Dear Editor,

Why is it that we Guyanese always have to copycat everyone else’s vulgarity?  Trinidad is known for its almost naked carnivals, Guyana’s Mashramani has become similar sadly. Trinidad is falling due to its immoral behaviour, despite its prosperity with oil.

Mash was to be our educative experience with celebration of grace, beauty and picturesque scenes and lifestyles.

Sadly the Children’s Mash disappoints.  Do the children have to wine their waists so much as if to imitate sexual gyrations?  I believe in Mash but vulgarity needs to be tempered with morality, education and peace. Look at the children always pushing their waists forward and gyrating.  The Minister of Education and the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport have to be the guardians of decency.

Back to Trinidad-style Chutney shows in Guyana.  From the write up it sounds like the shows cater for those who also love the lewdness and vulgarity.  They must know this is Guyana, and Guyanese should not permit others to make them immoral and vulgar. 

The press releases read like loud disturbing music, which will harass the professionals, the sick, the studying and positive ones bent on development of self and country.  People should go to the educational Agri Fest instead.

Certain segments like such noise, like the sugar estate areas, Wales may be one. Port Mourant, Mon Repos (has an excellent Community Centre),  Diamond, etc.  These people may love noisy Chutney shows. But never play music to the detriment of people’s health.  The Government has to be the watcher as in time it foots the medical bills.

The last show at the Starlite Drive In caused charges to be finally brought by the police. In addition, due to the court order, a report from the Environmental Protection Agency and complaints from citizens, we will see Contempt of Court proceedings put in place over the Starlite noise.  It has to be noted that this is an injunction restraining noise from disturbing anyone between the hours of 10 pm to 2 am.  Further, people are prepared to call in to the police and report noise once it disturbs them. 

According to law, no noise is acceptable once it disturbs anyone, and Commanders of all police districts are directed by Hon. Home Affairs Minister to take action to stop noise once someone complains.  And anyone who is prepared to provide the police with a statement, the police will institute criminal proceedings.  I personally also intend to initiate civil proceedings for loss of sleep, by noise which scientifically and medically has been proven to cause heart attacks, stroke, depression, etc.  Such action will also be taken against the promoters.  I suffer hypertension because of the constant noise and shows at Starlite.

From my understanding, police will charge those culpable. Guyanese also have to stop complaining so much  about the economy as some seem excessively happy with all the noisy and vulgar shows, even Brazilian Winery Shows, Chutney Shows, Street  Limes, Country and Island Bacchanal called this  night or that night, Main Big Lime, N/A Lime, Lime, Lime, Lime your life out in Guyana.  Government has to encourage people to be productive and not Limers!!!!!

One thing I learnt as a young man from a great headmaster in Corriverton, Mr. Bolton Bhagroo.  He said: “Limers are Losers Rosh” I firmly believe in this philosophy.  One must recreate but without health hazards such as excessive smoking, excessive alcohol, excessive noise, consumption of meats with alcohol, etc. 

Yours faithfully,
Roshan Khan
Co-ordinator of Anti
Noise and Smoke
Nuisance Committee,
E.C.D