Mocha Arcadia businesses warned about noise nuisance after complaints by residents

As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to be bombarded with complaints about noise nuisance, ranks of Division 4B visited two businesses in Mocha Arcadia on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) during which the owners were sternly warned for affecting residents.
The team was led by Deputy Commander, Superintendent R Stanley as it visited Karl’s Bar and a Superbet outlet –businesses that have been identified for playing loud and offensive music during the night – sometimes after the 2:00h regulated time to close a night spot.
“Residents voiced their concerns about the noise nuisance coming from Karl’s Bar and the Superbet where cars are seen parked on the road in front of the business premises playing loud music. Delon John, the owner of the Superbet, and Hansel Karl, the proprietor of Karl’s Bar, received stern warnings to stop playing such loud music at night,” the GPF stated.
Under Part V, Section 19 (1) (a) of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05, Laws of Guyana – “a person shall not undertake an activity that causes or is likely to cause pollution of the environment unless the person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise any resulting adverse effect”.
The preceding law covers noise nuisance and all its variables and implications. The law states: “No person shall, in any road, street, public place or land, or in building or premises, by operating or causing or suffering to be operated any stereo set, jukebox, radio, wireless loudspeaker, amplifier, automatic piano or similar instrument of music, or by any other means whatsoever, make or cause or suffer from being made any noise which shall be so loud and so continuous or repetitive as to cause a nuisance to occupants of any premises in the neighbourhood.”
Despite several warnings over the years, the scourge of noise nuisance seems to continue unabated, even though the adverse health effects of noise are trumpeted at various forums, and complaints by those affected are plentiful.
The authorities have, over the years, continued to report that they are receiving numerous complaints from senior citizens; the sick, for whom noise exacerbates their health issues; working parents; students, and several other law-abiding people, to the effect that they are being seriously affected by loud, repetitive and continuous noise emanating from a range of places in the different Police Division.
Last year, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn announced that bars and other entertainment spots which are repeatedly cautioned by the Police for loud music and other disturbances will be closed down.
“If we visit a place two times, on the third occasion with respect to noise or any other untoward activity, we’ll close them, we’ll have to close down the activity,” Benn said.
He further stated that it has been difficult dealing with the issue because in some cases, the Police have not been proactive enough, or have either made repeated visits to the same location but there is still no positive outcome.

However, he noted that the Police will be “putting a break on repeated visits” and rather close down the bar or activity. The Ministry of Home Affairs will also be revising the penalties to impose stricter fines to curb these activities.
Benn elaborated that there is no reason for bars and entertainment spots to be opened beyond 02:00h, and doing so poses a risk to people’s safety.
Over a period, there have also been numerous complaints about noise nuisance, against other bars and business places.
In 2013 a charge of noise nuisance was made against Seeta Gursahai, proprietor of Seeta’s Bar but was later dismissed after witnesses and the officer who instituted the charge continued to be a “no-show”.
The charge was instituted after residents made several reports at the Kitty Police Station about the loud music at a Phagwah Day event that was held at the popular bar.
In 2012, the owner of Rival Bar was charged with making loud and continuous noise by playing loud music at Montrose, thereby causing annoyance to Phulmattie Persaud.
Meanwhile, in 2010, the owner of Korner Kick was placed on $10,000 bail after he operated a music set that made loud and continuous noise to the annoyance of persons in the community.