Documentary featuring Dominica wins Academy Award

Promotion lies ahead for Dominica, now that a new documentary, “The Cove” featuring the island, has won an Academy Award.

“The Cove”, which showcases the yearly killing of dolphins in a Japan town, won the 2010 award for Best documentary on Sunday night in Los Angeles. The film features Dominica as a small island, and its stance with respect to the conservation of whales and dolphins, according to local Conservationist Atherton Martin.

“Because the movie “The Cove” is the academy award winner in the feature documentary category, it is now being shown already in 120 countries around the world, and all the millions of people who will go to see that movie will see that the movie ends, telling the story of this tiny little island, which is now a leader in the protection of whales and other species in the world’s oceans,” Martin expounded.

He said the promotion Dominica will gain from the award-winning film, is “an opportunity that we could never have afforded to pay for.”

DNO CORRESPONDENT.

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48 Comments

  1. March 23, 2018

    Way to go big up DA massive. Jah rasta

  2. DA's Own
    June 29, 2010

    Congratulations DA!!!!!! Who say little people can't do great things……..

  3. GARFORD GEORGE
    March 24, 2010

    Congratulations to you all, Big up your selfs .That;s wonderfull.
    After the big Screens . ? is there any chance for DVD.

  4. Eric Cartman
    March 16, 2010

    Ok i’m just through watching this movie and it was in no way,shape or form, good promotion for Dominica.

  5. hee
    March 14, 2010

    @ thoughtful. we didnt miss it….ALTHOUGH WE ALMOST DID!!!! INTERESTING HUH????

  6. Thoughtful
    March 13, 2010

    Once again the “smart” people who claimed they saw the documentary has completely missed the point.

    At the end the film pointed out that Dominica LEFT the International Whaling Commission (IWC), which is a move which shows that Dominica is in direct disagreement with Japan’s stance on whaling.

    The IWC is really a toothless organization that Japan manipulates to rubber stamp its practice.

    It is true Dominica supported Japan through the IWC in the past but the country has taken the unusual stance of leaving the IWC, which means that Japan has lost another vote.

    This is good for Dominica, which is dubbed “The Nature Island of the Caribbean,” and it will surely bring with it good publicity.

  7. CANDACE
    March 12, 2010

    I speak as an American who has seen THE COVE. I assure the people of Dominica this documentary is BENEFICIAL to your country. I was first mad to see the many Islands participation with Japan , but like any responsible person I started doing research. I found that Dominica had decided not to be part of the IWC in support of Japan and I couldnt have been more delighted and intrigued by a nation.
    My husband and I have always vacationed in Antigua prior to this film , We were even married there in 2007. We were planning another trip within the year but now have changed plans to visit Dominica instead do to this documentary and the events following it. Many have already started spreading the word to consider Dominica ahead of any other Caribean destination .Be proud of your nations decision to take in the account the feelings of the vast majority. We are

  8. Stranger
    March 12, 2010

    This documentary is sooo embarrassing to Dominica its not even funny…..You all need to watch this before you comment anything positive cause its all NEGATIVE publicity for Us…Nothing Good came out about Dominica in this Documentary….:-(

  9. Starseed
    March 12, 2010

    I watched the Cove, it’s quite shocking, and be glad that DA pulled out when they did – imagine the ramifications if they hadn’t! It doesn’t bear thinking about.

    My Dominican boyfriend told me the other day about DA fisherman who have told him that dolphins cry like a baby if you kill one of them and that it has to be kept in the bottom of the boat because otherwise the other dolphins keep popping up their heads to see it and cry. What is that about? I asked him why would anybody kill them and he said ‘by acciden’t but I wondered to myself why would the fishermen keep it then? Maybe you should all be looking to see what is going on. He told me that without any prompting after I told him how much I love dolphins.

  10. Joker
    March 11, 2010

    Oh my goodness… I watched the film a good while ago and I must say to all the ppl commenting about good publicity this n that, need to go find it and watch it !

  11. Oscar Winner
    March 11, 2010

    “Bankrupt Nations, Whores to Japan, White Elephants, storage facilities for imported chicken.”

    ” telling the story of this tiny little island, which is now a leader in the protection of whales and other species in the world’s oceans,” Martin expounded.

    Telling the story as it is eh Mr. Martin ?

    And the winner of the Oscar for best panderer is non other than Mr. Martin

    The critically acclaimed Oscar worthy documentary The Cove, which features Domiica as a bankrupt Caribbean nation which aligns itself to Japan s’ efforts to continue whaling in exchange for the fisheries complex definately does not promote the ideal or persona Dominica whishes to portray as the ‘Nature Isle’.

