When I tuned in last week to MTV’s ‘The Gauntlet
2’ in Trinidad and Tobago, I felt so excited that
the tropical paradise near and dear to me was getting some action and at the same time
a little concerned. Though Trinidad is no stranger to visitors eager to parade the streets for carnival or keep their
eyes watchful for a Scarlet Ibis, Tobago is the quieter of the two. Turtle Beach of Tobago is not only
beautiful, but it is also the home for several leatherback sea turtles.
My excitement was dampened awfully fast after doing a little search on this season of the Gauntlet and finding some
very disturbing news. Apparently giant stakes set up for a volleyball tournament in one of the
challenges drove through the nests of the sea turtles and many eggs were left buried beneath densely compacted
sand leaving little chance of escape for the hatchlings. This news was reported back in July at
Entertainment Weekly, but in another report
from
Reality TV Blurred, MTV defends themselves saying they operated respectfully and ecologically sound
to Tobago’s natural resources. They also worked very closely with all appropriate agencies in the country and any claim
to damaging the sea turtles homes are false.
Whether this was just a vicious rumor or not, I can’t help thinking “bummer man.” Where’s Cameron Diaz when you need
her?