The recent resignation of Atherton Martin, ormer Minister of Agriculture and the Environment over the alignment of his country's representative at the International Whaling Commission AGM, with other Eastern Caribbean States belonging to the Commonwealth of Japan, is an exemplary reminder that despite being a very scarce commodity in today's Caribbean, there still exist men prepared to practice politics in a principled and ethical manner. FOE-G fully understands the frustration and extreme disappointment experienced by the honorable Minister in light of the earlier cabinet decision to instruct the Dominican delegation to abstain from voting on the issue of the establishment of a Sanctuary for whales in the South Pacific. Indeed it is most annoying to witness such glaring demonstration of double standards by an administration elected into office for the first time, and with much expectation from the Caribbean people longing for genuine change, new governance and improved public moral. Caribbean governments must know that the prevailing modus operandi is politically unsustainable. Politics without principle is definitely a blunder that would have catastrophic consequences for our region, now and in the future.
Economic prostitution can never lead to genuine development and independence.
The resignation of Minister Martin is testimony to his honorable commitment to principles, Mother Nature and Nature Island, Dominica. FOE-G regards his action as a victory for the sanity of the Caribbean environmental movement. Obviously the battle is a long and difficult one, so we need your help. Active participation by a committed public is essential, as without a determined wave of supporters to press for change in attitudes and behavior towards our fragile environment, many species and ecosystems risk further pollution or extinction. We need your help.