By Sue-Ann Wayow
WHILE parties and fetes have been on a lockdown since last year, that has not stopped persons from blasting out music from their homes and cars and it can be a painful sound for many.
Citizens Against Noise Pollution in Trinidad and Tobago (CANPTT) was formed in 2015 by freelance researcher, Josie Ache-de Goulard and began as an online support group for citizens who were affected by noise pollution. 
However, in September, the group took the decision to formally register as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) as it claimed the scourge of noise pollution has increased exponentially, affecting the quality life of many citizens.
The group would have had concerns about noise disturbances mainly in residential areas by:
- Fetes;
- Fireworks especially scratch bombs which are now illegal;
- Night clubs that insist on having outdoor fetes and speakers facing the roadway with their music way above the regulated decibel level;
- Nuisance neighbours who play loud music at all hours; and
- Any other situation that constitutes as noise disturbance to individuals.
Although there are laws against noise pollution, it is hardly ever enforced said the groups public relations officer Lindy-Ann Bachoo which was the group’s main issue.
She told AZPNews.com, “We would like to raise awareness on several problems affecting citizens in this country as well lobby for changes in legislation.”
There are several issues that has the group’s attention.
They include the lack of enforcement of rules under the Summary and Offences Act with regard to perpetrators by the police; noise complaints that are treated as trivial matters by police officers on most occasions; long-wait times for patrols to deal with noise complaints or no action at all; no charging of individuals only warnings despite clear laws for disturbing the peace; and threats being made against members of the public by perpetrators of noise.
Bachoo said there seems to be a conflict in terms of which body is authorised to effective deal with noise complaints.
She said, “The EMA’s response for any type of loud music emanating from a residence is to contact the police. However, the police response is that noise complaints should be addressed to the EMA. Citizens have no relief.”
Founder’s story
Ache-de Goulard told AZPNews.com her reason behind the group.
She said, “What propelled me to start the group was the community in which I lived in Bel Air, La Romaine, which of course borders Gulf View and the Link Road. On the Link Road Stretch there is: The Rig, Mapau Casino, Space La Nouba.
“Added to which Bel Air has a playground that our association used to rent out for fetes and events. Added to which we also had a neighbour not far from me that rented his out for weddings and events as well.
“Basically it was noise 24/7 every day of the week, month and year, not to mention when Skinner Park and environs were having events we could hear everything as though it were actually in our house. It got so bad most times that our house would shake both internally as well as externally.”
Ache-de Goulard continued, “I’ve lived with severe almost daily migraines that I was diagnosed with at the tender age of ten. When they get particularly bad, which has happened on numerous occasions, I blacked out and ended up in the emergency ward at Gulf View Medical and had to be administered a combination drug by injection that put me to sleep for three days each time I had it.”
After writing letters of complaints, to the Member of Parliament, the San Fernando City Corporation and the EMA for years until finally, Space La Nouba was sound proofed and events moved to other venues.
EMA’s involvement
EMA’s website states, “The EMA investigates instances of recurring noise with the assistance of the Environmental Police Unit (EPU). The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) can provide immediate relief from noise pollution. The Police can use various pieces of legislation including the Summary Offences Act and the Motor Vehicles & Road Traffic Regulations to address the situation right away.
“If anyone intends to exceed the standards set by the Noise Pollution Control Rules such as for a party or other event, they must first apply for and receive a Noise Variation from the Environmental Management Authority. A Noise Variation is a permit that allows a deviation from the prescribed standards of the NPCR, but also limits the level of sounds that can be emitted.”
There is currently a suspension of the Noise Variation application process due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The application fees for such permits are: $250 for single events, $1,000 for multiple events, and $2,500 for activities in excess of one year or any part thereof.
Tina Castillo
August 9, 20222010 I made my first formal complaints to the EMA for loud music from two neighbours. After I went to the police. And today 9/8/2022 and nothing was ever done to stop this. I even went to the courts. But no help as today I am bombarded yet again. By grown men, teen and the owner of the premises. Who by the way works no where. Does nothing all day but plays music. Tormenting for us but a happy life to them by bringing misery to others.