Corporate entities must set example in fight against noise nuisance bullying

Dear Editor,
The existing noise abatement laws which are supposed to protect Guyanese citizens from that particular form of environmental pollution are flagrantly being transgressed with impunity across residential communities, while the competent authorities condone and even actively encourage such disrespect to ordinary citizens.  Most recent case in point is the Clash of the Titans show at the Providence Stadium where loud music and raucous dialogue continued until 3.15 hrs much to the disgust and discomfort of residents of Greenfield Park, Providence, Republic Park and perhaps even further afield (Eccles Herstelling).

Providence Stadium which was anticipated to be our premier sporting facility has evolved from a dream to a nightmare for some of us because of the emphasis increasingly being placed on the wrong type of nocturnal sporting activity, hardly imparting any health and wellness benefits to participants, and decidedly impairing the health of residents in those captive communities, through noise trauma, lack of sleep and stress.

Activities on the Providence Stadium Tarmac are approved and endorsed by the Guyana administration through the functional agency which administers the Stadium.  As I am aware, party events should conclude at 1.00 hr by law.  Complaints to the Providence Police Station (on numerous occasions now and in the past) are met with polite acknowledgement of the ongoing transgression and an apologetic statement that “senior ranks at the location are in charge and nothing decisive could be done from that precinct to reduce the noise”   In this particular instance (Clash of the Titans) I am aware through the public announcements that top administration officials were in the partying melee, so we can draw logical conclusions.

I want however to engage the attention of the Corporate Sponsors (Digicel, AnsaMcAl and perhaps others) who put their reputation and responsibility behind such events, and to say to them that equal consideration must also be afforded the silent, non-participating majority outside the Stadium Tarmac.  Such sponsors must insist on adherence by the promoters to the rules and regulations and laws governing the conduct of the event, and must ensure that monitoring mechanisms are implanted in the operational plan of the event, to avoid hijacking of the process and unilateral extension of partying time by the promoter, the DJ /MC or even influential participants.

Further partying events are carded for the coming weekend, and I hope this letter will generate some positive action among the competent authorities to stop the incipient noise -nuisance bullying and badgering of the affected communities.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided