Noise pollution is affecting all of us not only those in the St. Paul’s constituency.

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Dear Minister Greene,

Last weekend, I had the privilege to listen to you quite tentatively on the most popular & interesting radio program, the Browne & Browne show.

I will admit, that I was certainly taken back when I think I heard you alluding to, you not being in agreement with the actions taken by the Dock Yard police, of granting permission to the restaurants owners within the nearby vicinity to have their DJ’s playing music at such high decibels until the wee hours of the morning, throughout the week and on the weekends.

Infact,  if not mistaken, you also went on to say, that the matter has been so troubling & disgusting that you were forced to send a message to the PM, who is presently overseas on govt business, to have him intervene in the troubling matter when he returns.

Of course, I am sure you are aware that the playing of loud music within the neighborhood is not only taking place in your constituency but it is also happening throughout the island especially in St. John’s where bars, house parties, fetes & night clubs are very popular.

The entertainers / promotors of these functions seems not to have any respect for those persons who live within the neighborhood. In addition, the patrons have a tendency to leave behind their empty bottles, marijuana stumps etc etc, thus littering the properties of the surrounding residents.

Interestingly, I can recall using this same medium,  requesting for the authorities to get involved in a similar matter concerning some elderly persons within the Ottos neighborhood who were facing challenges to sleep because of the profane language, the scent from the marijuana smoking and the loud decibels of the music. Surprisingly, not a drum was heard or any action taken by anyone in authority, including you.

Ironically, the shoe is now on your foot squeezing you and your constituents, hence your voice is now heard.  Sadly, I did not hear you make reference to the other constituencies or neibourhoods. Bob Marley once said in one of  his songs ”  when the rain falls it does not fall on one man’s house top”.

Of course, I will join with you, that matters like these concerning noise pollution is really a vexing issue and needs to be dealt sooner than later. However, it is my view, that the culture that many of us have adopted of acting or saying something only when it affects me, needs to change.

The government needs to implement a policy to control these musicians especially when they are engaged in the residential areas. The police tend to be very complacent in relation to such matters.

With your voice now been heard & hopefully the intervention of the PM, I do hope that residents throughout will get the respect they truly deserve within their place of residence…

Alex.

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24 COMMENTS

  2. Again this points to a total lack of planning by all the different governments we have had. Areas must be designated as residential etc. How the hell does DCA allow bars/restaurants to be sited on the bends/junctions of major roads? Look at the situation on the Pigotts Main road where a bar with loud music and parking all over etc has been allowed to operate on a junction of an extremely busy main road.
    And on the topic of noise pollution, it is not only bars but also clap hand churches, which are located in the middle of communities and unlike the traditional churches have loud, amplified music 7 night a week and all day Sunday. Noise is noise.

  3. It’s not only a disturbance, it is a harzados to one’s health. If we cannot be reasonable then Parliament will have to introduce the necessary laws to protect us. If we cannot be considerate of each other and understand what the health hazards, then necessary laws will have to be introduced.

  4. I am not alone then! Because the biggest nuisance is that bar on Friars Hill road next to Digicel that on Tuesdays and Weekends (from Sunday afternoons Right down until 3:00AM, nonstop blaring music. Clearly the owners do not live anywhere near so they do not care. Forget getting sleep on Sunday night. You going to work looking haggard! No care for the residents whose homes are in the vicinity. I understand that it’s a business but when there are homes directly around (for those who are not aware) some are literally 10 feet away from that bar, there is no conscience. None. No issues with a business, but when one cannot hear themselves or have a conversation in their own homes for HOURS until the following morning, almost time to go to work, HOW is that fair?

  5. There is a Noise Pollution Act, so the need to bring it to the attention of the PM is curious. Seems it is Police matter.
    And yes DCA has some responsibility to ensure the buildings the approve as completed are indeed designed and built for the purpose stated in the planning application!
    Really quite simple

  6. The lack of respect and no discretion for the residents is definitely outrageous by these bar & restaurant owners. It’s all of self.
    It is full time for the govt do something about the noise pollution and give the neighborhood more respect

  7. Could ANR consider posting the contents of this “Noise Pollution Act”?, or maybe one of the regular contributors could post it in the comments or (if it’s too long) an article. Inquiring minds would like to read it.

