THA to get control of controversial Pigeon Point Beach

AFTER several years of negotiations, the controversial Pigeon Point Beach facility is expected to be formally handed over to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) either this week or early next week. THA Chief Secretary Orville London told Newsday discussions were held with Attorney General John Jeremie along with Finance Ministry officials, and funding for the purchase was supposed to have been provided to the THA last week. London said although there were still some “legal issues” to be worked out, the process had reached a point where transfer of the property could occur and the deeds prepared. He said that mechanisms were already in place to ensure “as smooth a transfer as possible.”

London acknowledged that Pigeon Point today was unlike that of one month ago and said the facility will be provided with the necessary amenities that were no longer there, as soon as possible, to ensure that the inconvenience to the public was minimised. He was, however, unable to quote the final cost of the sale agreement for Pigeon Point but said it was more than $100 million but less then $105 million. The Pigeon Point Beach facility which is privately owned, made the news a few years ago after a fisherman was shot and killed at the facility. Tobagonians have been divided over this beach with some saying it should remain privately owned while others said it should revert back to the State and be a public facility.

Meanwhile, THA Secretary for Agriculture — Hilton Sandy — said the use of the infamous Pigeon Point jetty for safe anchorage (of boast) at night (and not to land fish catches), was one of the immediate plans on the agenda following acquisition by the THA. Sandy said that a security guard will be stationed at the jetty at nights to safeguard the boats until refurbishment work on the jetty and fishing facility at Milford Bay was completed.