Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says jet skis are not allowed within the Buccoo Reef Marine Park area.
He was speaking yesterday following the tragic death of seven-year-old Angelica Saydee Jogie, who on Wednesday was struck by a jet ski that crossed a perimeter rope while she was swimming at Pigeon Point Beach, Tobago.
Augustine said the matter remained an active police investigation.
In response to the incident, the Pigeon Point Heritage Park and Buccoo Reef Marine Park were closed yesterday to facilitate investigations, safety assessments, and a review of operational controls.
At the post-executive news conference at Calder Hall on the sister island, Augustine said: “Let me be very clear—in the regulations set out for the Marine Park, jet skis are actually restricted from operating in the Marine Park.
“They are only supposed to transit through the Marine Park en-route from point A to point B, but the rules are clear that they are not allowed, they are not supposed to be soliciting or even operating within the park.”
He noted the framework had been in place long before he became Chief Secretary.
“In fact, it came about because the THA had a similar encounter in the past…I must reiterate that persons must follow the rules. It is for all our safety; but even in the context of this tragedy, it is important to acknowledge that Tobago in fact recorded a strong Easter 2026.”
Augustine said the island had experienced one of its strongest Easter periods in recent years, marked by high visitor activity, strong community engagement, and renewed momentum in the tourism sector.
“We are here today, certainly still coming to terms with what occurred in Tobago at our famed Pigeon Point (Wednesday) afternoon,” he said. “However, even as we acknowledge that success, we must also address the reality that this period is being overshadowed by a deeply tragic incident.”
He said the incident occurred within the Marine Park area at the easternmost section of Pigeon Point Heritage Park.
He added that despite the immediate response of lifeguards, assistance from an off-duty nurse, and the swift engagement of emergency services, the child died.
Augustine extended condolences to the family.
“On behalf of the Tobago House of Assembly, on behalf of the entire island of Tobago, we extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
Rules not optional
Describing the incident as deeply tragic, he said it underscored a critical point about safety systems already in place. He said these guidelines had been announced prior to the Easter period and were designed to protect lives, but only work when properly followed.
He stressed that the rules governing marine spaces were not optional. He said they exist to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, adding that any unsafe or unauthorised operation of watercraft within designated bathing areas remains unacceptable.
He said the Tobago House of Assembly would support the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in ensuring those responsible were brought to justice.
Augustine said reports indicated police had taken into custody a 32-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He said the THA remained committed to supporting the family, as it has done in other difficult circumstances.
He stressed the need for stronger enforcement and monitoring, urging State agencies with legal authority to act decisively against breaches of maritime regulations within the Marine Park area.
Augustine noted that under the Sixth Schedule, the Tobago House of Assembly does not have authority over certain matters, including the Police Service, and was therefore dependent on national agencies to enforce regulations across sites such as Store Bay, Pigeon Point, No Man’s Land and Buccoo.
He recalled that on April 2, the Division of Environment, Climate and Climate Resilience and Energy outlined the rules governing the Marine Park and had appealed for compliance ahead of the Easter period.
He said enforcement now needed to match the regulations already in place.
Augustine also said where large numbers of people are present, those responsible for security have a clear duty of care to ensure adequate presence and preparedness.
He added the THA would continue to strengthen its response framework, while acknowledging responsibility for policing remains outside the Tobago House of Assembly’s remit.
He referenced ongoing discussions around the establishment of a localised police capability, noting the proposal has not yet been taken to Parliament.
He said the matter was also raised during recent discussions with the Prime Minister.
‘They could pack their jet ski’
However, Augustine stressed that even as institutional reforms are pursued, operators themselves carry a responsibility to ensure safety standards are met.
He said this includes ensuring safe operations for customers, operators, and the wider public.
He also expressed concern about individuals who, in his view, undermine regulatory efforts through public commentary on social media.
He said: “People who want to do their own thing, always up on Facebook cussing because they vex that rules in place, and you all give voice to them because always a slow news day in Tobago…so you give them a voice and empower them to think the wrong that they are doing somehow is right.”
He added: “I don’t care who among those operators vex. I tired of meeting, I am not going to meet with nobody. Lay down the rules to follow by. If they cannot operate in spaces owned by the THA, who vex loss; they could pack their boat, they could pack up their jet ski and go home with it and let it dry rot, as far as I am concerned. It cannot be that people continue to operate without any repercussions whatsoever.”
