April 9, 2026 — The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is vowing an aggressive legislative response following the horrific events at Pigeon Point on Wednesday evening. Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has signaled an end to “business as usual” for the island’s marine spaces, confirming that the THA is now moving to implement a total overhaul of watercraft regulations.
The tragedy occurred around 5:00 PM when a jet ski breached a clearly marked “safe bathing zone” at the Pigeon Point Heritage Park, striking a family from Barrackpore, Trinidad, who were on vacation. The collision claimed the life of seven-year-old Angelica Saydee Jogie, who was rushed to the Scarborough General Hospital but succumbed to her injuries. Her father, Arnold Jogie, and other relatives were also injured in the incident.
“Zero Tolerance” for Reckless Operators
In a somber late-night briefing, the Chief Secretary condemned the actions of the jet ski operator, who initially fled the scene before being detained by police on Thursday. Augustine described the breach of the cordoned-off swimming area as a “criminal act of negligence.”
“The days of unregulated, lawless behavior in our waters are over,” Augustine stated. “We cannot invite families to our shores and then fail to protect them from the recklessness of a few. If it means an outright ban on certain types of watercraft to ensure safety, then that is the direction we will take.”
Immediate Measures and Overhaul
In the wake of the accident, several immediate steps have been taken:
Temporary Closure: Both Pigeon Point Heritage Park and the Buccoo Reef Park were closed to the public on Thursday to facilitate a forensic investigation and a reconstruction of the incident.
Marine Operations Ban: A 24-hour suspension of all commercial watercraft operations was implemented as officials reviewed safety protocols.
Legislative Overhaul: The THA, in collaboration with the Maritime Services Division, is fast-tracking a new Small Boats Policy. This will require mandatory registration for all jet skis and small craft, stricter licensing exams, and the use of the MOTAP digital platform for real-time monitoring and enforcement.
The Maritime Services Association has also joined the call for “decisive action,” advocating for tougher penalties and a permanent presence of maritime law enforcement at high-traffic beaches. As the Jogie family mourns their daughter, the island remains in a state of shock, with the THA promising that this “pattern of decay” in public safety will be met with the full force of the law.
Our reporter Jewel Greene-George has more on the details of the vessel’s technical readiness and the Assembly’s plan to support those hit hardest by the delays…
