The Ministry of Public Security has established an Inter-Agency Task Force to combat noise nuisance.
A press release from the ministry on Thursday stated that in collaboration with various stakeholders, it decided to establish the task force out of the recognition of the right of citizens to live in an atmosphere of “peace and tranquility, and free from undue discomfort.”
The release quoted Coordi-nator Deonarine Ramaroop as saying that the main goal of the Task Force is to ensure that there is a greater enforcement of the laws/regulations on noise nuisance, which will reduce any discomfort caused by noise pollution across the country.
The task force comprises representatives from the Ministry of Public Security, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, the Guyana Fire Service, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Communities, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the Central Housing and Planning Authority, the Mayor and City Council and the Guyana Revenue Authority.
The release said the task force will ensure that there is enforcement of existing and new rules governing codes for all buildings that cater for the use of amplified sound equipment; the enforcement of silent zones; the elimination of the proliferation of loud music on public transport vehicles; and recommendation of the amendments of laws to allow the use of technology to establish and measure noise levels for the purpose of compliance and prosecution.
The task force is also intended to curb “random and spontaneous open air and roadside ‘boom boxes’” and to examine complaints of industrial noise, while taking necessary actions, as deemed fit, to eliminate or reduce the level of noise discomfort.
“The Ministry of Public Security is urging the members of the public to work together to ensure that the environment is free from noise pollution,” the release added.
