Congrats, Tobago

THE EDITOR: Congratulations once again to the beautiful gem known as Tobago, on winning the World’s Best Eco Destination Award, judged by a committee of the International Travel Board, for the second successive year. This welcome news was carried in the Tobago News, Friday, December 24. The award was rightfully and wisely given for the island’s famous Rain Forest Reserve. I wish the people and the commercial interests of Tobago all the best that such a distinction could bestow upon them.

At the same time, if Tobago wishes to accept this prestigious eco-title, more needs to be done to keep the island as a genuine “eco-paradise.” Tobago needs to “walk it’s talk.” Last year, at the time Tobago first received the “World’s Best Eco Destination Award,” endangered sea turtles were witnessed being taken “legally” from Tobago’s beaches. There was a burst of moral indignation at the hypocrisy that such exploitation to endangered sea turtles could happen on the international apex of eco-tourism.

There was a lot of talk about “closing the loopholes” in TT’s laws to protect endangered sea turtles. So far, has anything been done, other than talk? If Tobago is to rightfully enjoy this coveted international title, serious efforts need to be completed right now for the protection of the endangered sea turtles, who would also like to enjoy the eco-atmosphere of Tobago’s shores.

MATT KELLY
New Ashford, Massachusetts