    Once again, our local conservationist steps in to save the day , a la superman, all in his own interest.

    Scenes of our local whalng commisioner sleeping through the proceedings , and local “yardie” fowls rummaging in the yard of one of the japananese sponsored complexs’ coupled with Mr. Martin’s comments had me to say the least embarassed, as a Dominican, and like the American sportsfan wanting to cover my head with the brown paper bag.

    I’m by no means pro-whaling, but the chastizing that Dominica recieved by our son of the soil, was tantamount to a parent punishing the child in the middle of the school yard, is it really worth it and does the end justify the means.
    The ghastly images of the mass slaughter of dolphins coupled with Dominicas affiliation to Japan in this scenario is by no means a proud moment for our island nation , considering the impact of the whale watching industry on Dominica’s economy.

    In closing, it was rightly put by mr. Martin when he said, that the promotion garnered from this documentary is one that we certainly cannot afford.

  12. Dominican
    March 11, 2010

    To Moses I don’t think you would want that kind of PUBLICITY on Dominica. It is not a comforting thing seeing my country affiliated with this kind of documentary. The award is solely for the film makers and not for Dominica or the rest of the Caribbean Islands that was presented in this film. Also to the person who said the film should be called Waitikubuli, are you kidding me? Guess you have not seen the entire film because the Cove mentioned on this film is not a tropical vacation spot, or a Disney movie location. We have been placed as idiots who can even stay awake at a meeting and puppets who sold our soles to the highest bidder. Don’t get me wrong this film brings awareness to the wrongs that are being committed in this world, I would have just rather my country not affiliated with such. PLEASE see the entire film before commenting.

  13. big boy
    March 11, 2010

    watch the movie and you will see that the man is a real MARTIN. we do not store chicken at FISHRIES.

  14. DrSmash
    March 11, 2010

    A well deserved oscar for a remarkable documentary. Athie Martin’s responses were right on cue as a concerned citizen and activisit.
    To those who react negatively, welcome to the 21st century. Ignorance is bliss to those in charge.

  15. Anonymous
    March 11, 2010

    ‘ Bankrupt Nations, Whores to japan, White Elephants, Freezers used to store imported chicken.”

    “Telling the story of this tiny little island, which is now a leader in the protection of whales and other species in the world’s oceans,” Martin

    hmmmmmm………..

    Telling the story as it is, eh Mr. Martin ?

    It is pretty obvious that most of the bloggers here have not seen “the Cove” , this well put together Oscar worthy documentary .
    And once again the winner of this years Oscar for best panderer is none other than Mr. Martin.

    “The Cove” which portrays Dominica as an inept bankrupt Caribbean nation which simply aligns itself to japan for fisheries complex that are being used for the sole purpose of storing imported chicken, seems far from the image that Dominica wishes to promote as being the’ Nature Isle.’

    How does this sort of promotion benefit no one other than our world famous conservationist who once again jumps in to save the day, a la superman.

    With scenes of our whaling commisioner fast asleep during the proceedings, and local “yardie” fowls walking aimlessly in the yards of one of our Japanese sponsored complex I was embarassed as a Dominican and like the American sports fans I wanted to place the brown bag over my head.

    I am by no means pro-whaling but there are a lot more ways to chastize your kids than by punishing them in the middle of the school yard, which is exactly how Dominica was dealt with by our conservationist.

    The ghastly scenes of mass slaughter of the dolphins was cruel and inhumane indeed , and Dominica should by no means be proud of their whaling stance over past years, considering the impact of the whale watching industry on our economy, howvever such remarks by our conservationist about his homeland were surprising.

    so in closing Mr. Martin as you said , the promotion we will garner from this documentary is one that we could never have afforded.,

  16. Anonymous
    March 11, 2010

    Hey The Cove
    I dont agreee with all that nice talk by Athie. I have seen the film and it only shows Dominica supporing whaling at the IWC and then it shows our Rep (lloyd Pascal) and them and all them from the Estern Caribbean sleeping and then Athie says that our fisheries complex is used to stored imported chicken!!!!!!!
    How is that promoting Dominica in the best of interest. Go see the film.

  17. Dubiqois
    March 11, 2010

    MANY OF YOU NEED TO DO A BIT OF RESEARCH BEFORE COMMENTING.

    It appears that many people who have commented have not seen the film. I suggest those of you who have not seen it do so.

