Tobago Cays Marine Park – The Ongoing Struggle

In January, I provided a brief update on an ongoing development for management of the Tobago Cays Marine Park.  I reported that a proposal from a private enterprise (Palm Island Resorts Ltd. – PIRL - headed by businessman Robert Barrett) to manage the park was accepted in principle by the Prime Minister.  This triggered a huge backlash from the local residents, and a second proposal from a local nonprofit organization, the Mayreau Environmental Development Organization (MEDO), we submitted.  Now the Grenadines are embroiled in controversy, as the two groups struggle for control.  A third group, Friends of The Tobago Cays (FOTC), consisting of local business interests and concerned citizens, have joined in, hoping to sway public opinion and leverage pressure on the Government.

[Click on photo for full size image]
Photo by Paul Gravel, SVG Air

After reviewing some of the details of the PIRL proposal, some very uncomfortable details have become apparent.  PIRL plans to build a dock, a Visitor’s Center, a windmill, and Ranger Station on one of the islands.  Anyone familiar with the Cays understands that a significant part of their attraction is the uninhabited Islands.  Build structures on them and you destroy the very thing that made them special in the first place.  Sit up on the deck on a starry night and you will see what I mean.  The close proximity of the Palm Island Resort also leads one to believe that the real intent is to use the Cays for the commercial benefit of that Resort. 

The ongoing saga has been extensively covered in a number of places on the Internet:

• Caribbean Compass October 2003 - Tobago Cays at the Crossroads

• Caribbean Compass January 2004 - The Tobago Cays in Crisis (by Chris Doyle)

• Caribbean Compass March 2004 – Tobago Cays: Experiment or Example (by Chris Doyle)

• noonsite.com - Sailors Join Tobago Cays Protest (posted by Jimmy)

• TravelTalkOnline - Future Management of the Tobago Cays? (various postings  - retained online for 3 months)

• I have also contributed a small article that appeared in the March issue of SAIL magazine.

At the time of writing, no final decision had been announced by the Government.  It was widely believed that the Prime Minister had already signed an agreement with PIRL, but was waiting for the most opportune time to announce it.  Meanwhile, FOTC continues to meet in an attempt to convince the Prime Minister to reconsider.  Like everything in the Caribbean, nothing ever happens quickly.

My view on this is simple.  Unless MEDO clearly demonstrates that they have the experience and expertise to manage a staff, a budget, and an infrastructure development project, the Prime Minister has no other alternative but to go with PIRL.  Governments like to partner with organizations that have a track record in these areas, and have deep pockets.  PIRL runs a successful hotel, and whether or not you like Barrett, you cannot deny that fact.

Having said that, I also have no doubt that PIRL has ulterior motives, and that they will seize control of the Cays from the people of St. Vincent and The Grenadines.  Wait a few years and YOU will not be allowed in unless you are a paying guest of one of Barrett’s expensive establishments.  Remove the Cays from a Grenadines cruising itinerary and you might as well stay home.

Concept sketches of some ideas PIRL has for the Cays
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I think that an acceptable solution lies somewhere in the middle.  Let PIRL operate the park, but under the strict GOVERNANCE of a committee accountable to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.   That way, the development and operational plan is one that is acceptable to the citizens, and the Prime Minister saves face.  While Robert Barrett might not get all he hoped for, there is no way he can realistically expect to “steal” the Cays from the Government.  Nice try.

Boat Vendor Update

The Supreme Suspect has advised me that the term “Boat Boy” is not politically correct.  So, from now on, I will refer to them as “Boat Vendors.”  Sheesh.

There is some great news from the Boat Vendors in the Tobago Cays.  They have come to the realization that they need to organize themselves and do a better job.  With the Tobago Cays Marine Park situation coming to a head, it is possible that they could be barred from conducting business there.

A new organization, the Southern Grenadines Water Taxi Association, was formed on February 29, 2004, with the following objective: “Bring all speedboat operators (i.e. Boat Vendors) under one organization, with rules and regulations, licensing, an educational program, to make them more professional.”

Headed by an executive committee consisting of Sydney Dallas (“Italian”), Walter Bob (“Engine”), Montgomery Labord, Jasper Smith, and Rondell Weeks (“Mr. Quality”), this group has finally decided to implement most of the things that are necessary to improve their image. 

I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Sydney Dallas to learn of their plans. Specifically:

• A licensing system enforced by the Coast Guard.  Each boat will have a license number that is clearly visible.  No license, no operation.

• A “two strikes you’re out” policy.  One complaint and the vendor receives a warning.  Two complaints and the license is revoked -  permanently.

• Uniform shirts – you know you are dealing with a member of the Association.

• A vendor education program.  These people have never taken the “Wal-Mart Customer Care” course.  Now they will be educated on how to conduct business properly.

• Standard price lists for products – you will know what you are getting and how much it should cost.

• Standard contracts for pulling a boat off a reef – run aground and there is no longer any question about how much the mistake will cost.

With the coming changes to the management of the Tobago Cays, the boat vendors realize they need a strong voice to ensure their ongoing survival.  While there are no immediate plans to ban them from the Cays, one can never be certain.  It is felt that a professional organization, working together, projecting a positive image, will ensure their ongoing operation.

These changes are long overdue in my opinion.  It is my hope that this will finally be the end of harassment and the resulting negative publicity.  Visitors will be able to enjoy the anchorages without concern, and hopefully get to know some of the guys – without question, resulting in a more enjoyable visit.  A more positive image should also result in a more profitable business for them.

Everybody wins.

The State of The Union

A trip on the boat at least once a year is the only real way I can tell if I am winning or losing with this boat ownership program.  This event allows me to evaluate the financial balance sheet for the boat, then perform a visual audit on its condition.  If the financial picture is OK, and the boat is in good condition (not requiring expensive repairs) then I am ahead.  If not, then I’m behind.  It is as simple as that.

I managed to use my boat at the tail end of a non-stop string of charters dating back to October.  Barefoot did a great job with these bookings, which were necessary to bring the account back in the black after a dismal year in 2002-2003.  So, after a heavy booking season and a much healthier account, I can report that the boat still looks fabulous!  The topsides and hull shines bright white.  The woodwork still shines down below.  The sails are still good.  There are no mechanical problems requiring expensive maintenance.  I am still a happy camper.