The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has defended the actions of the joint patrol team, following public criticism over the use of armed Coast Guard officers to treat with non-compliance of reef operators at the Buccoo Marine Park.
In a release today, the THA apologized for any inconvenience caused but emphasized that the team’s actions were necessary to enforce park regulations and ensure passenger safety.
The THA also is advising all tour operators to have the required documents to avoid penalties.
Over the weekend, a short video went viral in social media which video showed a Coast Guard official comforting a child onboard the vessel who had become frightened and inconsolable after the child saw the armed officer.
At the time, the joint patrol team were confronting a reef operator at Buccoo Reef Marine Park. The team itself comprised a crew from the THA’s Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries, along with officials from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard.
Guardian Media understands officials discovered that the tour operator’s boat did not have proper registration, insurance, and licensing documents, and was carrying too many passengers.
In addition, the captain of the vessel had been warned multiple times in the past for being in breach of the Park’s regulations, thereby putting passengers’ safety at risk.
Reports are the Coast Guard officers boarded the boat and escorted it back to the jetty.
Prior to the Easter long-weekend, the THA had issued public advisories reminding the public that Buccoo Reef Marine Park is a restricted Marine Protected Area (MPA).
The public also was alerted that the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries, together with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and other law enforcement partners, would be conducting joint patrols of the MPA during Easter.