Stronger legislation needed to combat noise pollution

Trinidad's managing direction / CEO of the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) Joth Singh has told TT Guardian that stronger legislation is needed to combat noise pollution in the area.

It has been reported that public concern over the levels of noise pollution in Trinidad has been steadily increasing for a number of years, with those in charge finally deciding to take action.

"The EMA has been attempting to regulate noise under the Noise Pollution Control Rules (NPCR). However, it is becoming increasingly evident, through public concerns, that stronger legislation needs to be in place so people can enjoy their properties," a statement from the EMA said.

"To this end, the EMA has begun a review of the NPCR to ensure it is realistic in meeting the needs of the country," it concluded.

It is not yet known how the EMA plans to eradicate noise pollution, or at least make it far lesser, but it has been reported that the group is currently in talks about the best way to solve the problem.

Although people are unhappy with the amount of noise pollution in Trinidad, it has come to be an accepted part of society.

Indeed, Joanne Archie of the T&T Police Service (TTPS) told T&T Guardian that the area has a culture of noise.

It is thought that the culture comes from the beginning of Divali and continues well into the new year.

"We have taken a New Year’s resolution to seriously attack the problem, if it means a protest or otherwise," she said, following a number of informal complaints about fireworks.

It has also been reported that there will be a change to the firework regulation laws in the country.

Although Dr Varma Deyalsingh, secretary of the Association of Psychiatrists of T&T, told the Guardian that he knew the area had a history of noise, he also explained that many illnesses are worsened by excessive noise.

According to him, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses are worsened by lots of noise.