Lee Sing versus Brian Lara

Speaking at the Port-of-Spain City Corporation’s monthly statutory meeting at City Hall yesterday, Lee Sing said the City Corporation has received a number of complaints from residents concerning the loud music and noise coming from Lara’s house at all hours of the night.

“There is a permanent stage erected there. He may be living outside of the city limits so we cannot do anything about it, but his activities are affecting the burgesses, particularly in Federation Park,” Lee Sing said.

It has been reported that Lara spent over $6.5 million on his home and surrounding estate, which is located on lands on the hills of Maraval which was granted to him by the Government. In recent years a number of corporate entities have used the grounds surrounding Lara’s house to host parties.

The mayor noted the issue of noise in the city was not only a problem at Carnival time. As a result, the mayor said he would soon call a meeting of the chief magistrate, commissioner of police, fire officers, Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and City Councillors in an attempt to formulate a policy to address the issue.

“We cannot always be going to the Magistrates’ Court to stop the granting of bar licences. We have done this lots of times. We need a policy where we can change this and make changes to the law. For instance, you cannot be selling drinks outside a school any day or anytime. The Mucurapo Girls’ School is being affected,” Lee Sing said.

Lee Sing yesterday reiterated that no glass bottles or containers will be allowed in Port-of-Spain from Carnival Friday to Carnival Tuesday. Lee Sing said a resolution was enacted to prohibit the use of glass bottles during a meeting which was held earlier this week.

Keron Valentine, Deputy Mayor read from the resolution saying, “It shall be unlawful to offer for sale any items of food or drink in glass containers. It shall be unlawful to have on oneself glass containers.” Lee Sing said anyone found in violation will be charged $1,000 or three months imprisonment. The mayor said he held talks with various beer manufacturers as well as other key players in Carnival informing them of the change.