MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO EXAMINE DOLPHIN PROJECT
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour is responding to public
appeals by a growing number of individuals for government to
carefully examine the dolphin lagoon at the Prospect Reef Resort.
Since the plans were revealed some months ago that Prospect Reef intended
to construct a dolphin lagoon here, criticism has been
pouring in mainly from U.S based animal rights groups. They urge government
not to allow this project to go ahead, arguing that the
dolphins would die in captivity and that the BVI’s tourism product
would be negatively rather than positively affected.
“As you well know, it is true that all matters relating to the seabed
fall under me and my ministry and in order for any development to
take place…it must have the approval of Executive Council, via myself,”
Minister Fraser told the Island Sun at a press conference
Monday.
He admitted to being ignorant about the dolphin programme, but said when
the project came to him, it came with “flying
recommendations from places like the Tourist Board.”
Hon. Fraser pointed out that he is not the Minister for Development, a
subject he said which falls under the Chief Minister’s portfolio.
“Our knowledge of the programme at the time was that it was harmless,
well deserving…and we never anticipate the onslaught of
opposition,” he stated.
The Minister of Natural Resources said now that the opposition is here,
people like himself are scrambling for education. He said he
asked the Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer several weeks ago to
source a site for examination by BVI authorities, so they
could try to ascertain what kind of impact such projects have on society.
“I don’t know if, in my opinion, that there are any environmental
impacts; I think it’s all humanitarian and for that, I think that’s
more
subjective than it is objective,” Hon. Fraser responded.
He said he has now asked his Assistant Secretary to make arrangements
for him to personally go and take a look at these facilities.
He said in the next few weeks, he should be able to have a better sense
of what people are saying and what he feels regarding the
programme.
“As I now stand, the programme is moving ahead,” Mr. Fraser
declared, “I don’t know how many dolphins are going to come
or
when they’re going to come or if they’re going to come.”
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