Presently we have a very disturbing situation taking place on Great Courland Bay,,or what we know as Turtle Beach. Great Courland Bay is the Prime Nesting site for the Giant Leatherback Turtles in Tobago.
The THA (Tobago House of Assembly) has granted permission to an American Film company, MTV, to do six weeks of filming on the beach. Their stage and other equipments were constructed on top of existing nests. Also to save their equipments from being submerge by the nearby river, the THA brought a JCB Tractor on to the beach to, as they say, "CLEAR THE RIVER MOUTH". In the process, hundreds of turtle eggs has been dug up.
The situation has gotten the attention of a wide cross section of the tobago community, and many visitors who are staying by the nearby hotels. It has attracted the radio, television and local newspapers. Some guest have even sent emails to CNN because MTV is an American ompany. A few days ago, mysely and the SOS represantative was on the morning local telrvision station, Tobago Channel 5.
I dont know what can be done at this stage. They are supposed to be there for the next four weeks. Maybe some International pressure on MTV?
MTV & Giant Leatherback Turtles
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Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
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As many of you know, Peter Cox is one of Tobago's best nature and birding guides, as well as being a damn nice guy, so we must take his report very seriously.
I have been unable to get much information on this situation. The Rex Turtle Beach hotel has declined to pass comment, although they themselves are not directly involved. Previous attempts to make contact with SOS (Save our Seaturtles) have failed miserably, so it seems a waste of time trying to contact them for an update.
Two articles have been published in the Tobago News and readers interested can see them at http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/a ... id=2931566 and http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/a ... id=2931569
Having had more than a little experience of film and TV crews and knowing the complete self-interest and arrogance of everyone involved in such filming, Peter's report does not surprise me in the slightest. However, I really don't know what to suggest as a course of action.
I have been unable to get much information on this situation. The Rex Turtle Beach hotel has declined to pass comment, although they themselves are not directly involved. Previous attempts to make contact with SOS (Save our Seaturtles) have failed miserably, so it seems a waste of time trying to contact them for an update.
Two articles have been published in the Tobago News and readers interested can see them at http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/a ... id=2931566 and http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/a ... id=2931569
Having had more than a little experience of film and TV crews and knowing the complete self-interest and arrogance of everyone involved in such filming, Peter's report does not surprise me in the slightest. However, I really don't know what to suggest as a course of action.
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
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Paul Tallet
- Weather Guru
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I hate these things when they happen and, in reality, there are always 2 sides to the story no matter how notable the representatives of each argument.
The stories in the Tobago News appear a tad biased towards the MTV project on the basis that it is providing employment for Tobagonians ... yeah sure MTV is committed to providing them with a long term career !!
On the other hand, Peter Cox is saying that Turtle Eggs have been dug up ... surely that is sufficient evidence to disprove the Tobago News reports ... just show the eggs to the 'blinded' authorites.
But there is always more to these things ... it is money.
There also has to be a medium point in these cases because money only talks about money and does not like discussing ways of reducing profit ... don't forget humanity rules at the expense of everything else on the planet !!
Maybe the best option could be to show the eggs to the actors ... they could get sentimental (you know what celebrities are like !!) about such things and boycott on the proviso that the stage is placed in an area that does not affect existing eggs.
It has to be done locally ...
But it is the same the world over ... money talks, nature quietly copes but occasionally it costs alot more money when (Mother) Nature gives humanity a good licking for all the wrongs it does.
If only I was a billionaire ... I'd sort it straight away ... any billionaires on this forum with wealth and power and an affinity with Tobago ???
Regards ... in hope
The stories in the Tobago News appear a tad biased towards the MTV project on the basis that it is providing employment for Tobagonians ... yeah sure MTV is committed to providing them with a long term career !!
On the other hand, Peter Cox is saying that Turtle Eggs have been dug up ... surely that is sufficient evidence to disprove the Tobago News reports ... just show the eggs to the 'blinded' authorites.
But there is always more to these things ... it is money.
There also has to be a medium point in these cases because money only talks about money and does not like discussing ways of reducing profit ... don't forget humanity rules at the expense of everything else on the planet !!
Maybe the best option could be to show the eggs to the actors ... they could get sentimental (you know what celebrities are like !!) about such things and boycott on the proviso that the stage is placed in an area that does not affect existing eggs.
It has to be done locally ...
