Dear Editor,
Noise nuisance continues to plague the very core of human rights in Guyana and remains one of the haunting nightmares which the helpless, the innocent bystanders, the sick, the students, the passengers, the public, the seniors, juniors and babies experience, while remaining a menace for all the government agencies and other stakeholders to dealt with condignly.
Animals and birds are no exception to any form of loudness as they vocalize their protest through silence.
It eats away at the conscience of man, mind and matter and at the said time, disintegrates the foundation of morality, integrity and dignity. It is an affront to the purity of culture and hides behind the excuse of “fashionable trend” and the “custom of modern adaptation.”
This reckless attitude and irresponsible behaviour must come to an immediate halt and law enforcement must wake up to the smell of disgust shared by decent, law-abiding citizens.
His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, The Honorable Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Mr. Anil Nandlall, the Honorable Minister of Home Affairs, Ms. Oneidge Waldron and the Commissioner of Police, Dr. Clifton Hickens, have all condemned this atrocious act in their respectful and official portfolio and summoned proactive and not reactive actions to be implemented and taken.
So many editors, reporters and writers have expressed sadness over this monstrosity, articulated their endorsements for prompt and legal responses and have been vociferous in the call to stamp out this threatening stampede in society.
Guyanese have been physically, mentally, psychologically and financially hurt, tormented and embarrassed over this noise provocation. This Guyanese society is at its wits end with their backs against the wall while remaining vulnerable to this continuum of loud and voluminous sounds, lewd and lurid lyrics in songs in the public and the failure of all the appropriate agencies to grab the horn of this terrible attack on humanity.
In August 2021, on a Saturday night around 22:15, a Berbice Pandit, Rishi Bharrat lost his life and was murdered when he attempted to talk to drunks who were loitering in front of his house, speaking loudly and using foul language, to keep the peace . He tried to protect his wife and children from such profanity himself because of the failure of the police to respond to his request to deal with the matter.
As at 4:30 AM on this Sunday morning, the night clubs and bars continue to be open in Leonora and disturb the peace and tranquility of the neighbourhood with their pernicious activities. When is it expected for this residential area to get some sleep? Are they not entitled to this right, or, are the business proprietors licensed to disturb the peace?
On the international program, “The Guyana Dialogue,” a Minister announced on more than one occasion that, “bars and nightclubs are not allowed to hold licenses to operate in residential areas.” It is also the law not to play your music in such a manner as to disturb your neighbour, especially after midnight.
The naked truth remains a burning pain in society and a deliberate confrontation is overwhelmingly warranted. A Task Force was set up to deal with noise pollution. Would someone care to react, respond and reply?
Yours respectfully,
Jai Lall.