Charge them! It's the consequence the Trinidad and Tobago Incoming Tour Operators' Association believes negligent operators should face, following the latest fatal incident during a tour over the weekend. The group is also calling on the government to urgently regulate the sector. Rynessa Cutting has more.
00:00It was supposed to be a fun, active experience. Instead, a hike to Madamas on Saturday turned into a nightmare after one hiker became stuck between two lugs in the river.
00:12The fire service says the victim, Jessica Jordan, was found trapped in a hole containing water.
00:18Fire personnel constructed a mechanical advantage system using fallen trees to facilitate the extraction. And the rescue operation took over one hour due to the challenging terrain and conditions. The undersurgent rescue team also lent assistance.
00:35We did get some difficulty with the retrieval of the body. And of course, it takes time to bring out the body. So we, her uncle went in with us and he was able to identify her as Jessica Jordan, age 40, from St. Madeleine Village in San Fernando.
00:55Meantime, the Trinidad and Tobago incoming tour operators association notes, it's not the first time injuries and even fatalities have occurred during hikes with what the group says are unqualified tour operators.
01:10Vice President Stephen Broadbridge recalls the double fatalities at the Guanapo Gorges some years ago. He's calling on the police to take a hard stance on these matters.
01:21One guide with a hundred people with no flirtation devices in rainy season in a flash flood prone area is just madness. And somebody should have been charged for that.
01:32When a crisis occurs, there may be no laws broken. But if it's gross negligence on behalf of the guide where lives are lost, I strongly believe there should be a manslaughter to charge.
01:45You're taking people out. You put them in harm's way and it results in their death. Most definitely manslaughter. You need to have some sort of penalty for loss of life is a serious thing.
02:00But the tour operator points out at the crux of the matter is a lack of regulation. The association is calling on the government to implement strict guidelines.
02:10You can go down to the courts and get a tour guide license, which is nothing except a good character report from the police and a fee paid. The regulation is done mainly. Members of the Trinidad and Tobago incoming tour operators association, we regulate our members.
02:30There needs to be a national guideline, but they need to consult with the tour operators when they make these guidelines.
02:35Broadbridge says the association's members are certified, licensed and equipped.
02:41I am a trained lifeguard. I'm trained in water rescue. And I would expect whoever's assisting me to be trained in water rescue as well.
02:49So I've also done training through the tour operating association. Tour operating association offers many courses through other people.
02:57And one of the courses I did was jungle survival training with the military.
03:01Rope is an essential. A good first aid kit is essential.
03:04Knowledge on how to use that first aid kit is also essential. One should have a certification in first aid.
03:11The T&T incoming tour operators association is urging members of the public not to put their lives on the line to save a few dollars with, quote, fly-by-night tour guides.
03:22If you do take somebody to court over a matter where the guide has been irresponsible, you have nothing to get.
03:30You won't even get your medical expenses covered because they don't have public liability insurance.
03:35Tour operators, anybody in our group has to have public liability insurance.
03:39So if we screw up, there's something to be, at least you'll get compensated either for your medical expenses or whatever, you know.
03:48But as it goes right now, you're taking your life in your own hands.
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