PM Orders Talks After Public Outcry Over National Parks Authority’s 1 a.m. Party Cut-Off
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has weighed in on mounting public criticism of the National Parks Authority’s early shut-off times for entertainment events, telling concerned citizens that their frustrations “are noted” and promising swift engagement to resolve the issue.
In a public response on social media, Browne said, “Your concerns are noted. I believe we have to find a happy medium here for everyone.” He added that he has instructed the Minister of Tourism to coordinate a stakeholder meeting “soonest to resolve the issue.”
The Prime Minister’s intervention follows a viral video showing a DJ at Abracadabra rallying partygoers after being ordered to end music at 1 a.m. The individual unleashed obscenities at the National Parks Authority, prompting fears among some viewers that the crowd could have escalated into unrest.
A letter from a concerned citizen described the incident as “very disappointing and angry,” accusing the DJ of behaviour that “could have been a riot” and comparing the incitement to the rhetoric that led to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s impeachment over the January 6 insurrection.
Despite the public outcry, no arrest has been made. The writer argued that the video “is still out there and he should be charged.”
The controversy has also reignited debate over how noise regulations are enforced. The Noise Abatement Act (1997) applies across Antigua and Barbuda, and, as the letter writer highlighted, “no entity except the Police can enforce this law.” Former Assistant Police Commissioner Albert Wade had recommended enforcing the law more consistently due to longstanding complaints from hotels and residents affected by late-night noise.
The writer expressed concern over reports that authorities were told to ease enforcement: “I now understand that the Prime Minister has given instructions that the Police and National Parks should back off and not enforce the Law of the Land. How is this possible?”
As event operators, residents, hoteliers and park authorities brace for the busy holiday season, Browne’s call for a stakeholder meeting signals that new guidelines – or clearer enforcement protocols – may soon emerge.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Charge the DJ for what? There was no where in the said video that any type of violence was incited. He stated the law and gave his opinion on what he though of the situation, which as far i understand according to our law, people are entitled to have opinions. The PM also, on record as screen capped here said “find a happy medium here for everyone.” but you have taken it upon yourself to write hear say that no one has any proof of, to incite further unease amongst your community. Without overlooking the point that you are making about the noise pollution and the law, which is actually a valid one, you could have effectively done so without a false narrative.
How about you hush, charge for what exactly?! thats how he makes his money…… it’s nonsense, over there has FOREVER been a night life zone and now they want to talk about law now!! Chupz…. do yall ask for the brothels to be closed at 1am most of them have a bar infront,makes the same noise to. All our tourist’s complain about is this country not having a night life or enough of it. Chupz!!
Tourism is what drives Antigua remember that.
This is so nonsensical it’s hard to believe we can be so backward thinking in this day and age. The parties at Abras are seasonal and are apart of the make up of the reason millions visit or tiny twin island state. When the fire happened a few years ago the number of boats and tourists that left here and decided St. Maarten was where they would go instead, many still go to St. Maarten cuz let’s face it we cannot compare our night life to theirs. This thing is bigger than noise it is a release for our tourists and the only place for them to party while here during the yachting’s season. And to have someone sit there and write this bs just shows how little this individual knows about our tourism product.
I thought Tourism was everybody’s business
That’s definitely incitement and that jackass DJ should have been arrested. I hate nonsense
So PM goin and change the legislation to accomodate noise. Talk to me
Simple as that: noise is noise, law is law. End of discussion
The Noise Abatement Act is legislation passed by Parliament. No DJ, no promoter, no politician has the right to override it.
National Parks cannot be blamed for doing their job. They are trying to maintain order and protect residents, visitors, and businesses.
Comparing it to the type of incitement that led to the January 6th riot may seem extreme, but the principle is the same: using influence to provoke disorder.
This sounds staged. I have been entertaining in Nelsons Dockyard since i was 15. I was also at the event that night and it was very disheartnening to know that half an hour of me arriving into the event the show was shut down based on the time i came. Sailing week is dead because everything that made it come a live was taken away. People wanna have fun it only happens 5 months in a whole year. The truth is it comes across as if they dont want businesses to make money. Businesses are already struggling as is and the little life left yall still wanna take away. Let people live geesh. The park is quiet all day so if a few hours people wanna have a little time let them.
Well when it comes to noise no fetes, concerts or events should be happening..not even Carnival since they want peace and quiet. Some of them just talk because they’re didn’t go to that event but if it’s one that they go it should continue… Give me a break. As soon as music shuts down no tourist gonna come..just like sailing week…dead…
Comments are closed.