By FRANCIS JOSEPH
Another child has died! This time from a jet ski accident at Pigeon Point Heritage Park, Tobago.
The dead child has been identified as Angelica Jogie.
According to reports, Angelica, aged seven, was enjoying the water with her family on Wednesday when the incident occurred in a designated safe bathing zone intended to protect swimmers.
According to Farley Augustine, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, the jet ski operator breached this restricted area and fled the scene immediately after the collision.
Angelica was rushed to the Scarborough General Hospital but succumbed to her injuries. The jet ski involved in the incident was seized by police as part of the investigation.
In a media briefing after the incident, Augustine urged the operator to come forward to assist law enforcement in understanding the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The Chief Secretary expressed deep condolences to the family and emphasized that the legal process would take its course. He also announced that Buccoo Reef Park, including Pigeon Point Heritage Park, will remain close on Thursday to allow for a thorough investigation.
Police have appealed to the public for any information that could help locate the operator and bring closure to the family.
Augustine said, “The police have confiscated the jet ski, and the police are looking for the operator of the jet ski who fled the scene at the time of the incident. We really wish that this was not the conversation we are having this evening.”
Augustine said he was informed that the jet ski collided with a family that was bathing within the area designated for bathers. He said that area was cordoned off to prevent watercraft from entering.
He added, “The jet ski collided with a family that included mother, father, daughter, and uncle. As a result of the incident, we have the death of a young girl, seven years old. We want to express condolences to the Jogie family — Arnold and Salisha Jogie are the parents. The young daughter, Angelica, was left unconscious and later died at the Scarborough General Hospital.”
Augustine continued, “We are investigating to see if workers and operators did not operate in accordance with the systems they ought to follow and whether all post-trauma care and operations matched the protocols established for them.”
“The perpetrator is still at large. I want to appeal to the family members and friends of the jet ski operator. You should not be hiding from TTPS. You need to say exactly what transpired and how the jet ski ended up in the zone designated for bathers.”
