CATEGORY:LEGAL MATTERS
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By Trevor Thwaites (Inside Grenada correspondent)


ST.GEORGE, Grenada - It is much too early to tell, but the newly enacted “Noise Control Act”, seek to regulate the loud playing of music and noisy behaviour of some people in the various communities. After being passed in Parliament in May and given the approval of the Governor General, the law became effective last Friday September 1, 2006. The passage law is good news for the Environmental Department in the Ministry of Health.

“Over the years and in recent months we have been inundated with complaints from residence, who have reported nuisances particularly from night clubs, public jams and people in some neighbourhoods, who have been a source of annoyance”, acting Chief Environmental Officer in the Ministry of Health, Andre Worme, told the media at a press conference last week Tuesday in the city. He said that the indiscriminate playing of music and noisy behaviour have been adversely affecting people’s ability to sleep, communicate, watch television and generally live peaceful lives.

“The Ministry of Health is happy to see the introduction of the law, which should instill more order and control in the country”, Worme said, adding that the law was not intended to pressure people but was done in their interest. He said that the ministry is very concerned about the negative effects the loud playing of music has or can have on people, pointing out to the interesting findings of experts. “Many researches have indicated that music levels, higher than 90 decibels and as high 120 for an hour or more can result in hearing loss. We have to pay particular attention to that”, he warned.

The Health and Environmental Official said that loud and excessive playing of music in communities has become a serious and burning issue. “For example, I have seen and heard people wanting to play their stereo sets not for themselves and their families but for the whole neighbourhood. This must not continue whether it be calypso, reggae or gospel music. Noise is an unwanted sound and we must respect and honour the privacy of people’s rights within the communities.”

The passage of the law is certainly a big victory for the group “Citizens Against Noise”, which has been fighting forcefully for redress over the past six years. It’s being a long and hard journey but we finally got the government to see the need for legislation. I must salute the minister and her staff because they have worked assiduously at this. I am pleased to see the continuing interest”, President George Grant, told reporters at the press conference.

The Ministry of Health declared last week “Noise Reduction Week” in Grenada for the first time. Health Minister, the Hon Ann David – Antoine, spoke about the importance of the Noise Control Act during a national Radio and Television address. A national survey was also conducted during the week in an attempt to ascertain the true situation as it pertains to the level of loud noise and noisy behaviour in the country. The findings will be released soon. Health officials say that the new act is in the best interest of the country.