The tragic death of seven‑year‑old Angelica Jogie at Pigeon Point has renewed concerns over safety and the use of jet skis in the waters surrounding Trinidad and Tobago.
Director of Environment Tobago, Sean McCoon, says the incident underscores the need for a comprehensive review of current practices, including stronger legislation governing marine activity — to strengthen public and visitor safety, without compromising the protection and long‑term preservation of vulnerable marine ecosystems.
“The way forward is to find a balance between what exists and what should be done in terms of governance of marine park and enforcement. What we find also is a relationship between the non-compliant and what is purported as being an exponential tourism product. And we need to find that balance because the marine park is a sensitive ecosystem, et cetra, and then you have the end user which are the tourists.”
Mr. McCoon said the central challenge lies not in the absence of legislation, but in enforcement.
He pointed out that while laws such as the Marine Preservation and Enhancement Act exist, the Tobago House of Assembly does not have the authority, to direct law‑enforcement agencies, including the Police Service or the Coast Guard, as they fall under the remit of Central Government. This creates significant gaps in effective on‑the‑ground enforcement.
“The THA can, in fact, do certain things within its remit. They can look at the shoreline, they can look at Pigeon Point Heritage Park, they can look at the marine park in general, but where the meat and potatoes and the real legislative teeth for enforcement is concerned there must be more legislation put in place to complement what the enforcement would look lime.”