Dear Editor,
I can empathise with Ms Zorina Gafoor who along with countless other residents suffered the illegal decibel levels of noise emanating from MovieTowne Mall during the recent GTT Jingles Competition Finals: `MovieTowne event disrupted residents’ (SN July 3rd, 2019).
As a resident of Queenstown, I have written many letters regarding the noise nuisance that is both Mashramani and now Carnival with the parades passing through residential areas of the city.
The MovieTowne noise nuisance was created by major private sector groups like the Mall itself and GTT without any due care and consideration for the neighbouring residents and I understand that the noise went on for a good six hours.
While Banks DIH has been a repeat offender in our case, setting up huge stereo systems right next to Queenstown homes, the main repeat offenders are the Government of Guyana and the Mayor and City Council.
Calling out the Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan who initiated a recent public crackdown on noise nuisance resulted in no respite or action. There was none of the shame or embarrassment that would have spurred more principled beings into ordering corrective measures.
I have suggested moving the parades into the downtown area of the city which is where they belong but this suggestion has fallen on deaf ears. With the Government and other public authorities themselves breaking the law, it’s no surprise that everyone feels they can follow suit since there is unlikely to be any consequential action like being charged and being brought before the courts.
This situation is reflective of the ongoing tragedy that is Guyana. The Constitution means nothing and the law means nothing. It is shameful that private corporations rather than countering this and setting a good example simply follow suit and look to profit off lawlessness.
It is the culture of Guyana that business cannot be transacted or any festivity enjoyed unless accompanied by ear-splitting music. That thousands attend without any signs of discomfort, without any pricks of conscience confirm this cultural low.
Where does this leave citizens who wish to live in a state where the law matters and where the Constitution is upheld? I believe we are an extremely slim minority and our voices are being drowned continuously by the culturally acceptable ear-splitting noise around us.
The more principled act would be for the authorities to come clean and change the law to accommodate the unhealthy decibel levels of noise that are the norm.
There would, at least, be truth and honesty in this, and by making Guyana the one country where the law is compromised to accommodate what every other nation finds unhealthy and illegal this could even satisfy our undying quest to be viewed as singular and notable on the world stage.
Would a movement against noise nuisances make a difference? If anyone thinks it will, I am willing to participate.
Yours faithfully,
Ryhaan Shah
