The family of seven-year-old Angelica Jogie has launched legal proceedings against the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and Pigeon Point Heritage Park following the jet ski tragedy that took her life on April 8. The young girl was struck and killed while swimming in a designated bathing area at Pigeon Point Beach, Tobago, when a jet ski ploughed past the rope demarcating the safe zone, slamming into her and three other relatives.
In a 202-page pre-action protocol letter, the Jogie family alleges negligence and breach of duty by the jet ski operator, the THA, and the park. The family’s attorneys argue that the incident, while avoidable, was the culmination of institutional failures that exposed the public to risk of injury and death. They contend that proper enforcement of safety measures could have prevented the tragedy.
The family has been plagued by haunting ‘memories of blood, horror and death’ since the incident, according to the legal documents. The case highlights concerns about beach safety and oversight at popular tourist destinations in Tobago, where jet skis and swimmers share the waters.
As the legal process unfolds, the Jogie family seeks accountability and systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies. The pre-action letter outlines specific failures in supervision, signage, and enforcement of safety protocols at the beach.
The incident has sparked public debate about the adequacy of safety measures at Tobago’s beaches, with calls for stricter regulations on watercraft operations near swimming areas. The legal action marks a significant step toward addressing these concerns.
