myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Posted: **Sun Jan 04, 2004 12:27 pm**

Hi all concerned

I refer to the earlier thread regarding the 'PIGEON POINT FIASCO'. This thread seemed to focus on various comments and concerns raised about Pigeon Point.

I have started this new thread to focus on Action / Protest Groups.

I have had a thorough search of the web to see if there is anything organised and the best I have come up with is this (see below).

Does anyone know a chap called Emile Louise who started a thread of discussion regarding Pigeon Point in the 'Small Islands Voice Global Forum' between November 2002 and February 2003?

Below I quote his final contribution in response to those who expressed support for his concerns regarding Pigeon Point. At this time the private company was taking legal action against him.

Small Islands Voice Global Forum
Safeguarding freedom of choice
________________________________________
Emile Louis responds to the views of forum readers with some more information about the Pigeon Point case.

I want all those who have joined the discussion on this forum about beach access at Pigeon Point to know that my previous public naming of the landowner and of the companies that make up the Group of Companies that acquired the Pigeon Point Estate has resulted in the filing of a writ (court order) against me and the ‘Tobago News’ newspaper that published the information. Perhaps because of this, Small Island Voice may have chosen to edit out the particulars that many of you are seeking and that I am willing to divulge if a way can be found to do so.
I am advocating a boycott against the goods and services offered for public consumption by the Group of Companies. I am not trying to persuade the Group to abandon their proposed tourist resort investment. Instead I am asking people to join this boycott in an effort to peacefully persuade the Group to share the beach, the sea, the jetty (which is also in the sea) and other public spaces on the periphery of the estate equally and amicably with all others who traditionally use the coast for legitimate business and pleasure purposes.
The writ (court order) that has been issued is intended to stop the boycott by stifling the information that supporters need and it is obviously achieving its purpose so far. Any suggestions around this?
We have The State Lands Act and The Three Chains Tobago Act that can be enforced as existing national laws to remedy the situation. But those in tune with the reality of the developing world, of which Tobago is a part, will understand the difficulties of applying and implementing these laws.
The ‘All Tobago Fisherfolk Association’ of which I am President is at the forefront of this struggle for equal rights at Pigeon Point. We rely almost totally on public opinion to persuade our elected representatives to represent our interests. We therefore value the global exposure provided by this forum and we value the contribution of all of you who are concerned enough to write. Please don’t stop.
There must be some worthwhile benefit in tourism for locals and I will do nothing to deny the rights of those who opt to search for it. I have opted for a future based on sustainable fishing from the Pigeon Point Beach and the sea that surrounds the 114 square miles (295 square kilometres) of Tobago.
I want the world to know our chosen option as a guarantee that our freedom to choose is safeguarded.
________________________________________

Messages In This Thread
Beaches for all: let the people decide
Emile Louis -- Thursday, 28 November 2002
Support from around the world for keeping beaches open to the public
G. Gosling, G. Grant, Marjorie, Maureen, J. Moore, J. McKinnon, J. Taripo -- Thursday, 12 December 2002
Providing public access to the beach
T. Alphonse, B. Conrich, B. Potter, T. Rongo, F. Zaandam -- Tuesday, 7 January 2003
Sharing beach resources
H. Belmar, P. Jacobs, A. Kemper, Michelle, B. Mommsen, N. Savy -- Wednesday, 5 February 2003
Safeguarding freedom of choice
Emile Louis -- Tuesday, 21 January 2003
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Small Islands Voice Global Forum is maintained by Administrator with WebBBS 5.01.

The beginning of the this string can be found at http://www.sivglobal.org/?read=12

There seems to be no contact point for this brave chap so I wonder if anyone knows him.

I also wonder if Steve and any other influential contributors could comment on anything the myTobago members could do to support him ... if we can find him ... it looks like he needs all the support he can get.

I hope this will be of interest and I hope this forum can give effective support to any cause in the best long term interests of Buccoo Reef and Pigeon Point.

Regards

Paul

Posted: **Sun Jan 04, 2004 12:59 pm**

Hi Paul

I have been following the various posts on this subject with very great interest, because it is a subject I feel strongly about. I’m sorry that I have been very quiet on the subject, but there are a variety of reasons for this not least because I am moving house tomorrow and frantically packing and preparing for the move.

I am also a little concerned about my position in this. Basically, I don’t want myTobago to be seen as a political instrument. It’s one thing to allow others to comment (even if I support them); quite another thing if I get too involved personally as editor/owner of the site. Let’s just say that Anthony Sabga, the indirect owner of Club Pigeon Point, is not someone who would appear on many people’s Christmas card list. From everything I hear of him, he would not hesitate to take action against anyone, as Emile’s post makes clear.

Sorry, but I do not know Emile so can’t put you in contact. Hopefully someone else (locally) can do so. I totally applaud your stance on this and if you arrange anything while I’m on Tobago, you can be assured of my support – on the second line, not at the forefront, please.

Posted: **Sun Jan 04, 2004 1:55 pm**

Steve

Thanks for your input.

I am not sure if there is any political issue and I am not in the business of flying flags myself either ... I have the same view as you.

I am only talking about giving support to any effective environmental cause for the longer term benefit of Pigeon Point and Buccoo Reef.

I have to say I am rather dissapointed that the Emile Louise case is the only one I have found ... it looks a bit ominous doesn't it?

I would not dream of suggesting myTobago became directly involved other than to say that some members appear to be sensitive to these issues and it would be nice for each individual to give their support to such causes (if they exist) if they feel strongly enough, as I do.

Kind Regards

Paul

Posted: **Sun Jan 04, 2004 2:17 pm**

Hi Paul

The "ping" of my computer telling me that an email had arrived gave me a welcome excuse to break off packing my office equipment. You wouldn't believe that a server and three workstations could have so many leads and other paraphernalia.

I totally hear what you say and like you, I will give my full support to anyone wishing to demonstrate in a peaceful way if we can publicise this awful and unjust situation at Pigeon Point. Sadly I don’t think our nice Mr S is going to be shamed into anything. Forgive me for being a little less forthright and more circumspect that usual, but the stories I’ve heard are not nice.

The Emile Louse case may be the only one you’ve heard about on the Internet, but believe me, it’s a very active story and situation on Tobago. My understanding is that the government are adamant that they will purchase Pigeon Point and resolve the situation – but where are they going to get the money from? The Trinidad government gives Tobago nothing but peanuts. Sadly, the balance of power is seated firmly in Trinidad and they still show nothing but contempt for little old Tobago. Let’s face it, Trinidad is 16 times bigger geographical, is the income generator and has 96% of the total population. On top of that, nice Mr S wields a lot of political and commercial influence on Trinidad – so, surprise, surprise!

Posted: **Mon Jan 05, 2004 12:00 am**

Hi Steve

Hope your move goes well ... don't forget to put the plugs all back in the right holes when you get to your destination !!

Thanks for your input. I really would like to learn more about this diabolical situation ... the www has yielded little so far.

I will be there in 5 weeks (to be precise ... I will be there in exactly 3,110,400 seconds and counting) so I will see what more I can learn while I am there.

Regards

Paul.

myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

PIGEON POINT ACTION ?

PIGEON POINT ACTION ?