New Dolphin Swim
 

Hello to all conscious Fodorites.
There is a new resort under construction on the beautiful island of St. Kitts.
A main feature of this resort is to be a dolphin encounter.
If this, as part of the ever important travel economy to the islands of the Caribbean, bothers you, then please voice your thoughtful and CONSIDERATE opinions where it may do the most good or at least let the owner know how the World views this "activity".
A locally read paper where you can send an email is.......

http://sunstkitts.com/paper/?asknw=v...ontact=display

Or you may send an email to an on island call in radio show called "Voices".

[email protected]

Please be articulate and mature in your convictions and perhaps this man may be persuaded to eliminate this "attraction".

If you wish you may also call in to express you views live on Winnfm by calling ........

869 466 0989 between 11 am and 1 pm m-f.

Here is a link to listen to "voices" and make it a positive contribution if you choose to call in.

http://www.winnfm.com/#

Oh. No.

This is really distressing. SKB is one of my very favorite islands, and I was already disappointed to see the huge Marriott overwhelm the island.

I will be doing my part to voice my opinions about this plan.

Thanks for letting me/us know. :(

Diana, Yes, in alot of peoples opinion, this SWD activity is distressing.
On the other hand, there are alot of vacationers who see only an encounter with these gentle mammals as a true vacation adventure.
And it is indeed an adventure and one that many look forward to.
The issue is to make these people aware of the true circumstance of the capture and captivity of these dolphins inorder to give them the knowledge to make an informed choice as to whether to participate in a "swim".
I feel that many would opt not to do so if they were aware instead of following a hasty impulse.
On another note...........
I know from past posts how you feel about the impact of the new Marriott on St Kitts.
Yes it is big and, to some, has an overbearing appearence from afar.
It has, in fact, been a huge benefit to the local economy.It is the people of the island that have benefitted from this resort.
Right now is the "low" season, but the island is bustling with activity in large part due to the continuing conventions and seminars that this resort is generating.
Many locals that at first were angry about the whole project, are now able to raise their standard of living because of the opportunities generated by the Marriott.

they want to do a dolphin swim hee on St. Maarten also and in spite of many protests it looks like it might be happening here also.

You should visit http://www.myislands.myeyez.net

Not many people there are fond of the SWTD coming to St. Kitts.

We have a Marine Land in Ontario that is popular. People see the killer whales and dolphins perform for the tourists. There is a vet on site and they are well taken care of.

It is good for tourism, but hopefully the animals will be well taken care of.

I am from St. Kitts and have definitely seen many changes over the years.

The Marriott in SKB has certainly helped the economy, but with all the new development I hope it doesn't become another Cancun.