PIGEON POINT FIASCO...

[Lesley Anne Ritchie]

Hi there folks We are heading off to Tobago again in 3 weeks time and I can't help but be alarmed by all the posts regarding PP. The last time we were there was in 2002 and we went as far as the Jet Ski hire shed as that was our main aim for going. Can anyone tell me if we can still hire them and if so what's that area like? If it's as bad as some posts make it then maybe we should avoid going there at all costs. Thanks

[Bryn]

In my opinion, I don't believe tourists (or locals for that matter) should participate in the PP cash grab. It is disgusting to pay to use what should rightfully be public beaches. I am appalled by what is happening at PP and will do all in my power to discourage people from contributing to what I deem to be the decay of Tobago. There are many other beaches people can use where they will not have to pay an entrance fee to enjoy themselves. Please do not go to PP and moreover please do your part to discourage others from going there.

Bryn

[Paul Tallet]

I did not set foot on Pigeon Point during my last visit in February, however I talked about it alot with others and viewed it from a distance.

Nevertheless, after a prolonged debate with a chap called 'Suggary' based in Store Bay ... I was, for the first time in 4 years, convinced I should try one of the boat trips to Buccoo Reef.

Suggary was at pains to stress that none of the trips offered sandals anymore for walking on coral and this activity was considered by all concerned to be history.

My family and I went on the trip and I was ready to jump ship at any sign of abuse.

The trip turned out to be very good. We were taken to a deeper part of the reef and allowed to snorkel and afterwards we visited the Nylon Pool.

It seems that all the other parties followed suit.

Overall, I am extremely pleased to have experienced a significant change in the attitude and environmental awareness of the boatmen that organise these trips ... in contrast to my horrific experience 4 years ago.

Regarding Pigeon Point, the trip gave me the opportunity to view Pigeon Point from a reasonable distance ... the private owners have put an unsightly fence all along the strip under the palm trees ... I am told that people can walk along the strip (this is public property) but are turned back by security guards when they get close to the Thatched Pier.

It was not a pretty sight.

There was little sign of tourists on the beach and this was at midday ... so ... Bryn ... it appears many (including me) have taken your view.

There were plenty of watersports activities taking place in the lagoon behind the Point.

I am told that the taking of photographs is now strictly forbidden.

I am also told that there are plans to develop real estate on the Point or to turn it into an exclusive resort.

The THA seem powerless to do anything.

In a way, it could be that the private owners are actively discouraging people to go there to make future plans easier for them.

I am now wondering if we adopt a strategy of avoiding Pigeon Point that this could actually be playing into the hands of the private owners ... it seems pretty obvious that they don't want anybody there.

Could this be the begining of the end for Pigeon Point?

If people feel strongly enough then maybe the idea of periodic peaceful picnics in protest should be arranged rather than boycotting the place altogether.


Paul

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Paul

Thanks for your input. Sadly, "Suggary" is either naive or being less than totally honest. Just a day or two after meeting you and your family at La Tartaruga the other week I spoke to someone who had just come back from a Buccoo Reef tour - and had been provided with sandals for reef walking. They were told that it was dead coral, so didn't matter, but obviously the fish don't hang around dead coral, so your guess is as good as mine.

[Paul Tallet]

Oh Hell !!

What can I say ?

It must be a minority ... because on the day, all the boats were in the same areas ... I was watching everything like a hawk ... there are probably a few rogue boats that still do the Sandals then ??

Speaking as positively as I can, last time I went 4 years ago, ALL the boats were sending people out with sandals ... so perhaps people such as Suggary should be applauded for taking steps in the right directions.

I am still pleased that I went because my children needed no prompting in recognising the sparseness of the reef compared to their other experiences around Tobago ... that was more than equal to the loss of one week's alternative education at school.

One visit was enough.

On a more positive note ... the visit to the Nylon Pool (and it's associated folklore) was fun. Our youngest, Paul (Junior) who is 10, was kept on the boat because my wife, Jan, didn't fancy the idea of breastfeeding again !!

Regards


Paul