New deal to be signed | Dolphin Discovery to make a comeback in 2020 — Premier
Negotiations for the return of Dolphin Discovery in the British Virgin Islands are currently underway between government and the aquatic company; with hopes of inking a deal in the next several weeks.
Making the announcement this week, Premier Andrew Fahie said plans are now being fine-tuned.
“Dolphin Discovery has been speaking with us and they are making sure that they have finalized the details. They should be signing the new agreement because since Hurricane Irma, that was the agreement that they had to leave and now we are in negotiations to have them back,” Fahie told reporters on Wednesday.
“That is something that I am saying should be signed in the next two months roughly and then works would be starting. [But] that [Dolphin Discovery] won’t be open until next year. We are trying to push it so that it will be open in time for the next height of the next industry season in 2020.”
Fahie, who is also the Tourism Minister said the undertaking would take some time due to the extent of repairs needed.
“This is a significant boost to our offerings to the cruise liners, and they are ecstatic to hear that this is coming up [and] we are glad that we were able to reach out to this level of collaboration with the owners of this company and them coming back to the BVI. I welcome them, I thank them because on any given day, the cruise ship that comes averages about 500 persons who participate in the Dolphin Discovery tour.”
New Board
In the meantime, Premier Fahie said there is a new board in place to manage the company.
While he did not provide any additional information as to the reasons behind the installation of the new board, he said that they would be working hard to facilitate the company’s return.
“Most of the cruise liners and their passengers have insisted that they want the return of the Dolphin Discovery. So we will be working on that feverishly,” he said.
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Without any respect for animals?
BIG mistake. Don’t let another company come in a exploit the dolphins.
dolphins should be in the ocean, not in a cage.
what about in my plate or on my grill ???
This is an inhumane attraction for ignorant tourists. That is what you get with the big cruise ships, and the government has sold out to them.
Shameful acts in the pusuit of and satisfaction of green greed.
It is hoped then, that another catastrophic horrible system comes by and do what man has again failed to do, live in harmony with nature.
Just look how many people hate the new one in st. thomas this is a bad idea
Why do we always have to use St Thomas as some kind
Of benchmark?? Just asking
Dolphins should not be in an aquarium. This is archaic to imprison them. They are wild creatures who swim
Miles and miles per day.
Anyone coming to see them needs educating.
These poor creatures should not have to perform tricks for food.
This has to be stopped.
It’s always about the money! Trump style…
mbviga
They first need to bull-doze the entire Prospect Reef Resort buildings before considering bringing back those dolphins
This is so sad, anything for a quick buck… the rest of the world is slowly getting rid of these barbaric “attractions” – we’re doing the opposite and proactively seeking to open them. When virgin etc have all refused to sell these experiences to their customers surely there’s an understanding that it’s increasingly not socially acceptable??
NO
Very disappointed to read this!!
This is slavery for animals..
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/travel/2019/oct/02/tripadvisor-ends-ticket-sales-to-attractions-that-breed-captive-whales-and-dolphins
Canada has passed a law to ban dolphins in captivity. TripAdvisor this week has said it will no longer sell tickets to places where dolphins or whales are in captivity.
The rest of the world is listening to the public. Why would the BVI go this route again? Someone in government office must have a way to make a profit. Disgusting,
Once it opens, maybe we can plan protest with signs to end this disgusting practice in the BVI.
ober 4, 2019 at 11:08 AM
AND ALL OF YOU ARE HAPPY THAT RICHARD BRANSON HAS ANIMALS IN ENCLOSURES (CAGES) AT NECKER IN THE NAME IF CONSERVATION. A BUNCH OF ******& HYPOCRITES
Just because someone else does something wrong doesn’t mean you are allowed to do something wrong as well.
Stop pointing fingers. Take your own responsibility.
@hmmm you have no idea what you’re talking about. Called gumshion and be let take ya on a animal tour on Necker. Their initiative is very different in many ways.
Theresa p
Who says anybody is happy about the petting zoo at Necker….the Public didn’t support the importation of all these exotic & non-native animals….It was the Govt of the day who issued permits for the animals…
Just don’t…..find something else for tourists to do that doesn’t involve exploiting dolphins.
ober 4, 2019 at 11:08 AM
AND ALL OF YOU ARE HAPPY THAT RICHARD BRANSON HAS ANIMALS IN ENCLOSURES (CAGES) AT NECKER IN THE NAME IF CONSERVATION. A BUNCH OF ******& HYPOCRITES
This makes us look SO backward.
