Dear Editor,
I am a Guyanese living in Queenstown on Irving Street since before Independence and can identify and agree with everything that Ms Ryhaan Shah has reported in your letter column pertaining to the Mashramani Float Parade. I, as well, dread these celebrations and in the past have chosen to evacuate the area with my whole family, rather than stay and endure the numbing decibels of unrestricted “bass boom” that vibrate the whole house shattering ornaments and glass ware.
This year, circumstances prevented my leaving home and realising I would have to endure the noise, campaigned vigorously and vocally in certain forum about this abuse of the residents in my area. I was even accused of writing the letters under the ‘pen name’ of Ms Shah and had to assure them that Ms Shah is a real person, like me living on Irving Street.
I am pleased to report that our protests have not fallen on deaf ears and except for one inconsiderate operator who decided to test his equipment at 1.15am on Saturday morning (I visited him in my pajamas) and after was able to sleep undisturbed until 6.00am. I was told that the speaker system previously used was reduced by 50 percent this year and this permitted normal conversation on my verandah. I have since spoken to Mr. MacDonald of Banks DIH and he has assured me that decibel levels will be addressed when they plan for the next Mash in 2020.
Guyanese enjoy ‘Mash’ and I feel we can enjoy it even more if we all show consideration for our fellow citizens – next the garbage and broken bottles…maybe 2020!
Yours faithfully,
JG Carpenter
