Proposals to end Pigeon Point impasse

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has put forward several proposals which it expects will form the basis of an agreement with the major interest groups that will resolve the longstanding impasse at Pigeon Point.

These proposals have been discussed with the marine operators, fisherfolk, Club Pigeon Point officials (owners of the property) and other interest groups according to a release from the Office of the Chief Secretary (OCS). The THA said it was convinced that despite the initial problems, the environment for the adoption of a mutually acceptable resolution had been fostered, and it was against this backdrop that the discussions had been undertaken over the past months. “The Assembly’s major objective has always been to facilitate a resolution that would preserve the rights of the public, while enabling the various interest groups maximum scope and opportunity for development,” it stressed.

The proposals cover the main problem-related issues of “dignified public access” to the beach at Pigeon Point; access for bona fide fisherfolk and other marine operators; anchorage for fishing vessels and other craft at Wind Hole; access road (to the Pigeon Point area) from Bon Accord; management of the jetty at Pigeon Point; and the question of the status of craft vendors and other occupiers of land at the entrance to Club Pigeon Point. The THA said it was heartened that, despite some reservations, “the major interest groups have indicated a commitment to an agreement based on those proposals.” On the question of ‘dignified public access, it was noted that there have been demands for motor vehicle access.  However, after consultation with the relevant THA officials, “it was determined that constant vehicular traffic along the beachfront could destroy the very ambience that the THA is committed to preserve,” the release said. Accordingly, the THA said it was prepared to favourably consider the offer by club Pigeon Point of a 10ft wide strip of land that would allow free, unhindered access to any section of the beach.

It was proposed that this strip of land would be marked by a fence — which would define the western boundary of the Pigeon Point estate, and that provision would be made for parking facilities just outside the boundaries of the property. With respect to access for bona fide fisherfolk and marine operators, it was stated that “Club Pigeon Point would allow bona fide fisherfolk and marine operators — to be determined by an appropriate THA agency in consultation with Club Pigeon Point — public access, free of charge, utilising the present roadway through Pigeon Point.” With respect to the issue of anchorage for fishing boats and other craft at Wind Hole — a naturally sheltered lagoon area at Pigeon Point, it was noted however there has been “some disagreement” among the various sectors, with the fishermen’s representatives claiming that the site proposed by Club Pigeon Point would be inappropriate for the construction of the Fishing Facility. In light of this, the THA’s proposal is that “the Director of Marine Resources and Fisheries, after consultation with the relevant experts and representatives would advise on the scope of the facility and the most appropriate site”.

On the question of establishing an access road from Bon Accord, it was stated that after discussions and a study of the available reports, “the THA is convinced that there are environmental, technical, financial, legal and time implications. These have not been adequately addressed, and therefore the proposal is that the implications should be addressed expeditiously so as to inform the feasibility of using the access road as means of accessing the proposed (fishing) facility.” In the meantime, it was advised that bona fide fisher folk and marine operators should retain access through Pigeon Point (property) until a suitable alternative is made available. With respect to management of the jetty at Pigeon Point, it was stressed that the THA “will determine how the Pigeon Point jetty is managed.”