sustainable tourism

Steve Fifield · Post by **Steve Fifield** » Fri Feb 18, 2005 2:20 pm

Perhaps this should be a wake up call to 'take it easy' then. If I had been attending a boat show event, I might have been impressed by the pilot's ability to slalom through the narrow channel at such speed. I don't know what speed the boat has to achieve to be 'on the plane' but it certainly was, right through this narrow channel, and witnessed by quite a crowd. If the pilot had been looking behind, I'm sure that he would have seen the crowd and dazed swimmer, and returned to see if he was OK, but he appeared entirely un-aware.

Clearly, though impressive, I feel that it is un-necessary to perform this kind of stunt, especially when novice swimmers are nearby. Nobody can be in that much of a hurry. There are no signs or 'No Swimming' areas at Pigeon point to warn anyone of the dangers or channels (and this is another issue that should probably be addressed), so surely bathers and snorkellers must be expected anywhere, and utmost caution is a must?

Steve.

Brent · Post by **Brent** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 3:03 am

Hi all

An increase in visitor arrivals means an increase of activities, and with that goes an increase in accidents and close shaves. What is clear is that a tragic accident is waiting to happen. With a combination of increased bathers, increased passage of marine vessels mingled with novice wind surfers, jet skiers, and paratroopers darting around everywhere, there’s got to be an accident in there somewhere. A few marker buoys could mark a perimeter where no marine craft can enter, and bathers can be informed that it would be unsafe to pass the buoys by way of beach front signs. Perhaps the signs should also contain information about the poisonous marine life a bather may encounter.

All of this leads me on to another question.

How many fatal accidents would it take for you to decide on vacationing at another location ?

If Tobago were to experience a ‘run’ on fatal accidents, fatal robberies, etc, how many such incidents would it take to directly affect you decision not to visit (either as a first time, or a return).

Thanks for your input

Bob Brent

Bob White · Post by **Bob White** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 11:29 am

Perceived as well as actual problems could turn visitors away from the island.

Since visiting and living in Tobago over a period of 10 years I have never felt a deterioration in safety or loss of local culture and natural scenic attractions. However Barbados has suffered from bad press at various periods over the past five years..... drugs and crime particularly. Because corporate tourism is so well established on Barbados it has been able to ride any negative press. I don't think Tobago's tourism infrastructure would be so robust to counter the effects if there was an increase in perceived or actual crime and accidents.

Bottom line is look after the paradise which is Tobago. Increase in criminal activities and poor safety standards does need to be addressed whilst not losing its natural appeal. It wouldn't take a great deal to lose its 'last of the unspoilt Caribbean' attraction. In the long term, this is no easy challenge for Tobagonians.

Paul Tallet · Post by **Paul Tallet** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 7:26 pm

I think Bob has made a good point.

I don't think the mainstream tourism would suffer in Tobago ... take popular places like Jamaica, where street warfare exists between drug gangs just a mile or two away from resorts where tourists languish in relative safety.

Such a situation, albeit incomprehensible, would certainly affect smaller businesses that cater for the wanderers that like to mix with the community and explore the island.

Trips around the island would be restricted ... but Tobago would still appeal to those that seek sunshine and luxury in a resort.

As for negative press (i.e.; accidents) ... I think that any tour operator concerned would be affected whether it was to blame or not ... people would probably avoid a tour operator associated with bad press.

My impressions from what I hear of Coco Motion are of quality and excellence and I am sure the allegation that has been made about them also applies to other tour operators that navigate that narrow channel at Pigeon Point ... I suspect this could be a general safety issue that all parties are rightfully worried about.

Rather than simply express concern or make various denials ... I wonder if it would be more positive and reassuring to visitors if everyone recognised this problem and made proposals to make the situation safer?

For instance, two opposite extremes would be to ban bathing in that area or for tour operators to use suitable vehicles for safer navigation (if possible).

Can these 2 extremes be moved closer together for the benefit of all parties?

Another point, which actually made me laugh, was that the Captain of the vehicle did not have 'eyes in the back of his head' ... I don't think this statement helps Coco's cause ... should there be two operatives (4 eyes) on these boats when taking several tourists or more?

Please do not take this as a criticism ... I think Coco were very brave to respond to the point made by Steve, they are also a very reputable business and I guess they could have a real opportunity here to lead any positive cause on safety issues around Pigeon Point.

It is always a shame when such issues are highlighted and just one Tour Operator gets dragged into the argument ... I wonder if other tour operators would be willing to contribute.

Regards

Brian Taylor · Post by **Brian Taylor** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:20 am

to say what paul..."we have a licensed captain, too" "we go slow and XXX doesn't" "that it makes no difference to get injured by a guy with or without license, same wound here"......
after all what was written it is common sense to see that the channel should be marked to keep swimmers and boat captains aware... AND the coastguard should guard what is going on on our coasts more and stop the speeding in such areas. isn't that what they are there for...?
it is clearly a problem, but a busdriver must look out for schoolchilderen infront of his bus, too. the driver is alawys more responsible than the child/swimmer...
by the way it is not nice to start this discussion by pointing out one operator and one incedent, spoiling someones reputation not knowing what really went on. if you want to be fair you have to monitor the situation and point out all the black sheep in the herd. the topic itself though is an important one and should be mentioned to the responsible authorities to take steps in the matter.....

