I have lived in Belfast for 13 years and have been involved in many aspects of this fine community.

I support our Co-op, the original Friday Farmer’s Market, our local farmers, our local businesses, our organizations such as Our Town Belfast and the Chamber of Commerce and the overall spirit of “can do” that exists here now as it has in the past.

I also support the Nordic Aquafarms endeavor and our hard working, sincere city council members. One is not mutually exclusive of the other. We can welcome forward thinking, cutting edge businesses into our town and still embrace the local ideology that is part of what defines Belfast.

There are some people in our community who see themselves as missionaries whose job it is to enlighten the uninformed masses. They have drawn a line in the sand and made it clear that there is no compromise.

I take exception to that thinking.

If we can accept diversity of people and different cultures, then why is it difficult for some of us to accept this diversity in the physical make up of a community?

Nordic Aquafarms has been forthcoming in its intent, honest in their information and “gone high”, as Michelle Obama has said, in their response to the rude and downright nasty reactions from some people.

Our city council has been accused of nefarious dealings. I am one of a large silent majority of citizens that has been saddened and disheartened by the focus of the press on the negativity in our little city. Unfortunately that’s what makes news. It is time to change the narrative.

Diane Braybrook lives in Belfast