Are we nature’s little secrets or screw nature, let’s a have a Trump-ish hellhole pandering to the lowest level if cruise tourist?
It’s very existence will cost a large yet unquantifiable number of more lucrative overnight business. Government should seriously reconsider.
“DON’T MIND THEM”
AND ALL OF YOU ARE HAPPY THAT RICHARD BRANSON HAS ANIMALS IN ENCLOSURES (CAGES) AT NECKER IN THE NAME IF CONSERVATION. A BUNCH OF ******& HYPOCRITES
EXACTLY!!!!
I’ve been to Necker and did not see a single cage anywhere. The animals are roaming freely around the island.
Obviously you are blind… plenty animal and bird in cage over there.
While I see your point – you are comparing apples to oranges. the Lemurs are in large pens, not cages and they are largely a sedentary animal, meaning they don’t tend to roam or move far from their domestic territory. Dolphins are quite the opposite, the enclosures are far to small for a species that typically roams great distances and needs social interaction with other dolphins. Essentially dolphin discovery is giving them a prison sentence with hard labour of performing tricks for food. This is despicable and is in contrast to the way the rest of the worlds more enlightened progress.
Okay, so what about the birds that are there in cages (small aviaries)?
Reverse hypocrisy says that Richard is rich. If he offers you or anyone s**t on a golden late you eat it and ask for more.So, imagine what our elected officials have been living and acting all these years.
No, what do you think our elected officials, past and present have been doing all these years, keepingtheir accounts empty and conscience clean? You ningconpoop, wake and elect decent non bribeable money hungry people.!!
There plenty dog in cage and rooster too!
Was this discussed at the recent town hall meeting with the cruise executives? No.
Because they don’t want it, neither do the their customers.
This is idiocy.
Man. Congrats tórtola is empty. It need moré atractions to everybody. You must do moré things. Like casino. Acuatic parks for childrens. And many mores. Tórtola is empty and very bored nothing to do just Work. And Work. Come on need to do better than that. Do a lot mores bring four wheels. Big bikes. Dirts bikes. Buggy cara. And harley davidson
Man. Congrats tórtola is empty. It need moré atractions to everybody. You must do moré things. Like casino. Acuatic parks for childrens. And many mores. Tórtola is empty and very bored nothing to do just Work. And Work. Come on need to do better than that. Do a lot mores bring four wheels. Big bikes. Dirts bikes. Buggy cara. And harley davidson
“Most of the cruise liners and their passengers have insisted that they want the return of the Dolphin Discovery. So we will be working on that feverishly” per Premier Fahie
Sir that is what the cruise liners and their passengers want. What do YOU want? What is YOU AND YOUR ADMINISTRATION’S vision for the BVI and our tourism product as we approach 2020?? Dolphins in captivity as a major attraction?? is that seriously it?? The cruise ship executives who are here this week told you in clear terms what cruise ship guests to the BVI are looking for and what would sell. They said tell our guests our story, show them our culture, our history, incorporated into our attractions. The BVI story is unique to the BVI so if the attractions we are showing them reflect our story/our culture/our history/our local vibe all of that is what would leave a lasting impression and they will want to return. I’m dumbfounded. Backward decision. Cant imagine the rationale.
So the UK is making it harder for financial services to be successful. We try to push more towards tourism. I know this dolphin venture will be a problem to a certain group of people but what more do you want from us? We dont have diamonds and gold to mine and the world knows this. We dont have any manufacturing plants or products to export and the world knows this. With a relatively small population and land size there is only so much we can do to maintain good economic growth to continue not only surviving but living well and keeping the BVI an attractive place to live and visit for years to come.
Guatemala faced the same problems and are now storming the borders of the US. The US now have a problem with the hundreds trying to get in to their border when they were a huge part of the problem. Guatemalans relied heavily on growing poppy. They were able to feed their families and live a normal life with the revenue. The US pressured the Guatemalan government about the many poppy farmers and fields because poppy is also used to make heroin. The government then destroyed the poppy fields but didn’t create a way for their citizens to make up for the loss of revenue. They are now forced to leave their land behind and head to the USA for greener pastures.
