nom.… <BR/><BR/>This too is appalling and needed immediate attention, not only by our authorities, but by our divine instincts. <BR/><BR/>So as a caring people as we make belief; let us not be bias in our reporting, but bring the full menace and dishononorable acts to the debate. <BR/><BR/>Remember, Animal Welfare Acts in Europe affects us in Anguilla. By extension to the UK, we are obligated to Treaty Articles. We don’t have to wait on Government legislation. It’s a criminal offence not just for blatant acts of cruelty to animals, but also to fail to provide animals with legislatively specified standards of care.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-39368503594885467462007-12-20T09:49:00.000-04:002007-12-20T09:49:00.000-04:00Someone above asked about celebrities who have vis...Someone above asked about celebrities who have visited Shedding light on the problem...well they are PART of the problem. Just about 2 years ago, Matt Lauer of the Today Show took his kids to this stink hole so they could swim with the dolphins. Apparently he paid extra for the 'up close' encounter. <BR/><BR/>I wrote him at that time asking him to instead use his position in the media to expose these disgusting dolphin prisons....I got no response.<BR/><BR/>You can tell alot about a civilization by the way they treat their animals.....this is a glaring beacon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-84694757205237628632007-12-19T19:04:00.000-04:002007-12-19T19:04:00.000-04:00The tanks are really all one tank, with steel nett...The tanks are really all one tank, with steel netting separating the different areas. If there's filth in one there's filth in all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-85902903518432168442007-12-19T17:17:00.000-04:002007-12-19T17:17:00.000-04:00I do not see dolphins in that aprt of the dirty ta...I do not see dolphins in that aprt of the dirty tanks. Are thsoe the abandon tanks? Where are the dolphisn now? <BR/><BR/>The pictures do not show them in dirty water.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-67998752095825726452007-12-19T14:27:00.000-04:002007-12-19T14:27:00.000-04:00This is an abominable shame and a glaring example ...This is an abominable shame and a glaring example of the corruption that is rife in the government of Anguilla and so many of the Carribean islands. The owners of 'Dolphin Discovery' are obvioulsy known to certain politicians and they and their lackeys should be held accountable in criminal court for the health of these lovely creatures and the appalling condition of this facility. How could anyone decent live with the knowledge of such terrible living conditions for some of God's most noble and intelligent creatures? <BR/>If the citizens of Anguilla don't stand up and put an end to this attrocity then they deserve to lose all tourist related income!<BR/>Merry Christmas<BR/>J.Williams<BR/>Las Vegas, NV.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-12009065554987491792007-12-19T10:43:00.000-04:002007-12-19T10:43:00.000-04:00Oh My Goodness..what a horrible tragedy for those ...Oh My Goodness..what a horrible tragedy for those poor dolphins. Dolphin Dicovery is quoted as saying "Dolphin Discovery is committed to provide high quality, educational, and entertaining interactive experiences to its guests." Well what about teh Dolphins you have taken responsibility for? Do they matter? who the hell is feeding them and caring for them since the establishment was abandoned? The very first time I was on the island, I fell in love with the dolphins on Mead's Bay and in particular a dolphin named Megara, she was sweet and loving even without being prompted. I did fall for the allure of swimming with the dolphins for the first time not giving a thought to the methodothology of it all such as the starvation-training factor. Today after seeing these pictures I don't care if any Dolphin Pleasure Palace stays open....as a matter of fact I wish they would all close and leave the poor dolphins alone. They are a disgrace and so are teh so called trainers who are supposed to care. They should be left behind to see what it feels like to live in such filth and disarray and hunger. I am getting very upset writing this and thinking about people who care so much about money that they would just leave these dolphins abandoned to live in a cesspool. Can someone please email me and let me know what happens and what the final decision of the establishment on Meads Bay will be and what will happen to the dolphins. <BR/>Thank you<BR/>Donna K.<BR/>email address is: faireedreams@yahoo.comDonnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16358601384191326845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-23834286587133833172007-12-19T10:32:00.000-04:002007-12-19T10:32:00.000-04:00Dolphin Discovery sold their property to Viceroy R...Dolphin Discovery sold their property to Viceroy Resorts. What have they done with the millions they made from the sale price. Now they want ANguillians to give them prime beachfront for nothing? Never again. Get these people out of Anguilla.