he tragic death of 41-year-old hiker Jessica Jordan over the weekend in the Madamas Gorges, Brasso Seco, has reignited calls for stricter oversight of Trinidad and Tobago’s tour industry.

Jordan, of Ste Madeleine, went missing during a hiking expedition on Saturday, January 10, 2026, after heavy rainfall caused water levels to rise rapidly in the gorge. An extensive search and rescue operation was launched, involving the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS), police officers from the Blanchisseuse Police Station, hiking guides, family members, and the Hunters Search and Rescue Team.

According to the TTFS, personnel hiked for approximately 2½ hours to reach Jordan, who was trapped in a water-filled hole. Rescue officers constructed a mechanical system using fallen trees to extract her from the confined space. The operation took over an hour, after which her body was carried for an additional eight hours through rugged terrain to an area accessible by vehicle. Jordan was formally identified on scene by family members.