Implement outright ban

No amount of talk, threats or “interventions” by the authorities is going to make any difference to the people of Trinidad and Tobago who willfully break the law year after year and do so with joy and wild abandon. The level and intensity of noise this year has been insane. A neighbour of mine sets off devices which rattle my glass cabinet and sets me and my family on edge and which also lands on our roof. We are helpless to do anything about it.

If we go back to carbide and bursting bamboo as Mr Abraham keeps lamenting as a consequence of banning fireworks, etc then, so be it but I honestly doubt that the citizens of TT would do so. That would be considered regression for these individuals who are fireworks sophisticates and who pride themselves on being able to out buy one another and make the loudest of noises.

I know that I am not alone when I say that I long for peaceful celebrations in this country once more especially New Year’s Eve and not be filled with dread. It’s such a contemplative and sentimental time.

I always wonder about people who have lost loved ones at this time or those who are suffering otherwise – where is the respect and consideration for them? And I don’t mean by that that people should stop living and enjoying themselves but is such noise and mayhem on a grand scale really a necessity for joy and celebration? The old adage, “Silence is golden” has never been more true or apt.

PS: It’s now 7.10 pm and my neighbor is setting off outrageously loud scratch bombs and fireworks. I have called the police and I feel as though I am the nuisance and bother. From the response that I received I know that nothing will be done. This has happened on several occasions. Someone recently said to me that it’s the law in Trinidad to break the law and I’m afraid that that seems to be quite true.

Ley-Ann Sui Chaguana