Publication: Weekend Nation
Paper Section And Page: 11
Paper Date: Fri, Nov 23, 2001
Byline: Austin L. Husbands
FOR A few years now and twice in the past couple months, residents of Speightstown and as far away as Checker Hall, St Lucy, and Mullins Terrace, St Peter, have had their sleep interrupted by loud bangs which turned out to be fireworks displays.
I am one of those residents.
The latest incident occurred recently. On
enquiring, I was informed by the pyrotechnicians that permission was
granted and a notice was published in the newspapers. I was further
informed by a man who identified himself as "a Londoner" that he
was the groom and that were it not for people like him coming here we lot
"would not eat,. . . so p. . . off", and furthermore that he had
"the permission of the Prime Minister . . . so who
the hell are you?"
My reply and decibel level offended him and were intended to. After all, one of my children was sick, the dogs in the area were going crazy and the last thing any sane person would want was unnecessary noise.
Making my usual rounds the next day, several residents (most of them elderly) queried the need for such excessively loud explosions. The proprietor of Fishermanıs Pub wondered why his request for a fireworks display to celebrate Independence in Speightstown was refused some three years ago.
Come Old Year's Night the same can be expected at midnight, and we will be expected to grin and bear it.
Would anyone believe that some of these same people could be heard complaining about noise pollution, when the neighbourhood dogs bark or a "local" dance or party is held?
Something needs to he done and soon. Remember, "even a worm will turn".
Satis.
L. Austin B. Husbands