AS a frequent traveller to various locations in Guyana, I have witnessed the issue of loud music spread throughout this country like a cancer cell taking over the human body. Although the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been trying to control loud music in some residential areas, the issue is very much present in other areas. I accept that loud music cannot be controlled by the GPF without assistance from members of the public.

Unfortunately, most citizens, government ministries, media entities, NGOs and the religious community pay little interest in highlighting the deafening practice of loud music being perpetrated by a growing population of seeming idiots.

Is it really enjoyment that people get by playing music devices (cell phones included) at loud levels or is it ignorance and selfishness at work? In my opinion, music from any device should not be heard more than 10 feet away from its location unless permission is granted by the GPF.

One efficient and cost-effective solution to the issue of loud music is to have undercover police officers do foot patrols in residential areas, seize music equipment from which loud music is emanating, and apprehend and charge offenders with the assistance of technology such as decibel meters. The approach should be similar to that of GPF’s traffic operations whereby offenders are issued with tickets to be paid by a certain date.

Loud music is becoming an escalating and uncontrollable addiction, much like the illicit drug issue and its associated problems. If stringent measures are not taken against this epidemic now, then sooner rather than later Guyana will become a nation of ‘zombies’.