Nate Media Contributor
Gros Islet, St Lucia – February 1, 2024
Gros Islet MP Kenson Casimir who serves as Minister for Youth Development and Sports has announced that new legislation aimed at addressing noise pollution in Saint Lucia is expected to be presented before parliament soon for its first reading.
Casimir disclosed this information during Monday’s regular pre-cabinet briefing, stating, “We are certainly hoping that very soon, we will have the final legislation, and of course, we will take it to parliament for first reading.”
Persistent complaints from residents in Casimir’s constituency about noise pollution from bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues in Rodney Bay have brought the issue into the national spotlight.
Key to the proposed legislation is the introduction of decibel levels as a means of objectively measuring noise. Casimir emphasized, “This is a new method of measuring, an objective method of measuring noise. Once you get the different decibel levels, that should provide some level of comfort for people to enjoy themselves while at the end of the day not really infringing on the right of others to have some level of peace.”
Acknowledging the challenge of balancing residential and entertainment areas, Casimir stressed the importance of finding common ground. He highlighted the government’s efforts to equip the police with tools to address noise pollution effectively.
While recognizing the desire for vibrant nightlife, Casimir emphasized the need for responsible and considerate enjoyment. He hinted at potential partnerships with entertainment venue operators to mitigate noise levels, stating, “I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag as yet, but we’re definitely, as a government, looking at modern ways of doing that, and we are certainly hoping that everybody could come on board.”
Nate Media will continue to monitor developments regarding the new noise pollution legislation in Saint Lucia.
