Noise at sea

However, it points to the long-term need to ensure a happy balance is struck between the tourism industry and the need to safeguard against noise pollution. Too often, noise pollution is not taken seriously enough. Over many decades, we have witnessed a proliferation of bustling night spots in residential areas. These businesses are often indifferent to complaints of excessive noise throughout the night, as well as other concerns relating to sanitation.

Another area where things have been lax is in the use of powerful stereo systems which are blasted in some vehicles, threatening to burst the ear drums of passengers and onlookers alike. During the Carnival season, fetes often present a hazard. While residents can, in theory, file objections at the magistrate’s court level, too often their objections are overruled.

Often, they are also unable to garner legal representation or to get information about the licensing hearings, even though the latter are published through the issuing of small notices in the press. Noise pollution is no laughing matter.

It causes hearing impairment, interference with speech communication, sleep disturbance, cardiovascular and physiological issues, mental health issues, reduction in performance levels, as well as complex social and behavioural effects.

Our noise pollution rules date back to almost two decades ago. It is not clear how effective the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2000 have been and whether the Environmental Management Authority has been successful. While police officers have been trained to use noise pollution measurement equipment, and while the EMA initiated a series of annual reviews, it has not published a report on the noise pollution rules since 2003.

This must change. The State needs to be more accountable in how its measures to tackle this problem have been working and to constantly seek out ways to improve The most recent information shows the majority of complaints historically have been in the St George County, which contains a mixture of densely urban areas as well as environmentally sensitive terrain. The coast is one such sensitive area. While we must encourage all forms of tourism as we seek to diversify our economy, it is important to ensure that tourism does not harm the environment.

The noise emitted by pleasure boats is just one matter.

Also of concern should be the dumping of rubbish and fuel, as well as the crowding of coastal areas. In this regard, it is important for the State to move forward with plans to regulate how pleasure craft operate. The Chaguaramas area is also a historically sensitive space and any new regulations must consider this.

How can the CDA integrate the pleasure boat trend with the resources at its disposal in order to offer a stimulating, well-rounded tourism and educational package? For now, the residents, and the fish at Alcan Bay, can sleep in peace while these matters are addressed