Dear Editor,

I have been constantly writing on the effects of noise on people’s hearing, health and general well-being.  A few other concerned Guyanese have also written on the pain they suffer when people hold loud and vulgar shows in their communities.

In was my personal joy to see in the Guyana Times on Monday, June 21, a detailed piece on the effects of noise on hearing.  I wish to recommend this article to all the members of the Cabinet, the government and opposition, all permanent secretaries, the Chancellor of the Judiciary, the judges, the Attorney General, the magistrates (some of whom give permission for noisy shows despite peoples’ protestations and even despite police charges, private court actions and  contempt charges).

Amongst the dangerous effects of noise on human beings health, Lenise Robinson, audiological practitioner of the Ministry of Health (Guyana) says:

“Loud Music can cause temporary and permanent hearing loss. These sensitive structures, called hair cells, are tiny sensory cells that convert sound energy into electrical impulses that travel to the brain. Once damaged our hair cells cannot grow again.

“If the noise is so loud that you have to shout to make yourself heard – which happens a lot when you go to a party or concerts – over time, the mechanism in the inner ear will be damaged… Noise- induced hearing loss is 100 per cent preventable.  All individuals should understand the hazards of noise, and how to practise good hearing health in everyday life… Awareness of the bad effects of social and occupational noise should be raised amongst the public and those with a higher risk of exposure… Stereos and other amplifying devices used in homes, at social events or in vehicles should be kept to a moderate level, allowing persons to be able to talk over the music.”

In association with the citizens of Atlantic Gardens I have been on a campaign to get Starlite Drive-In and any other place to respect citizens’ right to rest and not to be bombarded with unwanted vulgar and ugly noise in their homes on days of rest such as weekends and holidays,  especially at night.  These shows go into the wee hours of the morning, affecting old and young, preventing children from studying, and aggravating blood pressure, etc. Even the animals, our dogs, suffer. They start to jump and bark, hitting their heads on walls and fences and have to be petted.

The owner of Starlite Drive-In along with a promoter was charged by the police, but there were several shows after.  He was taken to court in a civil action and a court order prevented him from playing any loud noise that disturbs people from 10 pm.  He disrespected the order and rented the place for shows playing loud music up to 2 am or even 4 am having started the noise from 2 pm.  Many shows are held on Sundays going into the wee hours of Monday morning, or the Tuesday after a Monday holiday.  People can’t study, work or enjoy life. We are left with high blood pressure, heart problems, nervous tension and hearing problems.

It is said that magistrates issue permission for these shows.  The magistrates need to visit the homes of persons in the areas where permission has been given, hence I am inviting the magistrate from my area or the Chief Magistrate to please be my guest whenever a show is held at Starlite to see what we go through.  Sadly, the police who are hired to keep the peace and assist with traffic do not enforce the approval and affidavit, despite a court order for a 10 pm stoppage, or as the norm allows, ie, 12 midnight. They do not stop shows, but seem to like to enjoy the merriment that these offer.  One officer once told me, ‘Oh the show ran at loss’; my answer was that if the show operated at a loss, does that empower them to play loud music up to 2 or 4am.  He could not answer. Unfortunately, some police compromise themselves at times.

The Minister of Health, as the Minister of Home affairs did, needs to come out on a campaign just as he has against smoking and drinking alcohol, to confront the health issues of noise.

The Minister of Education recently approached religious bodies to help with morality in schools.  I agree, but the government should do its part.

Recently, a sound system has commenced advertising the noisiest sound machine in history; the tallest and the biggest. Whose head and health do they wish to destroy?  The operators of these sound systems often wear earplugs to save their hearing.

Yours faithfully,
Roshan Khan
Chairman,
Lower EC Noise Nuisance Committee