The father of the child who was killed in a jet ski collision in Tobago in April says the instruction to lay a manslaughter charge against a suspect has brought a measure of relief to his family, although it cannot ease the pain of losing his daughter.Speaking to the Express yesterday after learning that Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger Gaspard, SC, had instructed that a Tobago man be charged with manslaughter, Arnold Jogie, the grieving father of Angelica Saydee Jogie said the development marked an important step in the pursuit of justice.
Arnold Jogie
“Nothing will ever bring her back. We have lost and no matter what they do, it cannot bring her back,” said Jogie. “But there is a little sense of relief, but the heaviness of the loss of my daughter is much greater,” said Jogie.He said he intends to closely follow the court proceedings as the matter progresses through the judicial system.“We are looking out for justice. I will be following the case. For a lesson to be learned, a penalty must be paid, and a lesson must be learned,” he said.Jogie said the family first learned of the development through social media after someone contacted his wife.“My wife got the news first. Someone saw it on social media and called to let her know. Then she called me and I saw the news,” said Jogie.Little Angelica and her family, all from Barrackpore, were spending the day at Pigeon Point beach in Tobago, when she, her father and uncle were struck by a jet ski on April 8.Angelica died shortly after she was struck, her father was hospitalised for several days, and her uncle was treated at hospital and discharged.The death of primary school child, who died as a result of multiple traumatic injuries, sparked widespread public concern and renewed calls for stricter regulation and monitoring of jet ski operations at beaches.Earlier this month, the family of the child issued a pre-action protocol letter signalling their intention to pursue legal action against the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Pigeon Point Heritage Park Ltd, and the jet ski operator.In a statement yesterday, the Police Service confirmed that a 33-year-old Tobago man was expected to be charged with manslaughter of Angelica.“The charge arises from an incident at Pigeon Point Marine Park, Tobago, where seven-year-old Angelica died after a jet ski collided with her within an area designated for bathing.“Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger Gaspard SC, (yesterday) gave advice to investigators, to charge the suspect, a jet ski operator of Canaan, with manslaughter,” police stated.The suspect was re-arrested in connection with the matter on July 27, 2026, and is expected to appear before the High Court today.Investigations were conducted under the leadership of Snr Supt Kirk, Supt Joseph, ASP Baccus, Insp Alleyne and supported by Sgt Jonas, all of the Tobago Division.
