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THE Environmental Management Authority (EMA) says that following a thorough investigation, it determined an advertised boat race on the Caroni River posed “significant environmental risks.” As a result, the event’s coordinators have cancelled the race, the EMA said in a release issued yesterday. D Krab House Barge had promoted what was billed as the country’s first-ever flat-bottom and small boat race, along with jet-ski competitions, under the title “Caroni Krab Dash.” The event was originally scheduled for October 25. However, on October 24, D Krab House Barge announced that the event had been postponed due to circumstances beyond its control. The EMA said it recently completed an investigation into the Caroni Krab Dash after receiving “numerous concerns raised by members of the public regarding the potential environmental impact of the event on the biodiversity within the Caroni Swamp.” In response, the EMA said it engaged with D Krab House Barge to review the potential risks associated with the race. “Officers from the EMA’s Environmental Police Unit, in coordination with game wardens and Praedial Larceny officers from the Forestry Division, conducted a detailed assessment of the proposed racecourse, which stretched from the Maritime Drain to the El Socorro Ext Rd #1 Drain,” it stated. The investigation examined the potential effects on the surrounding ecosystem, particularly the Caroni River and its drainage system, which form an integral part of the Caroni Swamp. The EMA noted that the Caroni Swamp has been designated a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) for its ecological value and its role in conserving biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago. “The Caroni Swamp also serves as one of the only known breeding habitats for the Scarlet Ibis, an Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS). The primary concern raised during the review was the risk of noise levels that would be generated by the race and the effect it would have on the Scarlet Ibis,” it stated. “After a thorough evaluation, it was determined that the event posed significant environmental risks, and the EMA communicated these concerns to the coordinators of the event. As a result, the decision was made by the coordinators of the event to cancel it to safeguard the integrity of the ecosystem,” the EMA stated. The EMA reminded the public that the Scarlet Ibis is a protected species under the Environmental Management Act. “Habitat preservation is crucial for the species, and appropriate enforcement action will be taken against those conducting any unauthorised activities impacting the environment with respect to an ESS pursuant to Section 62(d) Environmental Management Act, Chap 35:05,” it stated. According to the Act, “Any person who knowingly or recklessly undertakes or conspires to allow any activity in an environmentally sensitive area or with respect to an environmentally sensitive species designated under Section 41, which may have an adverse impact on the environment within such area or on such species, commits and offence.” Individuals found guilty of offences involving an ESS may face up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of $100,000. “The EMA remains committed to ensuring that all events are held in adherence to the Environmental management Act to protect and preserve Trinidad and Tobago’s biodiversity,” it stated. D Krab House Barge said it would return with a different event soon. “We know many of you would have made preparations and taken time from your obligations to attend and we apologise for the inconvenience. We will regroup and be back with another event to make up for this very soon,” it stated.
