By Sue-Ann Wayow
FETES at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Tarouba is once again causing sleepless nights for residents in the surrounding areas.
Local government councillor for Marabella South/Vistabella Marcus Girdharie is again calling on authorities to intervene.
On Saturday, a party called Josie’s Jamishness 2022 was held at the stadium.
Girdharie said, “Before 1 am all of Tarouba, St Joseph Village, Mootoo Lands, Maharaj Lands, Happy Hill and as far as Hubert Ranch Street in Vistabella, residents have had a sleepless night of loud music, truck horns and DJ hype men screaming instructions to the fete goers at the Josie’s Jamishness 2022.”
He said in 2019, media reports stated that the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) would have been asked to attend occasions when fetes were being held at the BLCA.
Girdharie said, “I wish to ask all those in authority, what has been done? The answer nothing.”
He referred to a judgment in which Wild Goose Limited brought before the High Court against the EMA for unlawfully shutting down a Carnival event they held, a judgement that went into Wild Goose’s favour.
“I may ask, what ‘powers’ does the EMA have over such an event taking place now at BLCA?” Girdharie asked.
The councillor called on Member of Parliament for San Fernando East Brian Manning to speak up in support of the residents and their plea.
On Sunday, Gidharie also sent a letter to Manning asking for his attention in the matter.
He wrote, “With the lifting of restrictions for Covid-19 and the approval of fetes and parties specifically, at BLCA, we have once again started to experience the blatant disregard for the peace and wellbeing of the elderly, babies, wildlife and general law-abiding public of society.”
Also on Sunday, Member of Parliament for Naparima Rodney Charles who lives in St Joseph Village, San Fernando issued a press release along with Gidharie complaining about the issue.
Gidharie told AZP News on Monday, that he is hoping that by Friday this week, a meeting would be held with the various stakeholders including fete promoters and officials of the Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT) that manages the Brian Lara Cricket Academy to discuss the ongoing issue.
