Attorney at Law Mary Francis has called on the Government to introduce tough, comprehensive new legislation to address noise pollution.
Complaints from Rodney Bay residents about loud music from entertainment venues in the community recently made news headlines.
The National Centre for Legal Aid and Human Rights Coordinator Mary Francis declared that noise pollution is a public health issue, affecting well-being and mental wellness.
The outspoken human rights advocate said appropriate legislation should address the situation where people convert their homes into virtual discos at night to make money.
Francis said those individuals do not care that their neighbours have a right to enjoy a restful night.
“We have a right to the peaceful enjoyment of our property,” the Attorney at Law declared.
She acknowledged that some people would argue they can do what they want on their property.
Nevertheless, Francis explained that the neighbours have rights too.
She said noise pollution exists from loudspeakers, passing vehicles, and motorcycles.
According to the human rights campaigner, the situation has reached crisis level.
Francis advised setting up a Commission under comprehensive environmental legislation that would address matters including noise and environmental pollution.
“Persons who have complaints could go to that Commission rather than the court,” she told St. Lucia Times, adding that the right to health is a human right.
Francis also called for involving the Saint Lucia Bureau Of Standards regarding the importation of noise-polluting items.
In addition, she called out the Development Control Authority (DCA), accusing it of facilitating the breach of people’s rights to enjoy their homes peacefully.
“They permit persons to build, forgetting that adjoining properties have a right to enjoy their properties peacefully and sometimes those people have to spend their money to go to court to seek redress,” Francis stated.
Very well said Miss Francis.
Mary, I am living in Millet and the parrots and other birds are polluting the air with noise. The wind is blowing through the trees and that is too much noise for us in Tet Chemin. Can you ask the government to have legislation to help us?
Mary, you have seen the light! Hallelujah!
It’s a refreshing change from your old path. The new Year has definitely brought a conversion. Maybe you have gone vegan or slipped into yoga. Whatever.
I would like the Mobile discos to be included in this discussion.
Thank you.
SHE SEEN THE LIGHT JUST IMAGINE IS SHE HAD EYEBROWS SHE WOULD SEE THE STARS AND THE MOON.
The police too lazy. If I was managing them, we making a 1000 dollars every single day by going into communities for noise pollution. Then you lock them up 3 months with a criminal record if they can’t pay. Time to respect peace and quiet. That’s why the people so criminal.minded in that place
How about persons call out the communities that are noisy: neighbours playing music, constant weekend parties, vehicles blasting music.
Even some churches are way too loud . How do we deal with that?
For excessive noise after hours in residential areas and areas where there needs to be some level of peace and tranquility within reason – the police needs to implement OPERATION SOUND TRACK and ticket folk. Usually, you can get compliance when the pocket book/wallet is impacted – set a ticket charge in place on noise pollution.
I would greatly appreciate “political hacks” not only to be included but to be at the top of the list.
When you hear their spin on certain talk shows I just have to smh…
Another thing Rodney Bay is not a residential area, you’ll trying to have your cake and eat it.
There are way to many commercial entities in the area, for it to remain classified as residential.
So let the food and entertainment continue, in order to fuel our number one income generator.
“Residents” of Rodeny Bay and Gros Islet learn to accept you reside in a heavily commercialised zone no longer a residential one.
No matter what laws are put in place if the authorities won’t enforce them it makes no sense. There are laws to deal with this issue. The police don’t enforce. I remember police seizing loudspeakers, giving tickets for cars etc. Same laws. Why isn’t that being done now?
It had to take “Rodney Bay” for noise pollution to a be thing in the media politics and in the legal con fraternity! Thanks to all those clubs for terrorizing Rodney Bay residents because country folks like myself tired of going to police for inconsiderate noises in our communities but nothing happens. Happy to see Mary finally representing law abiding citizens and not criminals for once…I support you all the way in this fight Mary!
Noise pollution now is due to the lack of foresight on the NDC. As much as it become a problem now the NDC have to bare the blunt of it. No country on this planet goes without night life that entails music around the clock, it is called entertainment. Do we market beach only? what is the solution? Designate areas for entertainment and do not permit one to operate a business that will cause a problem. Eg. a mini mart in a community is ok but having a bar next to it is absolutely intolerable.
I can understand Khalid’s point but what about those NOT in the Bay or GI? Like Sandals Golf in Cap over 100 DB!! All residential here save them.
I understand what Khalid is saying, but what about those of us not in the bay or Gros Islet? Sandals golf and clubhouse has events, 100+ decibels and often. And it is all residential here! They do it on school nights and everything. Often. No respect at all for residents. They are the only non-resident in the area. I hope this law can help!! Because of Sandals we can’t even have peace in our homes. It’s not right.
The real reason for the out of control lawlessness in this country, is mainly due to the lack of law enforcement. Partisan politics also has a huge part to play in the lack of law enforcement. If our laws were being enforced and vigorously, the law breakers would tighten their belts. Miss May you better believe you have overwhelming support on this issue, and hope you can use your influence to make it happen . Too many think that they can do just what they want without consideration for others . It is the duty of law enforcement to show them that “not in at al go so”.
The motorcyclists are placing after market exhaust on their scooters and bikes the level of noise that causes at night especially if you live close to a road it’s absolutely unacceptable its just way to loud there is no need for that amount of noises
There are people who carry heavy speakers on top of their vehicles with very loud music there should be laws to stop that and not because of the rich thieves who reside in Rodney Bay
Khalid the problem is with the loudness of the music sir peace of mind is very important ,do you know how it feels to reach home after a hard day’s work to grab a novel by your favorite author ,and when you start to read some body starts to bombard you with music