STATES Members often receive criticism from Islanders for a lack of action but Jersey’s politicians have received some A-list support for a decision taken in the Assembly this week.
Canadian singer Bryan Adams, famous for hits including (Everything I Do) I Do It for You and Summer of ‘69, tweeted that ‘full credit’ ought to be given to the Island’s Assembly for officially condemning the Grindadrap – a Faroese tradition which sees thousands of sea mammals slaughtered each year.
The proposition, brought by Deputy Lyndon Farnham, requested that the Assembly denounce the practice and that Chief Minister Kristina Moore write to the government of the Faroe Islands to express the view of Members.
His proposal was approved by 22 votes to 12 with 12 abstentions. The Chief Minister abstained from voting but said she would carry out the Assembly’s wish.
What is the Grindadadrap?
– The Grindadrap is an ancient Faroese tradition, which is thought to date back to the 9th century.
– It takes place in the spring and summer periods, and sees whales, dolphins and porpoises driven into shallow bays where they are beached, killed and butchered. The meat is subsequently distributed to the Faroese community.
– In 2021, a 1,428-strong pod of white-sided dolphins was butchered at Skálabotnur beach.
– Deputy Farnham has previously written to the International Island Games Association asking that the Faroe Islands’ participation in the games be reconsidered becase of the Grindadrap.
