There will be a demonstration in Hamilton at lunchtime on Friday to urge Government not to approve plans of a proposed dolphin park at Sinky Bay, Southampton.

Local animal activist Lisa Vickers said yesterday that 30 people had confirmed they were march on the Government Administration Building, from 12 to 2 p.m.

The Dolphin Oasis proposal was put forward by developers Martin and Lynn Hassell last year. Objectors held an underwater protest. When the initial application for planning permission was rejected by the Development Applications Board, Tourism Minister Ewart Brown said he backed the developers and congratulated the Hassells for adding "pop and sizzle" to the tourism product. Dolphin Oasis has now appealed the initial ruling by the DAB.

However, Ms Vickers said the demonstration was not a protest against the actions of any Government Minister.

"We'll be demonstrating against Dolphin Oasis between 12 to 2 p.m. this Friday, March 18," Ms Vickers said. "We'll meet outside Rock Island at noon and at 1 p.m.

"The route for the march will be around the block including the government administration building including parts of Reid Street and Church Street. We are also going to march around the courts. This will be a peaceful protest, without any intentional disturbance to traffic or pedestrians in Hamilton.

Ms Vickers asked people to wear a royal blue ribbon around their wrist to help raise awareness about the campaign.

"You can be against the new park because you want to keep dolphins wild, or you are against the dredging of the bay or both," she said. "Wearing the ribbon means you are simply against the new dolphin park because you care about Bermuda or dolphins or both."

More information on the demonstration may be found at www.envirotalk.org.

"Blue ribbons are available from Rock Island," she said. "Make sure you're wearing your ribbon on Friday to show your support even if you can't attend the protest. I've got mine on now!"