Local environmental groups congratulate the Government of Antigua & Barbuda for withdrawal of the
‘Resolution for the Implementation of a Conservation and Management Program for Whale Stocks Aimed Towards the Lifting of the Moratorium and Orderly Development of the Whaling Industry’
Earlier in the week SIX local environmental groups joined forces and sent a letter to The Honourable Prime Minister Gaston Browne and copied the Honorable Minister of Tourism Charles Max Fernandz requesting that Antigua and Barbuda withdraws this Resolution presented to the IWC and reverse the pro-whaling position of the country within the IWC going forward. On the afternoon of September 26th the resolution was withdrawn by Antigua and Barbuda Whaling Commission Daven Joseph stating “ Antigua & Barbuda and a number of interested governments and NGos met and we were not able to move the resolution froward in there of it receiving concensiust . The intention of Antigua and barbuda is to withdraw the resolution at this time.” The Environmental groups were very concerned at the ramifications this resolution could have in a number of areas ton include reintroduction of commercial whaling which would result in removal of whales from the environment.
Whales are essential for the health and productivity of the marine ecosystems, playing a vital role in nutrient cycling and supporting a rich diversity of marine life. Their feeding habits stimulate phytoplankton growth, the foundation of the marine food web, ensuring health and productivity in marine ecosystems. In a statement from ABITP PRO Martha Watkins Gilkes who speareheaded the groups coming together commented “ It is heartwarming to see something positive happen regarding the protection of the marine environment with all the negative things around us. Anything that can be done to protect the marine environment is a win win. It has been awsome to see how many Antiguans have taken a stand against this pro whaling stand.”
The groups who joined in include
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA INDEPENDENT TOURISM PROMOTION CORP. (ABITPC)
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA OCEAN TRUST
ELKHORN MARINE CONSERVANCY (EMC) , AB SEA TURTLE AWARNESS BODHICHARYA ENVIRONMENT , ANTIGUA CONSERVATION SOCIETY and ADOPT A COASTLINE
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Thank you all for making a stand
The topics he’s on the forefront of…
A very good commendable stance on the part of the environmental groups, and the consciousness of good governance working in unison to hearkened to the voices of the people’s will.
Badly conceive from the onset and was always heading for a defeat. An embarrassing, troublesome and humiliating blow which made us look like idiots in the international arena.
This is wonderful news👏💪
This is very misleading news article as the withdrawal of the resolution had absolutely nothing to do with the opportunistic critics of the resolution and its intent. The resolution was co-sponsored by many countries and received the support of several other countries including the United States. With or without the support of Antigua and Barbuda, I will continue to promote the rights of countries to utilize their marine resources sustainably. An attack on this principle is an attack on the way of life of fisher folks and coastal communities the world over including the fishermen of Antigua and Barbuda. My voice is embedded within my expertise and professionalism and not the opportunistic values and political intent of the critics. I will have a lot to say about the cynical intent of those environmental Opportunists who continue to pillage Antigua and Barbuda natural resources for their benefit, especially Eli Fuller and Martha Watkins Glikes. More to come. Then I will speak on my behalf and not on behalf of my government.
Blame Davin the idiot!
No one can make Audley Phillips more of an idiot than he is.