But it is the same the world over ... money talks, nature quietly copes but occasionally it costs alot more money when (Mother) Nature gives humanity a good licking for all the wrongs it does.
If only I was a billionaire ... I'd sort it straight away ... any billionaires on this forum with wealth and power and an affinity with Tobago ???
Regards ... in hope
Paul Tallet
Public Relations Consultant for Mother Nature
Public Relations Consultant for Mother Nature
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Sharon E
Was at Turtle Beach on Monday with SOS and Harris MacDonald and Frankie (from Frankie's Tour).
The river bed has been widened to let out the substantial rainwater that was about to overflow and flood the MTV studios. There is now a good 30 foot drop with how deep the river has been dug. On top of this the amount of bamboo that has now been washed down this newly dug river that swept up onto Courland Bay caused a turtle to try and dig a nest in the sea water as she was unable to get onto the beach because of the bamboo stopping her.
SOS managed to lift the turtle back out to sea, and clear bamboo out of her path as she turned around and then came back onto shore. Peter was also present on the beach and a lot of very upset guests from Turtle Beach who were quite up for going to rip down the MTV studios that night.
Feelings are very high, if anyone contacts Harris, Frankie or Peter with the protests they will pass them on to THA as they (and I feel we all do on the island) agree that this is an unacceptable situation and credit to the above three guys, who work full day jobs and are spending their nights out helping these magnificent creatures to try and survive.
We were lucky on Monday she was only a young turtle and not to heavy to be lifted if it had been a 100 year old turtle we would have not been lucky. She was about 50 years old so still a baby in turtle terms.
The river bed has been widened to let out the substantial rainwater that was about to overflow and flood the MTV studios. There is now a good 30 foot drop with how deep the river has been dug. On top of this the amount of bamboo that has now been washed down this newly dug river that swept up onto Courland Bay caused a turtle to try and dig a nest in the sea water as she was unable to get onto the beach because of the bamboo stopping her.
SOS managed to lift the turtle back out to sea, and clear bamboo out of her path as she turned around and then came back onto shore. Peter was also present on the beach and a lot of very upset guests from Turtle Beach who were quite up for going to rip down the MTV studios that night.
Feelings are very high, if anyone contacts Harris, Frankie or Peter with the protests they will pass them on to THA as they (and I feel we all do on the island) agree that this is an unacceptable situation and credit to the above three guys, who work full day jobs and are spending their nights out helping these magnificent creatures to try and survive.
We were lucky on Monday she was only a young turtle and not to heavy to be lifted if it had been a 100 year old turtle we would have not been lucky. She was about 50 years old so still a baby in turtle terms.
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Jean Sampson
Leatherback turtles
Having the memorable experience a couple of years ago of seeing leatherback turtles lay their eggs and the birds and dogs at dawn devouring the young that were trying so hard to make it to the surf, I was appalled at this news of the film companies blatant lack of respect for the nest sites and for the survival of these huge creatures. I have e-mailed the BBC News site and hope that someone there will sit up and take it on board to cover this. I dont hold out much hope, as turtles aren't big news stories, Posh and Becks yes, turtles no, but one can hope.
If only David Attenborough could read this forum page......
If only David Attenborough could read this forum page......
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Paul Tallet
- Weather Guru
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Quite appalling.
Maybe some organised protests could be arranged ... there are a few high profile residents in Tobago (film stars) that could get their 'foot in the door'.
People need to talk ... there is no reason why the filming cannot happen and no reason why the Turtles and local environment have to be affected either ... I am sure there is a way that everyone can benefit with no damage done.
This reminds me of the outrage over a film called 'Beach' where an unspoilt beach in Thailand was bulldozed and landscaped a few years back. The media attention to that was high only because high profile actors were involved.
I am wracking my brains to see what can be done.
Regards
Maybe some organised protests could be arranged ... there are a few high profile residents in Tobago (film stars) that could get their 'foot in the door'.
People need to talk ... there is no reason why the filming cannot happen and no reason why the Turtles and local environment have to be affected either ... I am sure there is a way that everyone can benefit with no damage done.
This reminds me of the outrage over a film called 'Beach' where an unspoilt beach in Thailand was bulldozed and landscaped a few years back. The media attention to that was high only because high profile actors were involved.
I am wracking my brains to see what can be done.
Regards
Paul Tallet
Public Relations Consultant for Mother Nature
Public Relations Consultant for Mother Nature
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Sue J
Use their forums?
