Leader of Government wants dolphins

Wednesday, May 19, 2004

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Reader comments:

• Please see: www.sun-sentinal.com - this is a five-part series that exposes the captive dolphin abusement park industry - Ric O'Barry
  
   
• Why are we not surprised that McKeeva would take such a stand? Someone has named him McSnake, and that unfortunately, seems to be apropos of our LGB, who claims he don't see what all the hoopla is about. In any case, not because "It has become part and parcel of the tourism product of the world", that "swimming with the Dolphins" would be good for the Cayman Islands. If we are just another duplicate of other tourism products and places, then there would be no need for people to travel so far, to such an expensive destination as the Cayman Islands. We are unique in the West Indies, we CLAIM to "protect the wild", and we certainly have a far better tourism product in being THREE (not one) beautiful, tranquil Islands, where people can feel relaxed, and free, than to be just another destination where no one cares about anything or anyone, except the "Almighty Dollar" - It Makes the Heart Sad
  
   
• When I was a child, my mother used to always say, "If everyone else jumped off of a bridge, would you do it, too?" Just because it's done in Miami, Sea World, etc. doesn't mean that Cayman has to do it, too - Debbie Martin
  
   
• Mr. Bush, once again, has betrayed the ideals of our island and has chosen profit over integrity. He has chosen to ignore valid feedback regarding this issue in favor of his own agenda. Obviously, he is not concerned about the consequences but more concerned about the exploitation of not only the dolphins, but tourists. We have been residents in Grand Cayman for over 20 years, and it's very sad for us to witness the current trend and destruction of what has been a beautiful island.
  
  What a pity that our government does not serve the best interests of our people. The dolphin facility might provide a temporary increase in tourists, but the cost will be prohibitive when the dolphins die. There already has been too much destruction of coral and sea creatures due to abuse by locals and tourists. Soon, there will be just clear blue water, but there will be no life in it. Perhaps the good news is when that happens, the tourists will stop coming and after awhile, the sea and its inhabitants can return.
  
  Please protest this inappropriate, cruel and ultimately destructive plan - Char Moreland
  
   
• I cannot believe what I am seeing here… Monkey see, Monkey do… Keeping normally healthy wild dolphins in captivity is neither good for the dolphin community nor mankind. How would you like to be swept away from your friends and family and put in "jail" for life? These are highly intelligent animals who think and have feelings. Now, on the other hand, if you are talking about rehabilitation facilities, like Mote Marine Institute, here in Florida, that’s another story. But to capture normal healthy dolphins for the pure entertainment of humans is ethically and morally irresponsible. The Cayman Islands have so much more to offer than some stupid dog and pony show. You need to develop what you have on hand and leave this idea in the bag. Stingray City is already out of control… what’s next? - Ed Roberts

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