Then the U.S. will go into the same abandoned land and say it is good to plant another crop and take over the people’s land. When will advantage of people stop? USA, we leave you in the hands of Karma. Your day shall come.
not a positive comment… how about asking the population, the voters… same as motorbikes and jet skis… lets sell out the bvi for a quick $$ and because someone will make a few $$$, 3 years to go then you will be voted out…. keep the BVI for the BVI…
Pretty sad situation. Keeping dolphins for tourists entertainment is like the old days of the circus. Dancing bears and elephants standing on stools comes to mind. Its barbaric and tasteless. Why do we want to be like this?
cause that’s what these ppl do..treat animals like #@it
Look at that cute little face. Why hold a animal captive for a few dollars. That is animal cruelity. When a animal in captavity attacks a human, you want to slaughter the animal.
I wished you all had the same passion to fuss about Branson’s imported animals that are not even native to these lands and had to adapt whether they wanted to and be paraded around for entertainment. You can always tell these mankinds – would never give the homeless human a bottle of water, but check them picking up mangee dogs to live and dine in.
Some people are quick to defend animals but look the other way when people are treated less than humane.
But no surprise..look how animals are treated on this island..
Meanwhile back in civilsation
https://themindunleashed.com/2019/06/canada-dolphin-whale-captivity.html?fbclid=IwAR3wPrMZRXBUAYT4WxgkbDGqAZNFM39-Ganxxm-ne6-45PuXQfqWKlk_DsQ
Let’s kidnapp and cage all those involved and keep them caged until they release all the caged animals.
Shameful initiative. These hugely intelligent and emotional animals should never be kept in an enclosure. All around the civilised world this type of attraction is being phased out. Enslaving animals should not be encouraged. Let’s focus on the marine sanctuaries and conservation and see more in the wild instead – that’ll get the tourists diving more and spending more $$$
Don’t waste your time wondering why these Caribbean islands see no problem with these retarted dolphin parks.Caribbean folks don’t get animal welfare.Tie it to a tree and forget it is their way…backwards.Go down island and see the state of any animal that isn’t for food or sale..like the dogs…worthless set.
If all the disgruntled pipo could just leave for better pastures, that would be nice. Only ayo must eat, right? Sitting up in ayo big jobs, living good and God bless you all and no one else.
I am not for holding any animal in captavity. Those poor dolpins need to be release from the prison that they are in.
Wow! Dolphin prison is back! That’s a marketing for stupid people!
Wow! Dolphin prison is back! That’s a marketing for stupid people!
What about parasailing, dolphin watch cruises, salt island trips, and the sailing capital of the world… Day sails!
A cultural show with mocko jumbies, Island music and lunch (add that to your employ 1000 people)
So many other things the BVI could do than captive dolphin show!
Meanwhile the zoos in America and elsewhere are doing just fine. Who let PETA loose on Tortola buddy?
If this dolphin enslavement occurs in 2020 then the BVI’s financial services industry and the tourist industry can collapse together. 2020 could be a bad year for the VIP with party changes in the HOA then a snap election after only 2 years as the majority. They say you reap what you sow so we’ll see what happens next year!
Dont mind the noise, Premier!
The BVI is in need of additional tourist attractions. And Ms. Paige stated not too long ago that tourists are bored here with nothing additional to do besides the beaches.
On St. Thomas, we have the Dolphinarium at Coral World and the dolphins are healthy and well maintained.
As long as the Dolphins at the Discovery are healthy and well cared for, I think it’s a win-win for the BVI tourism product!
http://chng.it/2w7Z24Fc2w Please sign the petition against this, maybe we can make ourselves heard.
Dolphins don’t sleep. They are effective hunters and very intelligent. They communicate well and have a very active social life under normal conditions. The last thing the world needs is more dolphins born in captivity and never able to be returned to the wild. They don’t know how to hunt and have no family pod to return to. These animals if born and raised in captivity is one thing but if captured from the wild they are stripped of their family ties and essentially put in jail.
They are thrown in to a group of strangers and may not even speak the same language as different pods have different dialects. How scary is that.
what about the fish you put on your plate to eat every day
“well saw”. Get an EDUCATION these are mammals NOT fish.
see how some of does cause people . to embarrass all of us, pile us together and call us stupid? Just hoping you are not a local vlogging such ignowledge.
