Notes of discord for Tobago jazz event

On Friday, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) issued a statement indicating that they are aware of plans to host the event titled Tobago Beach Jazz.

The EMA said it has been in contact with the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) to discuss the concerns with the hosting of the event at the proposed venue, given the importance of the site as a sea turtle nesting habitat and further, that the nesting season which spans March to September annually, has commenced.

The EMA said it will facilitate discussion with the THA and the event organisers to find alternatives including a suitable location not currently identified as a sea turtle nesting site.

When contacted, event promoter Carl “Beaver” Henderson told Newsday yesterday that he while he has not yet held any discussions with the EMA on the matter, he has been invited to today’s meeting.

He said even though the venue is not on the beach itself, they have plans to fence the compound to ensure that nobody wanders onto the beach. Henderson said the event is expected to begin at 10 am and end at about 8 pm and he is aware that “The turtle watch people will be there and will be conducting turtle patrols.” He said that he has previously held discussions with SOS Tobago and they have already given advice on where to point lights and the colour of lights that should be used and all this was taken into consideration.

Just one week ago at the launch of the event Henderson, when questioned, said the event was previously backed by the late owner of the Mt Irvine Hotel, Bob Yorke, hence the change in venue.

“Unfortunately Mr Yorke has passed on and there is a new change of the guard at the hotel,” Henderson said.

“Out of respect for the new management, they are in transition mode so I could not disappoint people. This show is all about clientele appreciation.

“We are going to reshape the production and this has come about because we are listening to our clients.” However, Mount Irvine Bay Hotel has issued a press release indicating that they would not be hosting the event this year and is in no way affiliated with Henderson’s event.

“All reports of any entity, organisation, or venue purporting to be the new home of Jazz on the Beach are false, erroneous and inaccurate,” the release said.