April 10, 2026 — The call for stronger environmental governance and stricter enforcement in Tobago is intensifying. Following recent discussions on coastal safety and accountability, officials are urging the urgent passage of key legislation to protect the island’s marine spaces.
The mounting pressure follows the tragic death of seven-year-old Angelica Jogie, who was struck by a jet ski while swimming in a designated “safe zone” at Pigeon Point on Wednesday. The incident has ripped the bandage off long-standing concerns regarding the “lawless” operation of watercraft and the lack of physical enforcement on the island’s most popular beaches.
Division Issues Strict Marine Notice
In an immediate response, the Division of Environment, Climate Resilience and Energy issued a public notice yesterday, reminding all operators that jet skis and personal watercraft are strictly prohibited in the Pigeon Point Heritage Park, Buccoo Reef Marine Park, and Buccoo Beach nearshore areas.
Tourism Secretary Zorisha Hackett emphasized that the restriction is not new but will now be enforced with “zero tolerance.” The Division further announced that all marine-based commercial activities—including glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, and diving—now require updated written approval to operate within these protected zones.
Chief Secretary: “Who Vex Loss”
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has taken a hard-line stance against rogue operators, stating that the THA is prepared to take civil action to the point of bankruptcy against those who jeopardize public safety.
“I am tired of meeting,” the Chief Secretary stated. “We have laid down the rules. If you cannot operate within the laws of the space, you cannot operate in THA-owned spaces, full stop. Who vex loss.”
Augustine also highlighted the need for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the TTPS to increase their presence at Store Bay and Pigeon Point, citing a “pattern of decay” characterized by illegal vending, “hustling” of tourists, and dangerous maneuvers by unlicensed craft.
Legislative Fast-Tracking
Environmental advocates and stakeholders are now calling for the finalization of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) policy and the Small Boats Policy. These frameworks would introduce:
- Mandatory GPS Tracking: Requiring all commercial jet skis to carry trackers to monitor speed and proximity to shore.
- Zoning Buoys: The immediate installation of high-visibility physical barriers to separate motorized zones from bathing areas.
- The MOTAP Platform: Accelerating the digital registration of all marine vessels to ensure clear accountability and “real-time” enforcement.
As the Jogie family receives support from the tourism sector, the island remains under heavy scrutiny, with the administration promising a “new era of maritime order” to begin within the next 14 days.
