Despite the drizzle and traffic chaos caused by Police road closures, more than 40 demonstrators marched on Cabinet yesterday afternoon to protest the possible dredging of Sinky Bay, Southampton to accommodate a new dolphin park.

Blowing whistles and waving banners reading 'Keep Dolphin Oasis Out' and 'Say No to Dolphin Oasis Please' the demonstrators marched down Reid Street, Burnaby Street and Front Street to the Cabinet Building.

Singer/songwriter Heather Nova pushed her baby-pram down the middle of the road as the marchers took over Reid Street.

Pedestrians who were milling around the Bank of Butterfield building on their lunch-hour clapped as the group passed.

The purpose of the demonstration was to urge Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield to reject the appeal of Dolphin Oasis owners Martin and Lynn Hassell.

The Hassells have appealed a decision by the Development Application's Board to refuse them planning permission to build a second dolphin park.

Overseas planning experts are being flown in to go over the appeal as well as the response from the Society for the Protection of Animals. They will advise Minister Butterfield who will ultimately make the decision.

Ms Nova told The Royal Gazette she was protesting the dolphin park for two reasons.

"First, I don't believe in keeping wild animals in captivity for entertainment or profit," she said. "Second, it is important to preserve the natural natural environment by not dredging Sinky Bay."

Bermuda Sun columnist Stuart Hayward said he joined the march to lend support to the DAB's decision to reject Dolphin Oasis' plans.

"We want the Minister to know that she has the support of a broad cross section of this community to uphold the DAB decision," Mr. Hayward said. "Public demonstrations such as today's march are not for everybody; it takes courage and commitment to make such a visible exhibit of one's support.

"Conservatively, one could estimate that for every one marching there's another ten or twenty or more who feel strongly about the issue but are shy to march."

Mr. Hayward said he was pleased with the number of young people at the march.

" For us ageing environmentalists, it's great to know that Bermuda's environment will have generations of champions in the future," he said.

Photographer Graeme Outerbridge also attended the march.

Acting Health Minister Walter Lister greeted the whistle-blowing crowd outside Cabinet on behalf of Premier Alex Scott.

Mr. Lister said the Premier and Minister Butterfield were unable to attend yesterday due to other commitments, but he would listen to whatever they had to say.

Demonstration organiser Lisa Vickers read a declaration to Mr. Lister.

"We hope the decision will be to reject the appeal made by Dolphin Oasis for several vital reasons," she said.

"The potential environmental impacts if a dolphin park on South Shore, especially regarding the dredging required are not outweighed by the potential benefits to Bermuda.

"I would like to emphasise that this demonstration is in support of the Environment Minister's assumed stance to protect the environment and animal life".