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Tobago Assembly Passes Marine Parks Bill Following Child's Death
🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago /Conflict & Security

Tobago Assembly Passes Marine Parks Bill Following Child's Death

From Trinidad Express · (8m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Tobago House of Assembly passed the Tobago Marine Parks Bill 2026.
  • The bill's passage was prompted by the recent death of a child in a jet ski accident, highlighting concerns about watercraft safety.
  • The legislation aims to establish a framework for marine park management, biodiversity protection, and sustainable use, with a plan to be sent to the national Parliament.

The Tobago House of Assembly has taken decisive action by passing the Tobago Marine Parks Bill 2026, a move that resonates deeply within our community. This legislation, piloted by Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, comes at a critical juncture, underscored by the tragic death of young Angelica Saydee Jogie in a jet ski accident on Pigeon Point beach. Her eighth birthday would have been yesterday, a poignant reminder of the joy and peace Tobago represents, a joy tragically shattered.

You know what is interesting? (Yesterday’s) date, the 23rd of April, would have been the young lady’s eighth birthday, so we are actually sitting on a day when this child and her parents should have been celebrating her eighth birthday. You should have been celebrating.

— Farley AugustineChief Secretary Farley Augustine highlighted the tragic coincidence of the bill's passage on the victim's birthday.

This bill is more than just regulatory; it is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our precious marine biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable use of our marine parks for future generations. The inclusion of stringent penalties, such as a $100,000 fine and 12 months imprisonment for obstructing inspectors, signals a firm stance against those who would endanger our environment and our people.

And unfortunately what was supposed to be a heavenly experience has turned out to be hellish for a family—but not only them.

— Farley AugustineChief Secretary Farley Augustine described the impact of the jet ski accident on the victim's family.

While this bill mirrors previous efforts, its swift progression to the national Parliament, with assurances from the Attorney General and Prime Minister, signifies a unified approach to critical safety and environmental issues. The concerns raised about enforcement, particularly the continued presence of jet skis in restricted areas, highlight the need for robust implementation. This is not just about regulating watercraft; it's about protecting the very essence of Tobago's allure – its natural beauty and the safety of those who come to enjoy it.

I recalled earlier in the debate the others who died in the past by drowning, got injured through jet skis, the use of other craft—things that we just have to regulate; that we have to treat with.

— Farley AugustineChief Secretary Farley Augustine emphasized the need to regulate watercraft to prevent future tragedies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Trinidad Express in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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