Antigua Sun
ABITPC stickers to aid costs of legal battle
Monday November 24th, 2003
by Hazra C. Medica
The Antigua Barbuda Independent Tourism Promotion Corp. (ABITPC) has
launched a bumper sticker drive as a fund-raiser to assist with the legal
battle being waged to keep the wild dolphins of Antigua & Barbuda free.
The ABITPC has filed a claim in the High Court against the Attorney-General
(AG) as a representative of the government for issuing a licence to John
Mezzanotte, owner of Dolphin Fantaseas, located at Marina Bay.
The application is part of an effort to protect the marine environment of
Antigua & Barbuda by prevention of mass dolphin captures.
To this end the ABITPC has retained the legal services of John Fuller,
attorney and environmentalist.
Prior to taking legal action, Fuller delivered an official letter to Prime
Minister Lester Bird regarding permission the government granted to capture
12 wild dolphins annually.
Specifically, a demand was made to rescind the permission for the dolphin
captures.
Legal action was taken when the Prime Minister failed to respond.
At a press conference last Thursday, Fuller said the case being brought
against the AG is, 'going to be an uphill battle, but my clients feel that
they have to take this action.'
According to Public Relations Officer Martha Gilkes, 'ABITPC is a volunteer
organisation and funds for any of our activities such as the national clean
up efforts and our beautification efforts are made from generous donations
received from like-minded people who care about Antigua & Barbuda,' she said
'The legal battle, which will attempt to stop the capture of wild dolphins
is going to cost a great deal of money and many of us are willing to donate
towards this worthy cause to protect the marine environment.'
She added they could not afford to personally finance an expensive legal
case 'so we are raising funds for this effort through the sale of these
bumper stickers for $10 each.'
Stickers can be bought from the Woods Pharmacy, the Museum of Antigua &
Barbuda Gift Shop, The New Pottery, Harmony Hall, the offices of Dr. Fuller
and Dr. Charles, The Trade Winds Hotel, Abbott Farms, Trade Winds Realty in
English Harbor and Galley Boutique in Dockyard.
'New locations are being added daily as more people want to commit to this
cause,' Gilkes said.
The stance and action being taken by ABITPC has gained the full support of
the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG).
ABITPC is a non-profit organisation with more than 500 members.
The first hearing begins in the High Court tomorrow.
In addition to this, ABITPC in an effort to have litterbugs reported has
another bumper sticker on sale for $5.
The public is being urged to support the efforts of the ABITPC.
END
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