  9. It is also happening in vehicles too, one pass my house nightly in Bolans and I often check to see if my windows are shattered, you have young children even babies are frightened out of their sleep. The government must get real serious about this. Most times the songs are so filthy they make you cringe

  12. This Act needs to be amended. A religious service or meeting is exempt under this outdated act. In 1997 we had primarily established churches which operated on regular daytime hours on Saturday and Sunday and did not have electronic instruments, amplifiers and speakers. I have a friend who lives in Golden Grove Extension and a Clap Hand Church with loud, amplified music has set up next door. It has service every night and all day Sunday. He works shift at a hotel so sometimes he works night and tries to sleep in the day. But day or night he cannot sleep due to the noise. And these are apparently supposed to be Christians.

  13. I beg you one dollar,
    That is emigrants making all that noise with they cars etc..
    People bring their culture wherever they settle!🤔
    Police need to enforce the rules!
    Antigua was never this noisey
    My nice quiet Antigua is gone.

  14. There’s one in Ottos, across the street by the old LICS Ltd (They sold cooking gas there at one point)…. That place is a brothel, in the middle of a residential neighborhood… Loud music ALL NIGHT LONG!! Go figure!! SMH.

  15. If, and when the “noise pollution act,” is amended and properly enforced, it will definitely affect the local economy, as it operates [today].
    Please don’t get me wrong, I agree, that “noise pollution” just like crime has become a #menace_2_Society, and must be addressed sooner, rather than later.

    1…all outdoor fetes, revival, yard party, backyard jam ends at 10:00pm. After 10pm to 3:00am all fetes, parties, revivals MUST be in a a building which complys to fire codes, noise levels etc….carnival week is an exception!

    2…driving around neighborhoods with speakers banging and thumping in vehicles above a certain decibel, you get ticketed and fine with points added to the drivers DL.

    3…setting up on street corners – Special Permit.

    (i)…business(es) to whom the permit(s) are issued MUST pay a fee to clean the immediate area.

    4…Alex – #the_smoking and its smells. If, you’re concerned about the spliff butts and the aroma from marijuana; then, the policy changes to outdoor smoking in public spaces have to include ALL SMOKABLE PRODUCTS, not just #Z_weed! Zeen! This will greatly affect the tourism industry. Again, pick your poison.

    By the way, marijuana or weed smokers can get their #VIBZ_on in a variety of ways; such as, infused drinks, edibles, smoothies, deserts etc. Something smokers of other products don’t have the luxury, of doing.

    However, yes a resounding yes! Address the “Noise_Pollution” which is causing problems like crime and trash just to name a few.

    Now, why the hell would Chet have to wait on Gaston, to have the issue addressed, by the Parliament and then the Cabinet, to make the required changes to assist law enforcement and put some funds in the treasury? This just goes to show…

    #CHET_U_NAH READY YET!
    #AH_WAH_U_BE?
    #GASTON_PUPPET?

    Another thing, where’s the #UNRULY_UPP, our loyal opposition?
    Instead, of shaking up things, you’re being shaken up yourself. Are you done with the #RESIGNATION_BUG?

    Ras Smood aka Jumbee_Picknee
    De’ole Dutty Peg🦉Garrat_Bastard

    Vere C. Edwards

  16. It is not just bars and restaurants though i guess those are the ones most people complain about. I live in a RESIDENTIAL area where there is a car wash/bar/truck repairs (?) And the constant noise is maddening! The pressure washer is constantly on about 40 feet from my window and the trucks reving their engines is non-stop!! Why are businesses like this allowed to operate in a residential area?? Funny enough, there is another bar right in front of the car wash and you barely ever hear anything from there!, not even patrons coming and going. With regards to music with extremelly foul lamguage, couple of weeks ago i ended up calling police because after 3am you could CLEARLY hear “music” from Recreation grounds that would make many cringe! Police response: “They have permission”. And that was it. In a country where we live off tourism, a large number of us dont work mon to fri 8-4 jobs!!!, and let me not get started about our children hearing those lyrics i was referring to…..then we will wonder why they talk and behave the way they do.

  17. First of all, let me begin by saying that “Alex” is not being truthful. That issue of noise pollution which was reported by Stacy Samuel, formerly of Observer was dealt with, almost immediately. She even return to the radio to report a few days later that after the intervention by the authorities, it was the first time she had had a sound sleep in a long time. So check your facts.

