Dear Editor,
On Thursday, May 14 the Guyana Chronicle published a letter from Mr Khemrak Sancharra, in which he wrote in support of noise at the Starlite.
This noise can be heard not just when a show is on but even before it starts, when the equipment is set up and tested from 2pm or 4pm. Can people with sense imagine what this does to the quality of life?
Do some people like chutney in Atlantic Gardens? Absolutely! I am also a music lover, but with respect for the rights of others. The dignitaries the writer refers to in his letter take action when music is played loudly on Sundays and holiday afternoons. I know a Minister who on one Sunday afternoon, went out into his hammock after a tiring week, and a neighbour a few houses away took out his big boxes and started to bombard the airwaves. The Minister took action and stopped it. He was right. But there are others who like to go out and have their fun, not realizing what it does to people like us. I wish the dignitaries would invite me to arrange to have a truckload of boom boxes placed near their homes so they can have chutney belting out for twelve hours, and see what they say.
What affects us the most is the fact that the sudden shows damage people’s private dinners, parties and religious functions. This is important for the dignitaries and Mr Sancharra to think about. People plan their holy services months in advance, at times a year ahead. As it is I am planning a large multi-faith function, and on another day a non-alcoholic social function for the weekend near April 1, 2010 for my 55th birthday, so I can invite my local and overseas friends and relatives. Now imagine the Starlite starts blasting unwanted sounds and spoils these functions.
The writer accuses Ms Vanessa Devonish of working in cahoots with the undersigned.
I have not seen this lady, but now I am trying to make contact.
Mr Sancharra should do a study and learn what noise does to people. It causes them to become disoriented. Excessive noise could cause heart problems, nervousness, tension, hypertension (blood pressure) and insomnia. Children cannot sleep; they get agitated and fret. It affects people’s tempers, as those who do not get proper rest become agitated and lose their cool easily, while drivers can drop asleep on the wheel; it happened to me after one of the shows when I went to the airport next morning to collect my parents.
I am not looking for a fight; I am a man of peace; I strive for love and goodwill, and was quiet all along with periodic complaints, but now I have to do what I must for the sake of my sanity, my children’s education and their health. I have no other choice. I am still prepared to work out a peaceful settlement which could be court arranged.
Mr Sancharra said the May 2 show ended at 12.15am. My advisor told me 12.40, but SUV boom boxes played until 2.30. The injunction says there should be no excessive noise between the hours of 10pm to 2.30am.
I have no war with anyone; this is a matter of principle. Mr Sancharra should stop making it a personal matter.
Yours faithfully,
Roshan Khan
