The views expressed herein are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the opinions or editorial position of iWitness News. Opinion pieces can be submitted to [email protected].
Open Letter To:
Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves – Prime Minister, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Hon. Saboto Caesar – Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Transformation
Hon. Cecil Mckie – Minister Of Tourism Sports And Culture
Hon. Dr. Godwin Friday – Member of Parliament for Northern Grenadines
Herman Belmar – Deputy Director of Grenadines Affairs
Sabrina Mitchell – Bequia Tourism Association
Dear Sirs/Madam,
As a visitor of 30 years who has come to appreciate the natural beauty and wildlife of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines I wish to alert you to the recent slaughter of a national treasure as well as an immeasurable national resource.
Several large mantra rays have been taken by spear gun this season in Lower Bay Bequia, one as recently as Friday February 26, 2016. Much like the elephants of Africa, these very large, slow growing, animals are deserving of our protection. It is a unique opportunity to swim with these gentle, social animals not duplicated in many places around the world. The taking of these animals is not for subsistence fishing or heritage, but done by individuals looking to make a quick easy dollar with borrowed boat and equipment at the expense of tourism and good will. These animals have no fear of man and their only enemies are large sharks and man.
The tourist attraction of Sting Ray City on Grand Cayman comes to mind as an example of what this experience could be like. I believe I represent a large number of visitors who were very upset and disappointed in the senseless slaughtering of these majestic animals. I respectfully request that an evaluation of inshore fisheries of the Leeward side of Bequia be done with protections and severe consequences put in place as soon as possible. In particular the protection of the Manta Rays, Eagle Rays and Sting Rays.
This action would be an investment in the natural resources of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and in the future of eco-tourism.
Thank you,
Jim Sorenson
Boulder, CO. USA &
Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
The opinions presented in this content belong to the author and may not necessarily reflect the perspectives or editorial stance of iWitness News. Opinion pieces can be submitted to [email protected].
The fact that no one has left any comments to your article is disturbing. I know very little about our sea life. Maybe similar is the situation with iguana on the mainland or sea turtle. It is not allowed to hunt them but we do it anyway. Vincentians are not good at respecting laws or even contracts that we sign with others. Unfortunately we are a people that believe that we can do as we please. Steal from our neighbors rape women, anything! You are mistaken if you believe anything will be done to protect this sea creature. We do not even treat our own animals well! Some of us are very sorry for many elements in our culture.
My user name is “Lostpet” because of my love for animals. I am very often laughed-at and ridiculed for it. Sadly SVG will NEVER change in respect to our treatment of animals, in our care or in the wild. Those in the wild will find no sanctuary. We have so many in our country that have an ingrained culture of violence and killing the weak and helpless.