MTV run a community section with forums (although at a quick glance I have no clue which section applies!). Would it be worth trying to bombard them with separate threads, each on the same topic of the environmental damage they are causing?
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Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
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Hi Sue
That could be a good idea.
Has anybody got any idea what this "Gauntlet" series is? Sorry to show my ignorance, but everything connected with Sky/MTV and similar seemed such total moronic cxxp that I got rid of it years ago. I've had a look at the MTV site and am none the wiser. I get the impression that Guantlet is a realty show of some type - nothing to do with wildlife and turtles (which would explain the crew's total contempt for the subject, I guess). I found the board's you mention at http://www.mtv.com/community/message_bo ... ml#Scene_1 but like you, can't figure which would be the most appropriate. Can someone a little more "switched on" than me advise?
I've just had a quick look at some of the boards on MTV. It leads me to believe that my earlier views of the station are still valid. I can't believe that anyone with an IQ greater than 50 would actually read these messages. Mind you, for the sake of the turtles, I would gladly post a message, having pulled the window blinds down and locked the door so that nobody could catch me connected (like most people must do when watching Blind Date or Celebrity Love Island).
That could be a good idea.
Has anybody got any idea what this "Gauntlet" series is? Sorry to show my ignorance, but everything connected with Sky/MTV and similar seemed such total moronic cxxp that I got rid of it years ago. I've had a look at the MTV site and am none the wiser. I get the impression that Guantlet is a realty show of some type - nothing to do with wildlife and turtles (which would explain the crew's total contempt for the subject, I guess). I found the board's you mention at http://www.mtv.com/community/message_bo ... ml#Scene_1 but like you, can't figure which would be the most appropriate. Can someone a little more "switched on" than me advise?
I've just had a quick look at some of the boards on MTV. It leads me to believe that my earlier views of the station are still valid. I can't believe that anyone with an IQ greater than 50 would actually read these messages. Mind you, for the sake of the turtles, I would gladly post a message, having pulled the window blinds down and locked the door so that nobody could catch me connected (like most people must do when watching Blind Date or Celebrity Love Island).
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
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Anne Sykes
This is awful.
While we were at RTB last month, a great big metal structure was being erected at the Black Rock end of the beach - nobody seemed to know what it was all about but it appeared to go up over night.
The turtles have a bad enough job as it is, without this rubbish hindering them too. I have been on the MTV website via your link and cannot find anything to do with this.
I think it's a very good idea to try and encourage the local high profile residents (those from the golf course area???) to get involved with this. There was also a lady who stayed at the RTB the same time as us, I don't know her name, but she was very passionate about the turtles and ended up wearing an SOS t-shirt (I think Peter Cox may know who she is), but I don't know if she uses this site and don't know if she is able to contact SOS. She would be horrified if she knew about this.
You feel quite useless when you have been there and seen these magnificent creatures, and now so far away, you feel you can't help.
Anne
While we were at RTB last month, a great big metal structure was being erected at the Black Rock end of the beach - nobody seemed to know what it was all about but it appeared to go up over night.
The turtles have a bad enough job as it is, without this rubbish hindering them too. I have been on the MTV website via your link and cannot find anything to do with this.
I think it's a very good idea to try and encourage the local high profile residents (those from the golf course area???) to get involved with this. There was also a lady who stayed at the RTB the same time as us, I don't know her name, but she was very passionate about the turtles and ended up wearing an SOS t-shirt (I think Peter Cox may know who she is), but I don't know if she uses this site and don't know if she is able to contact SOS. She would be horrified if she knew about this.
You feel quite useless when you have been there and seen these magnificent creatures, and now so far away, you feel you can't help.
Anne
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Sandra Daniel
- Tobago Guru
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- Location: Crawley England
Hi Anne
The lady in question did know what was going on as she asked the builders directly. I think that she will be looking into it now that shes home, as you said she was very passionate about SOS. Mind you I'm getting passionate about this website, I can't get off it! Sometimes I just sit refreshing the page looking for new messages!!!!!
Sandra
The lady in question did know what was going on as she asked the builders directly. I think that she will be looking into it now that shes home, as you said she was very passionate about SOS. Mind you I'm getting passionate about this website, I can't get off it! Sometimes I just sit refreshing the page looking for new messages!!!!!
