CHCO-TV NewsBreak26 : Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson remains in detention in Greenland

Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, who grew up in St. Andrews, remains in detention in Greenland. Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and co-founder of Greenpeace, was arrested in Greenland in July after Japan issued an international warrant.

Vicki Hogarth and Nathalie Sturgeon – Local Journalism Initiative

Japan is seeking his extradition over a 2010 incident with a Japanese whaling vessel in the Antarctic. Watson’s supporters, including prominent figures like Dr. Jane Goodall and Danish supermodel Helena Christensen, are calling for his release. Many supporters believe the arrest was politically motivated due to Japan’s controversial whaling practices. 

Watson was scheduled to appear in court in Greenland last Wednesday, leading his sister to organize a rally in St. Andrews Market Square, calling on the federal government to intervene. His hearing has now been postponed until November 13. Watson could face up to 15 years in prison if extradited. 

CHCO-TV reached out to Global Affairs Canada to ask if the Canadian government intends to intervene and were told:

"Global Affairs Canada is aware of the detention of a Canadian citizen in Greenland. Canadian officials are in contact with the individual and are providing consular services. Due to the provisions of the Privacy Act, no further information can be disclosed."

Watson has also appealed to French President Emmanuel Macron for political asylum in France. CHCO-TV continue to follow this story. 

St. Andrews Council Addresses Speeding Concerns

Staff from the Town of Saint Andrews says a recent speed trap showed about 30 per cent of cars coming into town were going 10 kilometres over the speed limit.

It was also placed on two other high-traffic roads in the community.

"Montague Street and Parr Street didn't show the same results," Saint Andrews Town Clerk Paul Nopper said. "In my humble opinion, I think part of that is because it's visible — you can see it, and you can see it from a distance, so people were slowing down."

It comes after several complaints about perceived speeding in the community.

Staff suggest adding more stop signs.

One intersection is also particularly tricky, Nopper explained.

"With the way people come around that three-way stop coming up Reed Avenue, people are picking up speed, so it's one of those aspects of safety that we could look at — making that a four-way stop."

Council debated the solutions thoroughly, with Coun. Jamie Hirtle suggesting even lowering the speed limits.

"I think that you're right, people think others are speeding, but they might not be," said Hirtle. "But I think that comes from the fact that most people, or many people, think 50 kilometres an hour is too fast."

Meanwhile, Coun. Lee Heenan suggests a traffic light, which was ultimately not supported by council.

Mayor Brad Henderson says he thinks adding more stops forces people to be conscious of their speed and never really allows them to get up to speed.

Council reached consensus on adding more stop signs. Eventually, the proposal will need to go to the public for consideration and feedback.

Milltown Activities Group Brings Community Together for Halloween

Finally, the Milltown Activities Group hosted its inaugural Witches' Walk on Saturday, marking a spirited start to the Halloween season. More than 60 participants, dressed as witches, warlocks, and spellcasters, gathered at the historic Milltown Band Hall before setting off on a festive walk through the community. 

The Milltown Activities Group also plans to bring a Remembrance Day Service back to the Milltown Cenotaph this November.