Paul Tallet · Post by **Paul Tallet** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:30 am

Couldn't agree more Brian ...

Steve Fifield · Post by **Steve Fifield** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:42 pm

Brian,

You are a very wise man, and I really do hope to meet you one day. I really hope that something can be done about the safety of swimmers, though it is an unfortunate fact of life that it usually takes a tragedy before anything is changed.

Can I reassure you all that I thought carefully about the pros and cons of revealing the name of the boat involved in any way. I came to the conclusion that I would not be able to live with my conscience if someone was actually killed or seriously hurt, and I had not done what I could to draw attention to the situation. I appologise if that offends any of you.

I'm interested in your views. At what point IS it OK to name the offender? Should we offer infinite protection to them up to the point of an accident? My opinion (and I recognise that you may all disagree with me) is that if it might prevent an innocent holiday maker from being injured or killed, then it should be done, especially if witnessed by others. I don't think that we should have to wait for an accident to happen.

A couple of years ago, a tragic accident did happen in the Caribbean resort of Cozumel, which I heard about on the radio. A mother and her two sons were out Scuba diving in an area primarily reserved for bathers and killed by a speedboat travelling too fast for that area. She pushed her two sons out of the way as the boat hit her. The lady killed was Kirsty MacColl, who is famous in the UK for singing 'Fairytale of New York', a Christmas song that you hear every year here in the UK. You can read about the accident if you wish:

http://www.volans.plus.com/justiceforki ... sunday.htm

The driver of the boat was was fined £61 by a Mexican court after being found guilty of negligent homicide. I wonder if anyone saw that speedboat in the same area the week before, or day before, but decided not to mention it? I couldn't live with that if it was me.

I recognise that the circumstances are different, and in this case, the boat should not have been there, but swimmers have no idea what is going on, and that channel at Pigeon Point can be quite free from traffic for an hour or more. As you said Brian, "the driver is always more responsible than the child/swimmer... ", and without any 'no swimming' signs or channel markings, that is the key for now.

Steve.

Cornelia Montgomery · Post by **Cornelia Montgomery** » Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:21 pm

I sometimes wonder if fishing/tour boats are compatible with swimming at Pigeon Point.
While I agree that Pigeon Point has gone downhill since its change in ownership a few years ago, there's one improvement over the way it was when I first visited it in 1998. It's an improvement from my viewpoint as a tourist who likes to swim in the calm, clear water.
Under the old ownership, there was an area roped off for swimmers. However, it was quite a small area. When the tide was out, it seemed that you couldn't go in much over your thighs before you reached the rope. So, as might be expected, people went beyond the rope. The area had many, many boats coming in and out, and they got very close to the swimmers -- it seemed as though a serious accident could happen easily. So swimming was uncomfortable. Now there are fewer boats, as I understand fishing boats are no longer allowed there. So swimming is much more comfortable.
Somebody has explained about how the channels for boats force them to go close to swimmers. Is there another place that would be as convenient for the fishing/tour boats to depart from? Or is the area so important to the fishing boats that it should be turned over to them, rather than be used as a park for locals and tourists alike?
It's also sad that the new ownership has chopped down so many trees. Much charm has been lost, and shade is hard to come by. I don't know whether we'll go back next year for that reason.

Brent · Post by **Brent** » Thu Feb 24, 2005 2:33 am

Hi Cornelia

I was on Pigeon Point beach this evening and could not believe my eyes ! I don’t understand why the THA would want to buy Pigeon Point back again, because it simply won’t be there in ten years. The sea will have reached right up to the remaining Mangrove woodland which you can see at the entrance to Pigeon Point.
I don’t think the effects of global warming have really registered here, but I can clearly see the erosion of Tobago’s beaches, and they are disappearing at an alarming rate only to be helped by man’s insistence on removing the very trees needed to slow or reverse the many ill’s associated with global warming and rising sea levels.
What really reaches beyond my understanding Cornelia, is that the owners must see the effects of cutting the Palm trees, as they have had to pay for the rebuilding of their perimeter fence, and will have to do so again before the season has finished, let alone the year.

Steve Fifield · Post by **Steve Fifield** » Sun Feb 27, 2005 3:23 pm

Hi again Brent,

I just read another thread where Maria expressed concern about returning to Tobago: http://www.mytobago.info/forum/viewtopic.php?p=10838 (2nd post)

... attacked at their Mount Irvine villa during our stay by machete-wielding thieves

We heard a lot about this last year, and it certainly must have put some tourists off visiting. How seriously are those involved actually treated if caught? Is there sufficient deterrent at present, or should security be improved to increase the likelyhood of them getting caught. This could be an area to focus attention?

Steve F.