The Pigeon Point principle

Marc Jones · Post by **Marc Jones** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 10:43 am

What's the current thinking re Pigeon Point?

When I last visited Tobago (2004) it was a mixture between tourists loving the beach and those with a rather more hardline view that the way the beach was owned and run being bad for Tobago.

I subscribed to the latter and didn't visit on either of my two holidays - but with a 2 year old this time I'm wondering how opinion now stands - primarily from those who have held, or still hold, a principled approach.

There was talk of the beach being put back into the hands of the islanders (one I fully commend) any movement?

Steve Pitts · Post by **Steve Pitts** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 11:33 am

Hi Marc

Pigeon Point was bought by the THA and is now known as the Pigeon Point Heritage Park.

There have been a few subtle changes to the management style - with the emphasis on 'subtle'.

The entry fee is still the same @TT$18, but now the girls in the ticket kiosk smile and say hello - something that appeared to be forbidden under the previous regime.

Wrist bands to be worn at all times, but I have learned to live with that pet hate now and am resigned to identifying myself as a paying guest.

Pigeon Point is still a popular destination and at times can get busy, depending on the season and day you visit. Weekends can get hectic, with lots of local folks and Trinis over for the weekend, but when we were there in mid-May, it was pretty quiet during the week.

It was great to see the park being used as the venue for a celebration of Caribbean cuisine and living up to the 'heritage' part of its new identity.
We were there on the day and it was well organised and a brilliant use of one of Tobago's star attractions. What a setting!

There has been some attempt to replant shrubs and trees, which were ripped out by the last owners, giving a softer feel to the beach and hopefully halting the beach erosion, which has been quite severe as a result.

The two most noticeable changes IMO are the much lower-key security (now discrete to the point of being almost invisible) and ---- TRUMPET FANFAIR---- that God-awful chain-link fence that Pigeon Point Club erected, has fallen down and is being removed by the THA.

On balance, now that the entry fees are going back to the peoples of Tobago and they themselves have easier access and the park is being used as an asset for open-air functions, I am much happier to visit and spend some time there. But then I don't have much choice as my wife loves the place.

It's growing on me a bit too

Cheers
Steve

PS
It's an ideal spot for a two year-old to paddle and for dads to build sand castles.

Marc Jones · Post by **Marc Jones** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 12:11 pm

Top class answer. My conscience will be clear when I make my Virgin visit.

My biggest problem was the closing to locals rather than tales of stalag style guards - but it's good to hear all has abated in the name of decency and progress. I'm happy to pay to the upkeep of the place if that's where the money now goes.

Paul Tallet · Post by **Paul Tallet** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 2:16 pm

Hi Chaps

I second that ... I think the THA has sacked all the staff in the FPD ... 'Fun Prevention Department'

Regards

Linda P · Post by **Linda P** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 7:02 am

Hi Steve P

I am glad to see you enjoyed the food festival at Pigeon Point, we were there too on that day! It was the busiest Ihave ever seen the place! did you pick up your free B-Mobile plastic cups?

Linda

Marc Jones · Post by **Marc Jones** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:32 pm

Here's one... driving time to PP from Castara?

ta!

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:35 pm

Young Tobagonian - 25 minutes
Average Tourist - 45 minutes
Old Tobagonian - 2 days

Marc Jones · Post by **Marc Jones** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:49 pm

Excellently put as ever sir!

Whilst on the subject of roads - has the road north of Castara (ie that side of the island rather than the previous road t'other side) been completed? (vague recollection of it being on the way / planned last visit).

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:51 pm

Yes, the L'Anse Fourmi to Cambleton (Charlotteville) road is fully open and well worth the drive. You can now do a totally circular tour of the island.

Marc Jones · Post by **Marc Jones** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 5:51 pm

Now... if I didn't have the 2 year old with me I'd probably be mad enough to try a circuit!

Brilliant news - looking forward to discovering the "other end" having zipped all over the lower side twice!

Steve Pitts · Post by **Steve Pitts** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:48 am

Linda P wrote:Hi Steve P

I am glad to see you enjoyed the food festival at Pigeon Point, we were there too on that day! It was the busiest Ihave ever seen the place! did you pick up your free B-Mobile plastic cups?

Linda

Hi Linda

Unfortunately - no.
Doubtless they will be collector's items in years to come and we'll see them turning up on Antiques Roadshow

Marc
If you drive the 'new' road during your stay, take your time.
It's a beautiful stretch of road and we didn't see another car in either direction. There's absolutely stacks of birdlife, but drive too fast and you'll miss it.

That reminds me.
We rounded a tight left-hander on the return journey and came across a young lady tourist, stripped naked and having an al fresco shower under a road-side waterfall

Oh..... and there are loads of Mot Mots and Jacamars too.

But keep your eyes on the road

Cheers
Steve

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 7:45 am

Steve,I know the bend you mean,as I was a little more fortunate than you in that TWO local young lassies had just come out and were crossing the road in front of me,and,of course,being a gentleman,I stopped to let them cross the road!

David

Marc Jones · Post by **Marc Jones** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 8:09 am

I'll go very slow and make sure I spot all the birds that are on show.

Steve Pitts · Post by **Steve Pitts** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:37 pm

David Watkins wrote:Steve,I know the bend you mean,as I was a little more fortunate than you in that TWO local young lassies had just come out and were crossing the road in front of me,and,of course,being a gentleman,I stopped to let them cross the road!
David

You were certainly more fortunate David - I had my wife in the car with me, so stopping to admire the view was a definate no no.

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:40 pm

Yet another advantage of being a singly

Steve Pitts · Post by **Steve Pitts** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:44 pm

Marc Jones wrote:Here's one... driving time to PP from Castara?

ta!

Steve's quip is probably about right, but I would allow an hour if you haven't done the Northside Rd before - there are a couple of chances to take a wrong 'un, so it's best taken at a leisurely pace.

Castara to PP you could do in 45mins, as long as you don't hit the 'rush hour

' at Scarborough / Claude Noel Highway.

Cheers
Steve