Please help Discovery Bay, Minister Bartlett
Open letter to Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett:
THE EDITOR, Sir:
WE HAVE met several times from years ago, but you may not remember, as you meet so many people! I am one of very many opposing the new captive dolphin facility in Discovery Bay.
My primary concern is actually the bay itself, and what the scientists tell us will happen when the added nutrients from dolphin waste fertilise harmful algae. These will, they say, kill coral, sea grass, fish nurseries, and Guy Harvey says it will wind up eventually like Kingston Harbour.
We are also concerned about the dolphins themselves. All I have learned since joining the communities’ struggle makes that whole business abhorrent to me, as it actually kills many dolphins.
It is a very down-market attraction and has been banned in 20 countries, 21 when Canada’s bill passes, and in many cities and states, including Mexico City, only proliferating in Japan and China.
Just recently, I received a letter from a five-times repeat guest at my little cottage in Discovery Bay, that she is concerned about the dolphinarium there, and that if by November they are still there, she thinks she will go elsewhere
instead of Discovery Bay for her sixth visit. Other owners have had similar comments. These are long-staying, upmarket guests that spend money here and leave very good tips for staff.
We need your support and I implore you to do all you can to help us see that this dolphinarium in Discovery Bay is removed.
CURTAIL THE DAMAGE
We have irrefutable scientific opinion, evidence of the ecological damage that will happen, and the disgracefully inept and inadequate approval process which we are laying before the Supreme Court, but wouldn’t it be remarkable if a sensible decision were to be made before this time-consuming, expensive and very drawn out (in our courts) process were to happen?
Your Government banned scandal bags, saved Cockpit country and Goat Island, is planning to protect the Pedro Keys and the Black River Morass, so surely iconic Discovery Bay, unique in all Jamaica, is worth preserving?
When our beaches are destroyed (and Discovery Bay is already eroded by the absence of a sand making algae), tourists will simply move on to greener pastures, to destinations that protect their beauty. ERICA HAMILTON erica@edowner.net