    Our relationship with Japan had an adverse impact on international relations and tourism. Our prime minister made a mea culpa at the Internanational Ocean Life Symposium in March 2009. He did so only after he was pressured by Greenpiece, IWC, and other groups who created tons of negative publicity for D/ca. Our leaders make agreements with other countries that are shrouded in secrecy. Does anyone know what is behind our agreement with China? That one is shrouded in “it is a grant. Let us just take the money”. There are indeed strings attached. It is not a grant.

    Do not get me wrong. It is imperative that we make agreements that will further enhance and stimulate our economic. social, and political health. However, we must do so with a level of integrity and transparency.

    Also, many people are allowing themselves to be influenced by political affiliation rather than truth and common sense. We need to understand rather than have a knee jerk reaction.

    http://www.cdnn.info/news/travel/t060818.html

  18. moses bethelmie
    March 11, 2010

    I HOPE WITH ALL THIS PUBLICITY WE STILL REMAIN THE NATURE ISLAND!!!!

  19. Smilez
    March 11, 2010

    Indeed this is a proud Dominican moment. Mr Martin ur hard work has paid off. U r top on my list when it comes to local conservationists. Mr Pm, and others responsible hats off to u too.

  20. UNESCO
    March 11, 2010

    I am inclined to believe that not one of the persons who have commented so far have actually seen this movie! After watching it I cannot see how this is supposed to be promoting Dominica. How is referring to Caribbean countries as “Bankrupt Nations” and ” Whore Houses of Japan” going to promote our nation and our region? That was disrespectful to me as a citizen and gives the impression that we cannot think for ourselves as a people. Mean while Artherton Martin is busy dancing on eggshells for the white man in another effort to enrich himself and gain more fame. It is interesting that the movie failed to mention that whales are also hunted by persons in America, Norway and several other countries. More over they also ask for our vote every year to allow them their quota of whales to eat. This movie makes us look bad by misrepresenting the situation and Athie should be ashamed!!! How can a 22 million dollar fisheries complex be a wasted investment? It is up to us to improve the state of our fisheries industry to make optimal use of this facility.

    Where as I do not condone the illegal killing of dolphins, whales, reptiles, mammals any where in the world. It does not give Athie or any film director the right to misrepresent our stance here in Dominica. As Dominicans we have to put ourselves first and use every tool in our power to advance our country weather it be through diplomatic action, economic programs or any other legal means.

    Progress to Dominica and tell the film makers to shove their Oscar!!!

  21. db
    March 11, 2010

    Have u seen a dumb-nican lately?
    what movie has these people watched?
    our reps were sleeping at the whaling function, the movie depicted us as a friend to japan who sold our soul for a fishery complex that now houses chicken. we looked like idiots, what a great promotion.
    it left my 10 year old upset at the island she calls home.
    please watch the movie and laugh at the PM that sold our reputation as whale killers to the world.
    the man that was sleeping during the whale function, hope he isnt still in politics as he may be still sleeping on the job lol.
    so watch the movie and see how we dumb-nicans look to the world, and see how tourism will drop more because of this film unless we invite the man fron the film down to change his opinion so he may spread the word before more damage is done.

  22. Blazer
    March 10, 2010

    @Cheaper air fare you talking about a country that has an intentional airport.. of course a direct flight is always going to be cheaper for the passenger where as in dominica you have to change at least one plane.. come on now.

  23. cautious
    March 10, 2010

    well this is surely great news for Dominica but if you have seen the movie u would have also seen ather Caribbean countries names and government officials being represented…i just hope that this small beginning is really a beginning somewhere and not nowhere…

  24. tha-one
    March 10, 2010

    of course it has to do with our P.M taking a stance to not support killing of whales and dolphins.
    who else should we thank i ask if not the P.M?????

  25. March 10, 2010

    Good promo for DA. Still wish they would change the name to Waitikubuli. The best video I have seen on Dominica though is called the Secret Garden. It’s a must have for every Dominican outside of DA. It will save you a lot of explaining. Very informative and educational. Love and Blessings my people.

  26. Out of South City
    March 10, 2010

    As I read this I am thinking of how blessed we are as a people. As one sister said to me, “the first shall be last and the last shall be first.” At one time it seemed like Dominica was unknown to the outside world. In this day and age when these developed nations have become so money hungry, we must continue to preserve and control our natural resources. I have seen documentaries on National Geogoraphic where many animals are being studied in Africa. Who profits from such? Also when animals are taken out of their natural habitat for show and monetary gain that is just a form of cruelty and greed. Keep up the good work Dominica.

    WE MUST CONTINUE TO BE PROUD OF WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE HAVE AND NOT BE TEMPTED TO GIVE OUR RESOURCES AWAY.

