Marriott beach parties’ shutdown

…as hotel files court action for noise nuisance

One day after the announcement was issued to the public that a ban had been imposed on the hosting of social events at the Marriott beach front, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson disclosed that the Government was left with no other choice after being issued with a lawsuit by the five-star hotel for noise nuisance

According to Minister Patterson during the sitting of the National Assembly on Monday, approval will not be granted “for the area which lies between Fort Groyne and Camp Street to be used for activities that could generate noise above permissible levels”.
In a statement issued by the Public Infrastructure Ministry, it was noted that the area will not be used as a venue for entertainment and/or social and other events which involve the use of loud audio and video systems, including those installed in motor vehicles; and for events “characterised by crowd generated noise”.
This is in keeping with Government’s recent drive to clamp down on operators and business owners who facilitate sounds that exceed the provisions stated in the Guidelines for Noise Emission into the Environment.
The Ministry’s statement outlined that the organisers are now “duly notified” of the annulment of their approvals, and that organisers are “advised” to use alternative venues and operate with the relevant regulations for use in public spaces.
However, the enforcement of these measures has not been sitting well with many sections of society, especially the business community which sponsors and hosts the very events that are being curtailed.
Sources close to the Marriott have informed this publication that visitors staying at the hotel would often leave during the hosting of any event, due to the noise levels. The reliable source noted that the hotel is on the losing end when this happens, since guests will have to be compensated. Meanwhile, president of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar, in an invited comment on the matter, said the matter is a “small issue” to warrant a comment from the entity.
The Private Sector Commission has however called for reasonableness in moving forward with the matter.