Dear Editor,
KINDLY permit me to express myself while also assisting other residents of Alexander Village and West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who had also complained to me on umpteen occasions about a most dreadful noise nuisance that reaches its apex in the wee hours of the morning, when persons need to rest to have a productive day ahead.

The Lux Bar is located at 159 Third Street, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Frequent noise exposure can have serious implications on the health and well-being of a community.

As advised by a doctor, it was related that it can increase the heart rate leading to elevated blood pressure, sleep deprivation, headaches and migraines, psychological triggers for people with PTSD, anxiety among other health-related issues.

I am calling on the relevant Task Force within the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Guyana Police Force to investigate and speak with residents of the community. They are frustrated.

No one has a problem with any bar that operates and plays their music until midnight with the appropriate consideration for the well-being of others.

However, when a new day begins, many persons need their rest for the day ahead and being disturbed from their rest by loud music and the commotion of patrons who continuously litter, destroy the parapets of the roadways and block the entrance and exits of many property owners, is not something those guilty of would welcome for themselves.

During the week and on weekends, the loud blasting of music permeates the air. I have received several phone calls from other residents about their disgust, while they related those persons responsible are at their respective homes sleeping comfortably without issues of noise nuisance disturbing their rest.

Secondly, did the Mayor and City Council give a permit for the operation of the Lux Bar in a neighbourhood that is not designated or zoned for such activity? And are they in possession of an operating licence from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)?

In curbing the noise nuisance, there should be continuous public education of the dangers to health and discomfort of excessive noise.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is mandated under the Environmental Protection Act, Chapter 20:05, Laws of Guyana, to stem the creation of pollution havens and preserve and protect the integrity of the natural environment.
Further, the Noise Management Regulations established in 2000 set standards and gave the agency enforcement powers for noise management.

Activities producing noise from construction, installation, operation, modification, or extension of any facility must be authorised.

Anyone who wishes to operate a loudspeaker or any other sound-making device or equipment at a public space (e.g. barbecues, shows, nightclubs) or any private premises must seek permission from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Depending on the nature of the activity, the EPA grants two types of noise permits – Short Term Noise Permit and Long Term Noise Permit.

What you need for a Short Term Noise Permit: Police approval, Mayor and City Council approval, Guyana Fire Service permit, Proof of event, Affidavit, Proof of rental (if you are renting the space), the appropriate fee and ID of the applicant.

I am not certain there is compliance with the aforementioned regulations.

According to the EPA, the excessive emission of noise is an offence under the Environmental Protection (Noise Management) Regulations (2000). Defaulters can be fined up to $700,000 and face up to one-year imprisonment.

We have laws in Guyana to maintain a properly functioning society, and as such, all relevant laws should be enforced to serve their intended purpose.

Yours sincerely,
Concerned Citizen