As government moves to strengthen measures to curb noise nuisance in the country, some residents are continuing to raise concerns about excessive noise from vehicles, business places, bars and nightspots specifically in Georgetown.
Residents interviewed by the Department of Public Information (DPI) are welcoming the move by government, with several calling for stronger enforcement and penalties for persons who repeatedly disturb communities.
Citizen Dexter Simpson explained that the excessive noise can have serious effects on people’s hearing.
He called for greater public awareness, particularly among drivers and operators of public transportation.
“I really think there should be a system put in place to curtail the level of noise nuisance within the community and at large,” he said.
Simpson also supported the proposed legislation, noting music played in public transportation should be kept at a reasonable level to avoid affecting passengers.
While other residents believed that the issue extends beyond loud music to the behaviour of patrons leaving bars and nightspots, particularly during the late hours.
Another citizen, Nathalie Easton, said while music from some establishments may not always be heard once doors are closed, disturbances often occur when patrons leave, including loud conversations, vehicles, motorcycles and other activity outside residential areas.
She welcomed the possibility of stronger measures, including restrictions on operating hours and more effective patrols in communities affected by late-night disturbances.
Another citizen, Spencer Phillip, said noise and activities associated with late-night gatherings have been affecting residents for years.
Phillip called for increased night patrols and stronger penalties for persons who repeatedly violate noise regulations.
He also welcomed the government’s planned legislation, urging that it be implemented as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the planned legislation is expected to provide a stronger framework for addressing noise-related complaints, while ongoing collaboration between the Guyana Police Force and Environmental Protection Agency continues.
Those efforts includes, police ranks from across all 12 policing divisions are expected to receive specialised training in noise monitoring and assessment, including the proper use of equipment to measure noise levels.
The concerns come as the GPF and EPA continue to strengthen their partnership under a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at improving the Police Force’s ability to respond to noise nuisance complaints.
Training is expected to begin with greater focus on the proper handling of complaints, the use of specialised noise-monitoring equipment and ensuring that the equipment is properly calibrated.
The initiative is expected to improve the consistency and effectiveness of enforcement across the country, while the proposed legislation will provide an additional framework for addressing persistent noise nuisance.
The government is also encouraging citizens to play their part by being mindful of how their activities affect others, particularly in residential communities.
DPI
