Statement by Tourism Minister Stephen Cadiz on the turtle nest incident on Grande Riviere Beach

"We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate statements circulating in the media on the “assumed” destruction of the turtle nesting ground at the Grande Riviere Beach in Trinidad.

"The Grande Riviere River periodically overflows its banks and once every twenty years has been known to change its course. Re-routing of the river has been done in the past and was done this time in order to safeguard the community and the turtle nesting activity on the beach itself. As a result, re-routing of the river was necessary to prevent severe damage to the coastal community and future turtle conservation efforts.

"The Ministry of Tourism recognises and supports the dedication and passion of the Grande Riviere Tourism Organisation, Nature Seekers, Turtle Village Trust and all other community groups involved in leatherback turtle conservation efforts. Indeed, we have joined with the Turtle Village Trust in working towards making Trinidad and Tobago the premier turtle tourism destination globally."