Stephon Nicholas
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has been given until September 9 to reach an amicable settlement over the death of seven-year-old Angelica Jogie, who died after a jet ski crashed into her and her parents at Pigeon Point beach on April 8.
Jogie, a former San Fernando TML student, was with relatives in the bathing-only zone at the popular beach when the jet ski struck the family. She was pronounced dead at Scarborough General Hospital.
On July 15, Freedom Law Chambers, representing the Jogie family, sent a pre-action protocol letter to the THA alleging that Angelica's death resulted from negligence and breach of duty.
Other defendants named in the claim are Pigeon Point Heritage Park and Ashworth Burnett, the 33-year-old jet ski operator who is charged with manslaughter over Angelica's death.
The parties were given 28 days to respond to the claim and indicate whether they accepted liability for Angelica's death.
However, on August 11, the THA asked the Jogies' attorneys for an extension.
In an August 14 response, the family's attorneys granted the request in the hope that the matter can be "amicably resolved".
The attorneys also praised Chief Secretary Farley Augustine's "no-nonsense approach" to the matter, saying it has "brought much hope and comfort to our clients" as they continue to grieve.
However, they warned that if the September 9 deadline passes without a resolution, legal proceedings will be filed without further notice.