Sandra
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Anne Sykes
Hi Sandra
I know exactly what you mean about this website - IT IS FAB!!!
I do hope that something gets done to stop this debacle going ahead. We had no idea what was being planned while we were there. When you've had the privilege of being there and seeing the turtles at close range, and knowing they are endangered, it is a very humbling experience. They have been around for 1000's of years and just because a large TV company with money comes along, with what sounds like yet another 'reality' type show should not mean that the turtles are compromised in any way. I know it is a public beach, but what about plans to protect it? Is this possible? Could MTV find another location that would not disrupt the natural balance and wildlife? Why does it have to be Tobago?
Anne
I know exactly what you mean about this website - IT IS FAB!!!
I do hope that something gets done to stop this debacle going ahead. We had no idea what was being planned while we were there. When you've had the privilege of being there and seeing the turtles at close range, and knowing they are endangered, it is a very humbling experience. They have been around for 1000's of years and just because a large TV company with money comes along, with what sounds like yet another 'reality' type show should not mean that the turtles are compromised in any way. I know it is a public beach, but what about plans to protect it? Is this possible? Could MTV find another location that would not disrupt the natural balance and wildlife? Why does it have to be Tobago?
Anne
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Paul Tallet
- Weather Guru
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- Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2003 3:43 am
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The Gauntlet appears to be some kind of Reality TV Show.
I found it at this website and I have to admit that I do not really understand it without spending hours at it.
http://www.mtv.com/onair/rwrr_challenge/gauntlet/
There is also a message board on the site but it is full of mumbo jumbo (maybe I am getting old !!) and the whole site gives no reference to future projects.
Regards
I found it at this website and I have to admit that I do not really understand it without spending hours at it.
http://www.mtv.com/onair/rwrr_challenge/gauntlet/
There is also a message board on the site but it is full of mumbo jumbo (maybe I am getting old !!) and the whole site gives no reference to future projects.
Regards
Paul Tallet
Public Relations Consultant for Mother Nature
Public Relations Consultant for Mother Nature
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V Fabry
greenpeace
I did send the original message to Greenpeace, maybe some of you are members of other organisations wich might be able to do something (World wildlife fund etc). If you know some more send them a link to this tread too.
greets
V.
greets
V.
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Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
- Posts: 4856
- Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2002 11:00 pm
- Location: Suffolk, England
- Contact:
I have to say that I have written to SoS several times asking them for information about their services/project and offering them wide publicity on this site ('cos I think they're doing a brilliant job) but never even had the courtesy of a reply. However, if anybody knows them and can get through to them, I certainly offer the full support of this site.
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
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Sandra Daniel
- Tobago Guru
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 2:44 pm
- Location: Crawley England
MTV
http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/a ... id=2854345
I have found this additional page from the the 'Tobago News' that I thought maybe of interest? Though I think Steves' posts are newer editions?
I have found this additional page from the the 'Tobago News' that I thought maybe of interest? Though I think Steves' posts are newer editions?
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Jean Sampson
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Paul Tallet
- Weather Guru
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- Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2003 3:43 am
- Location: Yorkshire
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Kitty Hibben
HI Peter
HI Peter
Its Kitty here (Jane and Chris Hibben's daughter). I'm so sad to hear what is happening on Turtle Beach and I just wanted you to know that I am due back in Tobago next Thursday (23rd June) and I will give you any help or support you may need. Unfortunately my parents and brother are not returning this year but they send their best wishes and love to you and your family. They are also very sorry to hear what is happening and if their is anything they can do, please let them know, (although from reading this forum it seems there are little options.)
I will not be staying at the Rex this visit, but at Dukes Apartments in Blackrock. I will try and contact you once I arrive and see if there is any way I can help.
Best Wishes
Kitty Hibben
Its Kitty here (Jane and Chris Hibben's daughter). I'm so sad to hear what is happening on Turtle Beach and I just wanted you to know that I am due back in Tobago next Thursday (23rd June) and I will give you any help or support you may need. Unfortunately my parents and brother are not returning this year but they send their best wishes and love to you and your family. They are also very sorry to hear what is happening and if their is anything they can do, please let them know, (although from reading this forum it seems there are little options.)
I will not be staying at the Rex this visit, but at Dukes Apartments in Blackrock. I will try and contact you once I arrive and see if there is any way I can help.
Best Wishes
Kitty Hibben