Dear Editor,
As a means of boosting our national revenue, I believe Section 174A of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Amendment Act, if not other legislation as well, should be stringently enforced. I agree this is a bizarre proposition, but judicial costs aside, I still believe our country can earn some revenue from transgressors of the noise nuisance law.
Maybe there is small scope for such revenue collection in Georgetown and Berbice, but I guarantee, yes I guarantee, handsome returns can be had on the Essequibo Coast.
It doesn’t matter the day or the time, noise pollution emanates not only from vehicles here, but also businesses and religious ceremonies. Sounds from the cars usually oscillate between ear-splitting staccato bursts to haunting deep growls of amplified bass. Then there are businesses hammering away in their routine execution of affairs, slamming all variety of hardware on abrasive surfaces. One prays diligently for the rapid passage of these disturbances, but certain mobile units peddling goods also treat the communities to a salvo of Bollywood lyrics blaring from a megaphone. I guess it is all in a day’s work – that raucousness is what maximizes the earnings, or pleasures the soul of some.
The nights are no longer impervious to this lawlessness, as when it is not the odd car speeding along with its micro-dancehall or chutney show, the sermons of priests in specific areas ride the occasional stillness of the night to a crescendo. If blessings flow from loudness, then I support these priests in their ecclesiastical duties, but if solemn worship achieves the same end, then perhaps that can be considered. After all, who wants a religious edifice to reflect the same disarray of the minibuses, or cars or unprincipled businesses?
In Guyanese parlance, “a killing could be made” if we consistently and firmly enforced noise nuisance legislation. So far though, at least as regards the Essequibo Coast, the only killing is that which is inflicted on hapless citizens burdened with the inconsiderate thumpings of noise polluters.
I have spoken rather informally to many people, and if not indifferent to the problems of noise pollution, they are downright ignorant of legislation to prosecute defaulters. I once invoked this and was thoroughly impressed by the cogent response of the Commander at the Anna Regina Police Station. However, I suspect that many have become acculturated to this loudness and have simply accepted this insane subculture. I am appalled because in this region it seems as if few are aware that not only do people appreciate quiet for family bonding or sleeping, but that students require ample calm during their studies. So much seems relinquished here in face of constant noise pollution.
Section 174A has an unambiguous stipulation. It is a powerful piece of legislation that occasionally receives appropriate enforcement. Let this be done more frequently and not only will the government coffers bloat, but Guyana would reclaim one aspect of its progressively lacerated social structure.
Yours faithfully,
Romain Khan
