Despite a recent popular backlash against sea mammal parks triggered by the documentary Blackfish, which accused SeaWorld of mistreating killer whales, such facilities remain popular in parts of the Caribbean, driven by a thriving cruise industry. Jamaica-based Dolphin Cove - billed as the island's number one attraction-plans to spend several million dollars rolling out parks across the region.The company has proposed building attractions on two TCI islands.TCI has long been considered a haven for wild dolphins and whales with laws forbidding their confinement.When Dolphin Cove's plans first became public in 2012, a maelstrom of controversy ensued.Thousands signed a petition demanding the application be thrown out, and planning chiefs were bombarded with more than 100 angry letters from across the globe.There was further contention when it emerged that the TCI governor had amended regulations to allow marine mammals to be kept for display, exhibition and performance. At the time, the then Governor, Ric Todd, lauded the economic boost he said would "significantly complement" the British Overseas Territory's tourism offerings.
He is not alone.Many residents in TCI's sleepy capital island Grand Turk welcome the fiscal stimulation they believe will be triggered by the facility, which recently secured outline planning permission.