Tobago Correspondent
Stakeholders are welcoming Chief Secretary Farley Augustine’s announcement of a joint Coast Guard-police unit in Tobago.
On Wednesday, Augustine revealed that land is being prepared near Gibson Jetty in Bon Accord for a security base so that authorities can respond promptly to incidents at the Buccoo Reef Marine Park.
However, the absence of coastal assets has been a perennial issue as the police have no riverine unit in Tobago, while the Coast Guard has not had a functioning vessel for some time.
Neither Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge nor Augustine responded to questions from Guardian Media on when assets will be procured for Tobago. However, one stakeholder said the acquisition of vessels is the least of his concerns.
Alvin Douglas, owner of Tobago Marine Safety and Security Services, believes poor maintenance of assets has plagued the country.
He said, “The problem is not acquiring the assets; the problem is maintaining it. They will get the boats, but in a year, two years’ time, administration change, administrator change, policy change, there is no consistency.”
Douglas, whose vessels have been utilised by the State to assist in emergencies and expeditions, said a marine rescue service requires efficiency and consistency.
His company was previously contracted by the Tobago House of Assembly to ensure reef tour operators and jet ski users adhere to regulations in the marine park.
“There is a whole ecosystem involved in that. Securing the boats, maintenance schedule, fuel, training for the men, response schedules and all of that has to be put in place in order for it to be effective.
“Yuh go put the police post there, but the police go run from there to the end of the jetty and then what? What go happen?”
Douglas said the authorities must ensure the new post is well equipped to respond promptly and not be hampered by the red tape when securing replacement parts and maintenance services.
He said the problem is not unique to the THA, but Central Government as well.
“A lot of police vehicles parked up, it’s because they need basic parts. The system doesn’t allow them to be efficient enough.”