    Secondly, the MP for Sy. Paul’s has a right to voice his opinion as it relates to comfort or the lack there of, regarding his constituents’s complaint.

    You are selfishly complaining about noise pollution in Ottos at the time because you were personally affected. What’s the difference?

    You guys make everything about politics. Go speak to the relevant authorities, not just post on these platforms. You guys don’t seem to know the appropriate channels where you should direct your concerns.
    It’s tiring…
    Hey Vaughn Connor – Kuntry Bwoy.

  19. I really started to think i was one of the few tired of the noise! While most people will complain of the music from bars and restaurants, I still dont understand why some bussiness are allowed to operate in residential areas. There is a car wash/bar/truck repair shop 40 feet from my bedroom window. The constant noise from the power washer and the trucks reving their engines ALL DAY LONG is maddening! Funny enough, there is another bar right in front of the car wash and you barely ever notice is even there! In a country where a large number of citizens work in the tourism industry, our working hours are not mon-fri 8am-4pm. How can we give our best at work when trying to rest at home for your next shift is practically impossible due to excesive noise??
    When it comes to the loud “music”, couple of weeks ago i ended up calling police at 3am because it wasnt even music any longer, it was literally 2 idiots in what appeared to be a competition for the most foul language used in the shortest period of time. The police response: “They have a permit”. And that was it. This was taking place at recreations ground and i could clearly hear everything from lower gambles. Then we will wonder why our kids speak and behave the way they do…..

  20. @ Dave Ray : I have read several of your comments in the past and along with this one, it seems to me that you have a comprehension problem. In addition, your defence of the politicians appears that you are licking their asses to get self recognition & perhaps material rewards.

    It is very sad when a person like you see wrong, know of the wrong but choose not to speak of the wrong all because of selfish behaviors.

    Also, people like you seem to be suffering with the Troyie X Hallen syndrome which had concerned his mother’s experience at SLBMC.

    I assume It is only when the matter reaches at your front door, the world will then hear your voice… Hypocrisy to the highest degree!

  21. what is it with people playing videos on their phones with the volume up in public spaces? Used to be you couldn’t have your radio blaring in a public space but now I go to a cafe I have 20 people all with their phones blaring as they watch videos

  22. @Hypocrites & Parasites:
    You’re obviously another fool, fearful of using your own name. All you guys stick my stomach by only barking when a bone is thrown your way. What did you have to add to the conversation? I’m an independent self sustained entrepreneur for approximately 35 years. I have never received any favors of any kind from any politician. As soon as people disagree with your foolish rants, you resort to calling them “gift seekers”.
    Noise pollution is affecting our tourism product in English Harbour. The residents who add to our GDP are complaining to their representative. What do you expect him to do?
    They didn’t come to ANR, like these fools do. I will continue to respond as I see fit. You don’t determine what I respond to, when you can’t even post your true name.
    I stand by what I pen. Can you say the same?
    What you have done to move our country forward?
    Useless citizens.

  23. I share the same concerns about the disrespect and lack of discretion. Buckleys is added to the list, recently. A new house close to Island Academy, they do not even consider people in the neighbourhood who lived there for decades and enjoyed peace and quite. Instead of the law makers travelling to talk about climate change take action against noise pollution will may affect communities before climate change.

  24. Some residential neighborhoods are undermined for their mere existence. Close to neighboring beaches. BUT the inconsideration of many and few when MUSIC BLARES OUT OF CONTROL. Shaking literally, the residence building . Suggestions to situating the 10 feet SPEAKERS in the direction of the sea was recommended to promoters and traffic/ police. (Some years prior) The unfortunate demise of the young girl at runaway beach past August was in a breach the music was at a BLARING LEVEL early morning testing??? AND NIGHT. it unsafe to be in an OAISIS of LOUD, LOUDER, LOUDEST, music LEVELS???? present existing, DJs you suck your parasite existence sucks you are insensitive to GRACIOUS life and awesome simplicity. people LEARN to PLAY music on instruments /VOCALS and learn music VALUES including ranges(sound) THRU appreciation of Morales and RIGHT living not” follow fashion “exploiting the original artists and THEIR music most vulgar(exclusively infringed copyrights). creating an illusion like YOU RUN THINGS?? Stop noise pollution. Infused with LOUSY music choices
    have musical performances. Talents encouraged and molded. ACOUSTIC melodies. Positive
    no hearing problems , no vulgar lyrics .

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