Parlatuvier fisherfolk and THA collaborate on jetty solution

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment has met with the Parlatuvier fisherfolk and “had fruitful dialogue on the way forward,” given the failing jetty infrastructure there.

On February 22, fishermen said part of the jetty had sunk ten feet and had separated from the landing by approximately five feet. They believe the damage was caused by rough seas. Last Thursday, they saw more of the unstable jetty had fallen into the sea, and they could not access it at all. The day before, the THA Division of Food Production, Forestry and Fisheries, in a press release, said the jetty had been damaged, was unsafe, and use of it was prohibited.

The division said the meeting, which was attended by members of the All-Tobago Fisherfolk Association, the Parlatuvier Fisherfolk Association, Infrastructure Secretary Kwesi Des Vignes and technical officers and consultants of the assembly, was cordial.

It said a number of short-term solutions were placed on the table for discussion which will allow for fisherfolk to continue to ply their trade.

“Two options gained interest by representatives and are to be further evaluated and presented to wider fisherfolk body for general consensus.”

It added that in the coming week, the parties have committed to closer collaboration, noting that while the fisherfolk associations consult with their membership, the division will continue preparing an application for a certificate of environmental clearance for consideration of the Environmental Management Authority.

It said as consultations continue on a weekly basis between the parties, the division will focus simultaneously on the preparatory work for the construction of the new jetty facility.