St. Paul MP Calls for Balanced Resolution to Noise Dispute in English Harbour
The MP for St. Paul on Friday urged a balanced, cooperative approach to the escalating noise-pollution dispute in English Harbour, calling the issue a “clear case of competing interests” between entertainment operators and nearby residents.
Speaking during the 2026 Budget Debate, the MP said the harbour’s mix of bars, clubs, marinas and homes evolved without modern zoning considerations, leaving both commercial and residential stakeholders to navigate a shared and increasingly contentious space. “If we had a clean sheet of paper today to design a marina, we would not design what we have today,” he said, noting that the community must “work with” the existing layout.
He added that while nightlife contributes significantly to the local economy, the rest and safety of residents “is also a factor that has to be given respect and consideration.” He urged both sides to “peacefully and respectfully come together” to find workable compromises.
The MP also sharply criticized non-compliant venue operators, singling out the owner of Abracadabra for what he described as a lack of respect for authority. “He has no respect for the authority,” the MP said, adding that enforcement agencies must “find a way to control” persistent breaches.
While he did not introduce a formal parliamentary motion, the MP outlined a proposed path forward: structured dialogue between residents and operators, strengthened enforcement by the National Parks Authority, and a balanced framework that preserves economic activity while ensuring residents’ right to quiet enjoyment of their homes.
“The interests must find a way to peacefully and respectfully come together,” he said, emphasizing that long-term stability in English Harbour depends on mutual respect and compliance.
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This community grew organically powered by the boating community which is a commercial activity.
The long term stability of the English Harbour area is dependent on strong leadership with skills and experience in community management and without political preferences.
Historically it is result of the fact that commercial interests have always had preferences over the local people.
To speak about the lack of zoning is to admit government failures in Town and Urban Planning.
This not a matter of competing interest.
To frame it as competing interest is an illustration of a politician who lacks the ability to articulate a framework for a coherent strategy to address the problem.
Residents are entitled to a good restful night. This is not a unique situation or problem.
The nightlife business industry world over has had to adhere to regulations about noice abatement and crowd control.
The commercial operators are not entitled to do what they want.
Unfortunately the political system can only address issues until they are a problem.
To see this as one of competition interests of a peaceful quiet night rest vs. party all night long.
In the absence of zoning; Compliance and or enforcement is the only solution.
To get up in Parliament with such a statement is indicative of the lack of accountability and leadership
Chet, where exactly is the proposed solution? Saying people should come together is NOT a solution; it’s a suggestion. Talk is cheap!
English Harbour parks commissioner seems to be operating as a government unto herself. Have more power in the national park, than the Barbuda MP and council have in Barbuda.
No one can drive a nail without her permission. Have people business on hold unilaterally. PM says time to move them around. The last time the government tried to move her she did not even budge an inch.
PM recently called her name in suggesting too much of people in these offices acts like they own them . That is time to change them around. She did not even respond.
Ah wha yah tall, Chet you sound more like #1 than the real #1 and to think he want to push his wife ahead of you. He would have cuss off Abracadabra and look how you do um cool and nice.
Some people are known across the nation now as traitors and treasonous to the local race of people.
If I move to the middle of an active yacht harbour it will be louder than in the retirement community. English Harbour is completely based on the Yachting Industry and thats the backbone of ALL the businesses there ….and now the elderly millionaires are complaining that they hear too much music at 1 am…then move to Jolly Harbour, there you will be amongst the other old people, what a circus, good night <3
Foreigner. What if the very local people you talk about have lived in the area well before it became popular. I myself have lived in the harbor Before the Mad Mongoose days.
Are you suggesting it’s ok for people want to run bars , ignore the noise laws,
and don’t stay open in the off season to support the village that they feed off free run of the town. What about the people who have to wake at 5am to support the very industry that the bars feed off. Im not saying no music. Im saying obey the laws. Make your business conform to noise pollution rules. Stay open to 5am if you like as long as it doesn’t bother the lady who has lived down the road for 30 years.
Are you really saying original locales should move ?
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