The Pigeon Point Heritage Park reopened to the public on Friday, one day after it was closed following the fatal jet ski accident that claimed the life of seven-year-old Angelica Jogie.
Since then, the operation of jet skis at Pigeon Point and in the Buccoo Reef Marine Park has come under harsh public criticism since Wednesday’s tragic accident.
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine signalled a possible ban on jet skis, adopting a zero-tolerance approach.
Speaking to TTT News off camera, tour operators expressed disapproval.
“You can’t demonise, right, a whole industry for a man action and behaviour, right? The individual was wrong, a child lost his life, right, and we all are saddened for the situation.”
Instead, they accused authorities of failing to enforce laws that currently exist to ensure safety in and around the water.
Meanwhile, Head of the Tobago Marine Safety and Security Services Limited, Alvin Douglas, is against a total ban on jet skis, noting they are an integral part of search and rescue in the water.
“The jet ski by itself is probably the fastest, the entity that is going to be part of your rescue scenario inside of that area.”
Apart from operating as a rescue vessel, Mr. Douglas believes jet skis should not be used commercially within the Buccoo Reef Marine Park.
“It definitely can’t operate inside of the Buccoo Reef. Not only for the patrons but even for the eco-system, for the marine animals inside there. It is too shallow.”
Zoning, enforcement and education are his suggestions for improving safety.
As for eliminating all vessels from near the designated swimming area in Pigeon Point to reduce collision with bathers, Mr. Douglas said that might be more difficult.
“Right next to where the swim line is, it’s a channel. If the vessels go any where further out, it’s shallow. They can’t, they are not able to pass.”
The Chief Secretary announced at Thursday’s Post Executive Council Media Briefing that new enforcement measures will be coming within the next two weeks.