<BR/><BR/><BR/>No one made them sold their land to Vieroy Resorts. Viceroy resorts gave them enough time to relocate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-61210629668388306812007-12-19T09:44:00.000-04:002007-12-19T09:44:00.000-04:00It should be noted that Dr. Naomi Rose, a marine b...It should be noted that Dr. Naomi Rose, a marine biologist, has submitted extensive comments on what has come to be known locally as "The Hoyoung Report." Dr. Rose's response may be found near the bottom of the Comments section for the 4 December blog. Dr. Rose is a Marine Mammal Scientist with the Humane Society of the United States/Humane Society International.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-9758371453094870302007-12-19T08:00:00.000-04:002007-12-19T08:00:00.000-04:00Hi allWhether keeping Dolphins in captivity or not...Hi all<BR/>Whether keeping Dolphins in captivity or not is a valid subject and can be looked at from many points of view.<BR/>How to keep them is yet another issue.<BR/>I don't know when and for what purpose these pictures have been taken, but whatever the intent was, they speak for themselves.<BR/>Hopefully the intent was to point out a rusted, rotten, uncared for, sewer like environment, unfit for anything, anyone to touch, much less swim in it.<BR/>Is the discussion about letting the operators continue in that place, under these conditions, serious??!!!<BR/>I hope not.<BR/>It's nearly Monty Python-ish!!<BR/>I'm guessing that the facility never made enough money to keep it up, or else, the operator was just milking it.<BR/>As it deteriorates,it's value as a destination deflates and the downward spiral begins. <BR/>Maybe the merciful thing to do would be to close it.<BR/>At least no-one will get poisened!<BR/>Other than that, LOVE Anguilla!<BR/>mikAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-13417150301556935822007-12-19T06:04:00.000-04:002007-12-19T06:04:00.000-04:00"Unfortunately, very few people listen, these days..."Unfortunately, very few people listen, these days, to anything."<BR/><BR/> --Hubert Hughes, House of Assembly, 22 August 2006Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-83605347049807845152007-12-19T06:03:00.000-04:002007-12-19T06:03:00.000-04:00Ashley Richards, who used to live in Anguilla, wri...Ashley Richards, who used to live in Anguilla, writes on her blog: http://tinyurl.com/2gdsxz :<BR/><BR/>"Yes there are more atrocious things going on in the world than these little guys getting abused, but this is something that could easily be fixed. Unfortunately, it’s the tourists that are driving the market for a dolphin encounter in Anguilla and the local government doesn’t seem to be doing anything because it’s such a draw for tourists. I would love to swim with dolphins too, but I’d feel to guilty.<BR/><BR/>"Other than posting to message boards, writing to travel magazines, newspapers, and Peta, (and creating as many keyword links to Don Mitchell’s site) there doesn’t seem much else that can be done from where I am. Unless someone knows a celebrity that would talk about it - because no one listens to anyone else these days."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37949944.post-26713626956092737262007-12-19T01:32:00.000-04:002007-12-19T01:32:00.000-04:00Boycott anguilla?What in hell are you people think...Boycott anguilla?What in hell are you people thinking of ?If that was to happen many of us will be financially crippled.Our very economic structure is based on tourism and any move that affects that will affect all Anguillians.<BR/>We have to be careful of the things we propose or else they will come back to haunt us dearly.Petitions and protests are a more convienent way of getting the Gov't attention.It's the democratic way.Many of us wish the dolphins issues would disappear and along with them their owners,however ,it has become painfully clear Gov't has no intentions of sending them packing.Consequently,we must suggest an alternate location that would do less damage to our environment and tourisn industry.A location such as the western tip of the island where the waste and pollutants will drift out to sea by the currents and away from our beautiful beaches.Such remote loction would be a fitting compromise for everyone.BOT will have its attraction,the taxi drivers will have their fares and our beaches will be protected from excssive sewage and pollution,and the Dolphins?Well, we will have to continue working a little longer for their liberation(freedom).The Gov't should establish strict regulations and policies and work to enforce them through proper monitoring.<BR/>I suspect that there will be many who will disagree with me on this and thats okay.We are all entitled to our opinions,however,what purpose do they serve if no one proposes or suggests solutions to our problems.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com