This is such a backward move for any nation. In this day and age why are we parading around animals for entertainment?! It’s like Victoria times, it’s inhumane and disgusting and frankly makes this government look stupid. Why not develop eco tourism, rebuild the government house museum, set up activities that locals can run in order to provide benefit locals. Like promoting surf classes or diving or pottery making down at josiahs? Cruise tourists dump all their excrement into our sea and now we are capturing wild animals to show to them for their entertainment. Whilst I doubt most would even want to visit this torture chamber for animals, because cruise companies are now not wanting to affiliate themselves with businesses such as SeaWorld, for those that do want to visit, shame on them. Must be we all be constantly entertained, and at what price? Read a book, talk to each other, take in the wonders of the beauty of the Tortolan country side and beaches. Don’t buy into this madness
You all who come on here about animal rights how many of you all are fish eaters. Hon Fahie just make sure the facilities and the place is repaired with some class looking better than before, please.
The dolphins imprisoned in Dolphin Discovery are NOT fish. Mahi mahi is a fish. Dolphins are mammals like us! Maybe you should go to prison.
What happened to the Dolphins that were trapped in those water cages during Irma?
They were evacuated. Too valuable to leave behind.
https://www.dolphinproject.com/campaigns/captivity-industry/facts-about-captivity/
It was one thing to keep a centre that already had captive dolphins, as they cannot be released.
But to actively build a new one is disgusting.
We now know its been shown that many captive dolphins are acquired through nasty means, with pods being hunted and killed whilst the babies are torn away from dead parents.
This is probably the most highly intelligent mammal, believed to have similar emotions and family bonds as humans.
The rest of the world is coming round to start banning the parks due to the advent of the internet, and spread of knowledge about how these animals are acquired and treated, so why does the BVI look to go backwards?
Would Anegada keep captive flamingos to make money? No
Why not push for a flamingo watching tour for the cruise ships and put the money into a ferry To get them there and include lunch for the cruise passengers.
Natures little secret
Come see our live free flamingos
Come enjoy a dolphin cruise
This is a retrograde step. We should not be allowing dolphin prison to reopen in this day and age. Sure there is short term money to be made from dumb cruise ship passengers, but long term viable tourism will not benefit from this. What next? A turtle prison like Cayman?
Anyone that votes for this should not be reelected next election.
Why Don’t You Guys Keep That Same Energy For All Other Animals As Well, Why Not The Dogs, The Cats, The Cows And The Sheep’s, How About We Stop Eat Meat. Just Like You Guys Lock Up These Dogs, Cats And What Ever Other Animal You Hold Captive, Just Like You Guys Justify Those By Saying You Feed, Play And Look After Them, Well At Least The Ones You’re Not Raising For Slaughter Unlike The Cows, Goats And Sheep’s, They Can Argue The Same, They Just Also Have It As An Attraction. (Don’t get me wrong I don’t care/mind whether or not they come back, but it’s just ironic how you guys hate this but allow with other animals) *Goes And Feed Daughter’s Gold Fishes After Posting This*
Boycott the BVI
Please can we open a large dog and puppy fighting ring in the Olva Georges Plaza? I am sure the tourists will love to see this essential part of local culture. God did say we had dominion over the animals so lets take advantage of it. What about we open a shooting range where tourists can pay top dollar to shoot our endangered species? Maybe they could to pay to get a green turtle and smash up the shell with a hammer? What about we get some cattle and horses and get them to dance for us – we can just run some electrodes through their genitals. What about we get Anegada rock lizard and we teach them to fly into the sea with a trebuchet? Honestly, I really wish the tourist board could be more creative in the animal cruelty options for tourists. Swimming with Dolphins is so 1990s. Everyone knows people travel so they can traumatise and foreshorten the lives of animals, we’re seriously missing a trick here.
Maybe the same owners of this cruel dolphin hell can have a cool slavery re-enactment attraction.
With a mock slave auction where tourists can actually bid to buy a negro to their menial tasks during their visit such as carrying their luggage and souvenir shopping and fanning them etc. Tourists could even pay extra to have photos taken with their slaves or even have these photos printed on mugs or t-shits. Never mind how vile and demeaning this would be for the negro just think of all the possibilities of how money could be made at such a unique attraction!!!!
Scum bags hope you fail and it costs you