Environmental society in protest over 2027 Island Games

Group concerned over 'deeply disturbing' annual event in Faroe Islands

An environmental conservation society is supporting calls to ask officials of the International Island Games to 'reconsider' hosting the event in the Faroe Islands in 2027.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society says there are concerns over an annual event in the Faroe Islands called 'Grindadráp' in which people hunt long-finned pilot whales as well as other cetaceans including bottlenose dolphins and risso's dolphins.

The organisation is describing the event as 'deeply disturbing' and is backing calls for the International Island Games Association (IIGA) to 'please reconsider' the Faroe Islands as the host nation of the games in two years time.

Meanwhile, the IIGA adds whilst it 'recognises the strong feelings people have on this issue' it does not 'become involved or interfere in politics' and that any concerns should be raised with the Faroese government.

In a statement on social media this week the society says: "The Faroe Islands continue the brutal Grindadráp, killing hundreds of pilot whales and dolphins each year. This tradition stands in sharp contrast to the values of unity, compassion, and respect that the Island Games are meant to represent.

"Tell the IIGA: The Games should not be hosted by a nation that continues this cruelty."

The society has also clarified whilst it is not leading this initiative, it hopes this will 'spark debate and reflection' on the matter.

In response, an IIGA spokesperson says: "Whilst it recognises the strong feelings people have on this issue, the International Island Games Association was formed to foster and encourage friendship through sporting activities between diverse Island communities and to provide opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen to participate in international sport. Therefore we do not become involved or interfere in politics.

"We respectfully suggest that people should approach the Faroese Government with their concerns"

Having been approached for a response, organisers of the Betri International Island Games 2027 have referred Manx Radio to the above IIGA statement, adding they wouldn't be making any further comment at this time.

Manx Radio has also approached The Government of the Faroe Islands for comment.