Stephon Nicholas
Tobago Correspondent
As the excitement builds for the annual Great Race in Tobago taking place today, concern is growing at Store Bay over a leatherback turtle nest on the popular beach.
Hundreds of people are expected to flock to Store Bay for the race and after-party, but beachgoers are being warned to watch their step while revelling.
Over a week ago, a leatherback turtle came ashore at Store Bay and laid her eggs. Since then, a small picket has been placed around the site to protect it. However, stakeholders are worried that the picket is insufficient to prevent a possible trampling of the nest as a large crowd is expected to descend on the location.
Ronaldo, aka Sugar Head, who rents beach chairs and umbrellas at the beach, said he has taken a personal interest in protecting the eggs.
“We know is Great Race time and you guys coming up to have a little fun on the island, but we want you to be mindful and cautious of the turtle nest,” he said. The nest is to the right of the staircase on the beach.
He said the authorities are aware of the situation and urged them to act swiftly to protect the site.
“So what they saying, they have a protection barrier at Pigeon Point. They supposed to bring it to bar it up here, but yuh see the time, and tomorrow is the big day, and they haven’t done anything as yet. So I’m gonna take it upon my own to make sure it is finished for in the morning.”
Ronaldo said he planned to put up a sign and place his own barriers so the public can be aware. He promised to also patrol the area to ensure beachgoers do not encroach on the site.
Asked how he would manage his business while keeping a close eye on the site, given the overwhelming number of people expected, he revealed lifeguards and other stakeholders will also be patrolling the area.
“It will be a task trying to do it on my own, but an island wasn’t built by one man. There are other guys on the beach who will help me.”
Alvin Douglas, who owns a dive shop at Store Bay, urged the authorities to prioritise eco-tourism.
He said turtles and manta rays are often trapped in illegal nets in the sea.
“It is easy to host a fete, to lime, but to protect our environment for future generations, it takes work.
“We are poor stewards of our environment,” he said.
While not advocating for the Great Race to be shifted, he said a more stringent response was required.
“It is disappointing. Even though the Great Race has been here for 100 years, if you realise a turtle has nested in this area, then measures have to be put in place to protect that.”
In an interview with Guardian Media in Buccoo yesterday, Barry Lovelace, director at the Department of Marine Resources, appealed to the public to respect the cordoned-off site and maintain mindfulness for their safety, the safety of others and the tourism product.