    I truly believe that there are other natural resources that we have yet to discopver in Dominica. I remember growing up that noni was something that was used to feed pigs but look at the importance of this fruit today.

  27. March 10, 2010

    that’s fantastic!

  28. Cheaper air fare
    March 10, 2010

    This is great news.

    If only we could have cheaper air fares more people will be able to experience nature at its best. It’s cheaper to visit parts of the US from T&T than to visit Dominica.

    So disappointing…

  29. LADY
    March 10, 2010

    What does this have to do with the PM ?????? Boy some people cannot sneeze without making it about their PM ???????

  30. STAGES
    March 10, 2010

    I have often referrd to Dominica as ‘reserved treasure’ and this treasure is now begining to reach the eyes and ears of the larger countries.
    Just like the pirates and Buccaners in the days of old that reaped islands of their wealth, I urge Dominicans to be cautious and do not allow that treasure to vanish.
    No amount of money that can replace this treasure. This is our port of gold. Preserve it, nuture it.

  31. Thoughtful
    March 10, 2010

    Great, I am happy about this.

    “The Cove” is a brilliant documentary and I knew it would win an award after I watched it.

  32. blazer
    March 10, 2010

    Saw the film and it deserved its award. I encourage all Dominicans to get a copy of this film and share it with everyone you know. The whales see Dominica as the best place on earth to live they chose the right spot.. NO WHERE BETTER THAN THE NATURE ISLE RESPECT!!!!

  33. The Day Has Come
    March 10, 2010

    This is truly the best thing that have happen for Dominica in 2010. Amazing!!! Look out world… the most beautiful place in the world is Dominica!!

  34. Anonymous
    March 10, 2010

    Up till now has anyone seen the film!!! I watched it on the net and all dat good stuff is not all dat good stufff…. go see for uself!!!

  35. Homeboy
    March 10, 2010

    Nature and Dominica go hand in hand. Continue to develop the resources with an appreciation for all forms of life! I will make sure i promote this film where I reside! The COVE

  36. nigel
    March 10, 2010

    best news i have heard for the year. i agree with you blackheart

  37. CI
    March 10, 2010

    This just confirms my belief that Dominica is really the best island in the caribbean in spite of our minor differences — for that matter, the WORLD — Hopefully, we as Dominicans will realize, respect, and appreciate the beauty of our nature island, and how fortunate we are to be the inhabitants. Can’t wait to return.

  38. Dominican Expat
    March 10, 2010

    Athie,

    This is a far cry from what the IFAW’s and Animal Rights group tried to do to Dominica a few years ago. Pascal did send them to hell. Remeber?

    They were ably assisted by local conservationists. We know them andwhat they stand for. They are just talkers – and good talkers at that. Except that their talk is forever in the negative. I hope Matt and Lennox will see something good in that for Dominica.

  39. JJ
    March 10, 2010

    good publicity

  40. March 10, 2010

    Whooopeee, i want to cry. Im happy, some good news for once.

  41. WARMA
    March 10, 2010

    This is the kind of news that makes me even prouder of my country. I was a teenager when I joined the Dominica Conservation association way wayyyy back when i was a high-schooler at SMA…now, a few decades later, I am even prouder. My people, this is the way forward – lets blaze the trail and show the big countries what clean, natural living is all about

  42. Eric Cartman
    March 10, 2010

    need to bootleg that movie lol

  43. Dominican lover
    March 10, 2010

    Praise to all those responsible. Let us preserve the dream time island.Eco-tourism.

  44. OVERWHELMED WITH JOY
    March 10, 2010

    Today my heart sings with gladness and appreciation for my beloved country Dominica and its people for supporting such a passionate concern of mine.

    This exposure will positively enhance eco-tourism and encourage tourists to discover Dominica.

    Positively Dominican!

  45. NATURE BOY
    March 10, 2010

    THAT WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT FOR WE AS A PEOPLE TO STAND UP FOR WHAT WE KNOW IS RIGHT FOR OUR COUNTRY AND OUR CHILDREN
    WAY TO GO DOMINICA
    THUMBS UP TO OUR PM. AGAIN FOR TAKING SUCH A STANCE.

  46. vibes
    March 10, 2010

    congratulations to my beautiful island.

  47. blackheart
    March 10, 2010

    that’s the kind of news that makes my heart skip a beat. and i will use this moment to emphasis, that we need to conserve all the natural resources that we have, please people , lets save our nature island, and use it to spearhead, eco-tourism in the Caribbean

  48. proud
    March 10, 2010

    i am so proud of my island this is exactly what we need

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