EDITORIAL: Is Nelson an empty barrel?

There is to be a review of the current Noise Abatement Act. This is something that should be carefully monitored to ensure there is no reversal of the gains that have been made in curtailing antisocial behaviour that has created untold misery for householders throughout the years.

Judging from the tone adopted by National Security Minister Dwight Nelson in a recent address to the party faithful in western Jamaica, there is every reason to fear there will be a reversal in the current laws which permit entertainment sessions to go on till midnight on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends.

Here is an excerpt from the minister's speech: "We love to sit at the corner shops and our meeting places, play our music and play dominoes and drink and have fun. But we can't do so again, because as we sit there the police come and lock it down."

He continued: "... You must be allowed to relieve yourself of the stress, the tension you feel on a daily basis. And what better way than to sit down and listen to some good music and drink some good liquor? We are looking at that now to allow you without being harassed?"

We have been accustomed to politicians spewing inanity when they get in front of their supporters, often sacrificing reason as they pay homage to the voters that they see in front of them. Does Senator Nelson see attempts by the police to enforce the law and curb noise nuisance as harassment?

For years, the suffering majority have clamoured for action on noise pollution created by those who are bent on having fun at the expense of others. This newspaper has published a bundle of letters from citizens complaining about how their comfort and well-being are compromised because they are deprived of peace and quiet after a hard day's work.

And just when the police have become a little more vigilant, there is talk from the powers that be of a review in order to ensure people's fun is not curtailed.

Scientific and health experts

Any review of the Noise Abatement Act must include input from scientific and health experts who can clearly articulate the thresholds of night-noise exposure, as well as the likely effects of this nuisance on the vulnerable, including children, the elderly and those who are ill.

Noise nuisance is a quality-of-life issue. There are many well-established residential neighbours, especially in the nation's capital, that have suffered tremendous inconvenience after entertainment complexes have planted themselves at their doorsteps.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, and recognises the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health as one of the fundamental rights of every human being. Environmental noise is a threat to public health.

We would suggest that instead of relaxing the laws, the authorities assess the current legislation to see how to minimise the effects of other environmental nuisances such as construction noises by regulating the use of machinery and the hours of operation.

There was a time when 'silent' zones were established in the environs of hospitals which signalled a restricted area in which the blaring of horns was not permitted. These days, there is scant respect for such sensitive areas, and noise pollution thrives with impunity.

Our political representatives, whether elected or nominated, should be fighting for our safety using proper legislation, establishing limits and ensuring proper oversight. We need to support our laws, not ridicule and tear them down. That is the only way to build a law-abiding society.

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